The newspaper of the physics community July 2007

CONTENTS Climate science stirs up a storm 2 News ● New report on nanoscience ● MODEL practicals appeal to Heather Pinnell reports on a heated debate about global warming, hosted by the Institute. teachers ● Project Juno takes In the same week that the G8 leaders represent the climate during the off ● Queen’s Birthday were discussing climate change and 20th century as it should have been Honours ● Famelab winner is ● agreeing to talk about cutting CO2 according to the models, and compared a physicist Annual emissions, a large audience packed these with actual observations. These Representatives Meeting into the Institute’s London centre to showed that the models simulated real- discusses university places hear expert opinion and discussion ity very well, he said. Similarly, predic- on the models used to understand cli- tions had been made since 1990 using 5 People mate change. On 7 June, MP and for- the models and these had predicted the How Haley Gomez became a mer environment minister Michael state of the climate during the last rising star in physics Meacher chaired a seminar with 17 years very well, but if anything had prominent speakers from both sides underestimated the degree of warming. of the climate change debate, while a A panel discussion followed, with week later there was standing-room Lindzen and Thorpe joined on the only when Prof. Jonathan Gregory, panel by astrophysicist Piers Corbyn one of the lead authors of the and Prof. Chris Rapley, director of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate British Antarctic Survey. Lindzen was Change (IPCC) report, presented evi- challenged on his statement that the dence on global warming. effects of aerosols were “virtually Opening the first seminar, Meacher unknown”. Keith Shine, from Reading 6 Letters said that 10 years ago the issue was University’s meteorology depart- Defending enhancement ● hardly on the radar screen; now there ment, said: “To claim this now in 2007 courses Culture shock in were almost daily reports about cli- virtually beggars belief. There have schools ● Have your say on mate change, including runaway been dozens of field campaigns as nuclear power melting of the arctic sea ice, massive well as collection of satellite data. methane releases in Siberia and There’s a very large body of evidence 7 Event horizon Alaska and dramatic hurricanes. It that aerosols reflect heat back to space What’s on in physics had been suggested that global warm- and contribute to cooling.” Lindzen ing could create 50 million environ- maintained, however, that their global 8 Antimatters mental refugees, while the Pentagon impact was unknown. Observing a new planetarium considers climate change to be a In a meeting organised jointly by greater risk than global terrorism, he the Institute’s Environmental Physics said. “The argument is that increasing Group and its London and South-East CO2 levels are responsible for rising Branch, an audience of more than global temperatures. The question is 170 people again packed into the whether that is correct.” Institute on 13 June. They had come to

Though there is an almost universal NASA/Goddard Space Centre hear Prof. Gregory lecture on the consensus that the world is warming Iceland’s Breidamerkurjokull glacier in 1997 (top) and 2000 (bottom). considerable evidence for human- up, some scientists still question induced global warming, for which whether CO2 emissions are causing the warming in the oceans had not yet the IPCC had said there was a 90% “I found a section on change. Prof. Richard Lindzen, an been felt globally were exaggerated. probability. The IPCC did not conduct atmospheric scientist from the Massa- “Ten years ago the Lindzen said that each chain in the new research but assessed the existing black holes, which I chusetts Institute of Technology, is one argument for human-induced global literature, he explained. of them. Addressing the seminar, he issue was hardly on warming was tenuous, leading to an Despite some limitations, the cli- decided to read discussed the main areas of contro- infinitesimally small chance that it mate models were reliable, he said. versy, which concern the uncertainties the radar screen; was the correct model. Like believers There was thermal inertia in the sys- because it looked in the data, the effect of both negative in intelligent design, he said, those tem because it took a long time for the scary.” and positive feedbacks and the sensi- now there are daily who believed in it did so because they oceans to heat up, so there was a pre- Haley Gomez, p5 tivity of the climate to rising CO2 levels. reports about could discover no alternative expla- dicted temperature rise that would lag He went further, however, arguing that nation. “When politics enters the pic- decades behind the corresponding the models are fundamentally wrong climate change.” ture, science takes a back seat, even rise in CO2 levels. Ice core evidence “A scientist appears, and do not take sufficient account of among scientists,” he said. showed that the atmosphere had been the warming in the tropical tropo- Prof. Alan Thorpe, a distinguished little changed for the last 10 000 years, to congratulate them sphere rather than at the surface. Based meteorologist and chief executive of then since about 1750 the levels of or to tell them where on this, he said, no more than about a the Natural Environment Research CO2 shot up and we could be confi- third of the Earth’s surface warming Council, presented substantial evi- dent