This episode of the Physics World Weekly podcast features an interview with Paul Howarth, who became president of the Institute of Physics (IOP) in February.

The IOP is the professional body and learned society for physics in the UK and Ireland. Representing 21,000 members, it supports physicists at all stages of their careers and seeks to make physics accessible to people from all backgrounds.

With a PhD in nuclear physics, Howarth has had a long career in the nuclear sector working on the European Fusion Programme and at British Nuclear Fuels, as well as co-founding the Dalton Nuclear Institute at the University of Manchester and serving as chief executive officer of the National Nuclear Laboratory.

He talks to Physics World’s Michael Banks about his career in nuclear energy and his priorities now as president of the IOP. These include improving physics education and raising the profile of physics and physicists across society.

Howarth also voices concerns about recent funding cuts to particle physics, astronomy and space science in the UK, saying it could hamper the flow of students into the subject, with a potential impact on burgeoning areas such as quantum tech.

• The Institute of Physics owns IOP Publishing, which brings you Physics World.

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The latest episode of Physics World Stories dives into a remarkable archival release. A series of audio interviews with Robert Oppenheimer, recorded in the 1960s, is now accessible through the American Institute of Physics (AIP). Made available for non-commercial use in collaboration with the Oppenheimer family, these recordings offer a rare chance to hear the physicist’s voice and experience his unfiltered thoughts.

AIP digital archivist Allison Buser guides listeners through the significance of the collection, interspersed with clips. The first interview (1960) captures Oppenheimer reflecting on the lead-up to and aftermath of the Trinity test. A 1963 oral history with science historian Thomas S Kuhn shifts focus to Oppenheimer’s personal journey and his views on quantum and nuclear physics. The final interview (1966), sees him discussing Enrico Fermi’s legacy and the physics community of his era.

Hosted by Andrew Glester, this episode provides a rare glimpse into one of the most consequential scientists of the 20th century. You can find links to the full archive material in the AIP newsletter, along with further context in this article by Allison Buser. You can also hear an interview with Kai Bird, co-author of American Prometheus, the book that inspired the 2023 blockbuster film Oppenheimer.

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