that this came from fossil fuel they went wrong.” could be due to the greenhouse effect. dence to support the opposing view. burning and deforestation. Heather Pinnell, p8 It was claimed, he said, that dou- He agreed that there were significant He also presented evidence of sea- bling CO2 should lead to about 1.5 C to uncertainties in certain aspects of the level rise, more severe and longer 4.5 C warming. However, we were models, particularly the effects of droughts in the last 30 years and rapid already 86% of the way to a doubling of clouds, but there was no reason to thinning of the arctic ice sheet, as well SIGN UP FOR CO2 levels but have seen only 0.6–0.8 C suppose that the models had a sys- as glacial retreat. Asked by Interactions warming at the surface, he argued. He tematic bias towards human-induced to comment on Lindzen’s arguments, YOUR PHYSMAIL did not believe that aerosols, such as global warming, he said. Gregory said that his views stood out sulphate pollutants in the atmosphere, He described the close correlation as exceptional within the scientific E-MAIL ADDRESS had counteracted much of the warm- between rising CO2 levels and global community. “The scientific literature ing and said that suggestions that there temperatures over the last 100 years. is overwhelmingly saying that CO2 is members.iop.org was a long time delay as the effect of Scientists had created “hindcasts” to causing climactic warming,” he said.

Interactions July 2007 2 news

HIGHLIGHTS Physics buskers take experiments far afield Nanoscience looks to the future A team of physics “buskers” from the Institute performed tricks to engage visitors at the East Nanoscience could provide huge ben- the same constituents in a bulk mate- elements of a DNA computer. of England County Show on 15–17 June. Their efits to society but further research is rial because of their much larger sur- Researchers are already integrating needed into any problems that could face-area-to-volume ratio. This leads enzymes with metal and organic demonstrations included making balloon arise from the use of nanoparticles, to increased chemical reactivity which nanostructures to build devices to act kebabs and launching Alka Seltzer rockets according to a report published jointly means nanoparticles can make good as biomedical motors. during the event in Peterborough. The aim was to take physics to by the Institute and the Royal Society catalysts. The emergence of quantum The booklet says that governments people who would not actively seek it out, according to the of Chemistry, The Future for Nanoscience effects at the nanoscale means nano- around the world should work with Institute’s physics in society manager, Caitlin Watson. The activity and Nanotechnology. It explains some of materials can be used as the basis for industry and the research communi- attracted a lot of attention at the show from both adults and the ways in which nanoscience is lead- quantum dots, with applications in ties to establish global protocols for children, and people were shown how they could perform the same ing to new materials and technologies data-reading devices and potentially as testing the safety of nanotechnologi- and its potential applications. the elements of quantum computers. cal products. Nanoparticles are highly tricks in front of family and friends. The event was the first in a The booklet says that nanotechnol- It is inevitable that developments in reactive and may be able to traverse number of Physics in the Field demonstrations – the team is set to ogy is likely to affect every industry technology will tend towards increas- cell membranes, it notes, although no perform at the Bradford Mela (7–8 July), the Highland Games in eventually and it is predicted that ing miniaturisation, the report says. clinical toxicity has been reported in Inverness (21–22 July) and the Green Man Festival in the Brecon products made using nanotechnolog- This will probably involve integration humans. There is a need for further Beacons, Wales (17–19 August) . ical processes will account for 15% of of chemical and biologically-based research into these possible effects and global manufacturing output by 2014. processes at the quantum level. Look- into how nanoparticles could spread Physicists focus on climate change in Scotland Currently they account for just 0.1%. ing into the future, it says sections of in the atmosphere and accumulate in Climate change and pollution were key topics in a day of talks about The report explains that matter DNA could be used as the building the environment, it concludes. made from nano-sized particles or blocks of nanomachines to diagnose For additional information, e-mail environmental science held at Discovery Point, Dundee, on 2 June. The films can behave very differently from and treat disease, or as the read-out [email protected]. day, which was organised by the in Scotland, also included an exhibition about Antarctica and the opportunity to visit Captain Scott’s ship Discovery. Physicists who attended were APPEALING TO GIRLS A DVD on engaging girls in physics, especially interested in the experiments of Discovery’s physicist, Louis commissioned by the Institute, was short-listed for a prize in the Bernacchi, whose work included magnetic measurements, auroral Royal Television Society (RTS) observations and seismic recordings. Among the talks was one on awards this year. Saving Nellie, a “Fossil fuels, global warming and the threat to our way of life”. Mhairi drama featuring actors including Coyle of the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, spoke on “Tropospheric Helen Baxendale and James Fleet ozone – pollutant and greenhouse gas”, and Alex Cunningham of (pictured) was produced for Strathclyde University outlined his work in monitoring and modelling physics teachers and has been algal blooms. Paul Williams of the Institute’s Environmental Physics sent out to all secondary schools in Group discussed the possible effects of the Gulf Stream slowing down. the UK where there are female students. It has also been shown on Teachers TV . The DVD was one Blue plaque commemorates renowned pioneer of just three short-listed in the The outstanding physicist Hertha Ayrton, who teaching category of the RTS was a pioneering figure among women in awards, in which the winning entry physics, has been commemorated with an was also about physics. Winners of English Heritage blue plaque. The plaque will the RTS education awards, mark her home at 41 Norfolk Square in London presented at the Savoy Hotel in London on 11 June, included IET Archives W2, where she lived for 20 years and worked in a laboratory on the first floor. Ayrton (1854–1923) read mathematics mainstream television documentaries. The Institute’s at Cambridge but later became interested in electricity. While working education manager (schools and at her laboratory in Norfolk Square she invented the Ayrton fan, a colleges) Daniel Sandford Smith hand-operated device for dispersing poisonous gases which was said said: “We believe that producing to have saved more than 100 000 lives during the First World War. The the video has helped to contribute fan was based on her earlier research into the effects of currents and to an environment in which more vortices in water on the formation of sand ripples. Ayrton, who has a people are taking the issue of the room named after her at the Institute’s conference centre in London, under-representation of girls in was a supporter of women’s rights and cared for some of the studying physics seriously.” suffragette hunger-strikers at her Norfolk Square home. ers to give their comments about the ford Smith, commented: “The Insti- MODEL project is resource. Currently, all responses tute believes that practical work plays Superconductors could power electric aircraft received have been positive, with 26 a very significant role in enthusing Aircraft could be propelled by electric motors using superconducting inspirational rating MODEL as “excellent” and 12 students about physics and so is very magnets that would consume no fossil fuels during flight, according to A new resource to help teachers to rating it as “good”. One teacher com- pleased by the positive response to a paper just published in the Institute’s journal Superconductor provide stimulating physics experi- mented: “Very good experiments, MODEL. We did the evaluation partly Science and Technology. Philippe Mason and Cesar Luongo of Florida ments for 14–16-year-olds has had a novel ideas. Particularly looking for- to check that the resources met teach- State University, collaborating with Gerald Brown of NASA and Danielle favourable reception from teaching ward to trying SMART wire and ther- ers’ needs but also to collect some staff who have given feedback on it. mosheet experiments. ideas about what further resources we Soban of Georgia Institute of Technology, are now looking for an The MODEL Project: Practical Physics at One issue that emerged was that not might produce and what more we industrial partner to build a prototype of their superconducting Work was produced by the Institute all teachers had found the Word ver- could do to support teachers in carry- “turbofan”. An electric motor using conventional magnets can weigh up and sent out free to all its affiliated sions of the worksheets that are avail- ing out practical work, so we will be to five times as much as a jet engine and is less fuel-efficient. Because schools throughout the UK and Ire- able on the DVD. Several commented lobbying the government to provide superconductors lose no energy through electrical resistance, a land in May. that they found the resource excellent more support for practical work.” superconducting motor can generate three times the torque of a MODEL provides ideas for practical but lacked the time to evaluate it fully The Institute is planning to produce conventional electric motor for the same energy input and weight, the physics activities, student instruc- as there was so much material. further resources to support the teach- authors explain. The team believes that they can cool the magnets tions and worksheets, and guidance Asked what the barriers were to ing of radioactivity and material on for teachers and technicians. The carrying out practical work in their the role of phyics in the environment, enough for them to become superconducting by using liquid nitrogen practical activities are supported by school, several mentioned lack of working with the environmental to run an electric fuel cell, which produces no carbon emissions. Liquid video sequences showing how some time, finances and equipment, and physics group. hydrogen has four times as much energy weight for weight as aviation people use physics in their jobs. some lacked technician support. There is still time to respond to the fuel and could be produced from a solar or wind-powered plant. The package sent out to schools The Institute’s education manager evaluation by returning the printed included an evaluation sheet for teach- (schools and colleges), Daniel Sand- sheet or e-mailing [email protected].

Interactions July 2007 news 3

NEWSMAKERS Project Juno to Mark Lewney has been chosen to give the Schools Lecture for the Institute in 2008. The lecture for secondary tackle gender school students will be delivered at various schools and colleges around the country during the year. Mark’s previous lectures, which have inequality in been on rock guitar and strings in 11 dimensions, have already been popular with Institute members, and it is expected that string theory will also universities feature in his Schools Lecture. More details about the forthcoming lectures will appear in a future issue of Heather Pinnell reports on the launch of an Interactions. initiative to support women in physics. Prof. Jim Al-Khalili, a leading expert in An initiative to make university phy- always well dealt with. I think there is nuclear reaction theory sics departments a better environ- very little malicious discrimination at the University of ment for women to advance their but rather a lot of naïve discrimina- Surrey, has been careers was launched in June by the tion and diminution of women. A lot awarded the Royal Institute. Called Project Juno, it aims of departments operate with a male Society’s prestigious Michael Faraday to sign up university departments to ethos and women have tried to fit in, Prize for his outstanding achievements in commit to a code of practice and to while those who don’t like it have science communication. Al-Khalili, who is implement policies that will make departed and even those who fit in an enthusiastic writer and broadcaster on

them more welcoming, open and progress more slowly.” Photoshot Assignment science, was profiled in March inclusive places. The code of practice includes a Dame Jocelyn Bell Burnell helps to launch the new code of practice. Interactions. Speaking at the launch event, Dame commitment to monitor the gender Jocelyn Bell Burnell, who has long balance in admissions, recruitment principles of the code, and to aim to be answer session. Some were con- Prof. David Delpy has been active on behalf of women in and promotion of staff. It will be nec- a Project Juno Champion, which cerned that Project Juno would cover been appointed chief physics, said women in university essary for universities to collect such means being judged to have met the the same ground as the Athena Swan executive and deputy departments were “the canaries in the data to fulfil their duty to promote five principles. Charter, which accredits university chair of the Engineering coal mine”. She said: “If women are gender equality under legislation The code includes a commitment to departments that promote gender and Physical Sciences not surviving and thriving, it may which came into force in April, she having a structure in place to deliver equality in all the sciences. It was Research Council, mean that there’s an issue about the said. “We’re going to have to do it, so equality of opportunity, which explained, however, that the two succeeding Prof. John O’Reilly on health of your department and if you we might as well get on with it.” encourages men and women to apply schemes will be dovetailed and one 1 September. He is currently vice-provost address it, it will benefit the whole Prof. Christine Davies, a theoretical for posts; and promotes career pro- can be a stepping stone to the other. for research at University College London. department, both men and women.” physicist who leads the Particle gression for all staff. Those who sign The Institute’s current president, Project Juno was born in response Physics Theory Team at Glasgow Uni- up to it will also be committed to flex- Peter Saraga, described how Phillips Sir Martin Rees, the to an international review of UK versity, described how the depart- ible working arrangements and an Research Laboratories, where he had astronomer royal and physics and astronomy research that ment was trying to become more inclusive, transparent and open struc- been director, had been a male-domi- president of the Royal expressed concerns about the short- welcoming to women and had seen an ture. The Institute’s director of educa- nated environment. “It had been diffi- Society, has been age of female academics, she said. The improvement in female representa- tion and science, Peter Main, said it cult to attract women to work there appointed by the Queen code was based on good practice tion. It was resisting a long-hours was hoped that the project would and to be honest, I don’t think we to the Order of Merit. identified during the Institute’s site culture, encouraging a reflective spread to the other sciences and the understood why,” he said. The award is a distinguished honour and visits to universities in 2003–2005, approach to research and had trans- Institute was having informal talks Its culture was then transformed by is in the personal gift of the Queen. Sir which Bell had helped to set up. While parent procedures for allocating work with the Science Council about how a “critical mass” of women, bringing Tim Berners-Lee, inventor of the World 20% of physics graduates are women, and giving recognition for all work the experience gained in Project Juno changes such as more flexible work- Wide Web, has also been appointed to less than 5% of physics professors are carried out on behalf of the departm- could be shared. ing hours. “There’s a school of the Order of Merit. female, and the figures are changing net, including outreach activities. The event attracted a large audience thought that says if fewer women than only very slowly, she said. Prof. Davies said she would cer- from the universities, the learned men seem to want to do physics we Sir David King, the government’s chief “There remain issues around work- tainly encourage her department to societies and others, who exchanged should just accept this. For me there scientific adviser, is to be the president of life balance. There’s still some har- sign up to be a Project Juno Supporter, experiences and raised issues about are fundamental reasons why we the British Association for the rassment, I regret to say, and it’s not which involves endorsing the five diversity during a question and should care,” he said. Advancement of Science for 2008. He will be taking up the presidency after he steps down as chief scientific adviser at Kaye and Laby the end of 2007 and will succeed Lord goes online Honours given to physicists Browne of Madingley in the role. The publication Kaye and Laby, which A number of members of the Institute and is a fellow of the Royal Society. She Open University, for services to sci- Stefan Hell has been awarded this has been an essential table of physical have received awards in the Queen’s has also been president of the Royal ence, and to Prof. Rodney Kimber, year’s Julius Springer Prize for Applied and chemical constants for scientists Birthday Honours announced in June. Astronomical Society. director of science and engineering at Physics. The Göttingen-based researcher since it was first published in 1911, Jocelyn Bell Burnell, visiting professor Prof. David Melville, vice-chancellor the Transport Research Foundation, has been given the prize for his discovery has been made available online with of astrophysics at Oxford University, of Kent University and a former physi- for services to road transport. that resolutions far below the diffraction help from the Institute. has been made a dame. She was cist, has been knighted for services to The MBE was awarded to Ann limit can be achieved in a fluorescence The National Physical Laboratory awarded the honour for services to further and higher education Heather Marks, a physics education consultant microscope using conventionally focused (NPL) is providing free access to the science. Couper, a prominent broadcaster and and former chair of the Institute’s light. He has been a researcher at the entire contents of the 16th edition, Bell Burnell discovered the first astronomer and a Millennium Com- Women in Physics Group, for services Max Planck Institute for Biophysical which was published in 1995, includ- radio pulsars with her thesis adviser missioner, has been awarded the CBE to physics. An MBE also went to Prof. Chemistry in Göttingen since 1997. ing data, formulae, charts and graphs. Anthony Hewish, at Cambridge. for services to science. The CBE was Mark Bailey, director of the Armagh The NPL intends to regularly review She later became professor of also given to former physicist Geof- Observatory in Northern Ireland, for John Hemmingway, a retired physicist and update the contents to reflect physics at the Open University, a visit- frey Copland, who is vice-chancellor services to astronomy, and to Thomas who chairs the Institute’s Yorkshire developments in physics and chem- ing professor at Princeton University in of the University of Westminster, for Balanowski, teacher and winner of a Branch, has been named UK Graduate istry. GWC Kaye was superintendent the USA and dean of science at the Uni- services to higher education. Teaching Award from the Institute, Volunteer of the Year by Manchester of the NPL’s physics department in the versity of Bath. Bell Burnell has won The OBE was awarded to Nigel for services to education in West University. 1930s. several prestigious medals and prizes Mason, professor of physics at the Lothian.

Interactions July 2007 4 news ARM looks at need Condensed matter illuminated

Groundbreaking research being car- how new types of glassy colloids Toshiba Research Europe Ltd, collab- for university places ried out in condensed matter physics could be exploited commercially. orating with Cambridge University is highlighted in a new booklet soon Another section, on nanoparticles and Imperial College London, have The number and spread of university lent model of pooling research to be published jointly by the Institute in medicine, describes how David demonstrated single-photon quan- physics departments, and recruit- expertise that could be applied to and the Engineering and Physical Sci- Russell at the University of East tum cryptography. ment and retention of Institute mem- regions in England. However, mem- ences Research Council. Physics for Anglia has been exploiting the change The new possibilities opened up by bers, were high on the agenda at the bers noted that SUPA was a bottom- Future Technology: Condensed Matter in colour of gold nanoparticles when the discovery of graphene and carbon Institute’s annual representatives’ up proposal which is thriving because focuses on reserach which can be they cluster to develop a test for the nanotubes are explored in the report, meeting (ARM) in May. Branch, group Scottish university physics depart- exploited commercially. presence of bacterial toxins. It also including spintronics, ultra-fast tran- and division officers who attended ments want to make it succeed. The booklet describes the areas cov- looks at biomedical sensors based on sistors and gas sensors. It describes took part in small group discussions In the discussion on membership ered by condensed matter physics and Raman scattering from silver nano- how Mark Ellerby, Tom Weller and to consider the questions “what the focus was on promoting existing explains its importance in applications particles, which can be used to detect Neal Skipper at University College physics departments do we need?” services better, particularly Physics ranging from medical devices to com- DNA sequences. London made two new compounds of and “how can the Institute recruit and World and the status conferred by puters and DVDs. It looks at six exam- The booklet explains the funda- graphite . retain more members?” membership and the designation of ples of cutting-edge research in the UK, mental science behind the develop- The report explains why there may Among the views expressed in the chartered physicist. Ideas for new detailing the work of particular ment of quantum dots and describes be fundamental limits to what can be discussion were that the Institute has services included more accessible research teams in universities, national how they could provide more robust, achieved in computer power using con- an important role in preventing any articles in Physics World, with more on research laboratories and industry. less temperature-sensitive and ventional semiconductors and exam- future closures of UK and Eire physics physics applications; more collabora- A section on soft matter explains cheaper alternatives to quantum-well ines some of the alternatives, such as departments. Members believed that tion to provide shared services with how theorists and experimentalists lasers, with huge potential advantages computers based on spintronics, car- irrespective of the size and nature of other bodies; extending chartered are investigating the behaviour of in optical communications. bon nanotubes, or quantum dots. departments, regional spread is physicist status to include applicants polymer chains during flow, the for- The report also describes how a For further information, e-mail important for the diversity of the sub- in general management; and provid- mation of glasses from colloids and team led by Andrew Shields at [email protected]. ject, and to ensure that schools and ing courses relevant to general man- business have access to physics agers such as corporate governance. departments in their regions, as more The Institute’s president, Peter students are living at home and will Saraga, highlighted significant suc- not travel too far to study. cess across all areas of activity over the In discussion, members emphasised past year. The treasurer, Tony Scott, that the quality of education is impor- gave a review of the Institute’s tant, regardless of how it is delivered. finances. This showed that the Insti- However, it is imperative that under- tute was generating more income and graduates are taught by academics spending more on physics and on who are active in research, so that they members than ever before. are exposed to the latest developments Members raised points about the and are best prepared for a career in format of the ARM and the process for research or industry, it was argued. publicising vacancies on Council and The Scottish Universities Physics nominations which will be consid- Alliance (SUPA) was cited as an excel- ered by Council at its July meeting. Scottish economy gains from physics

By Heather Pinnell physics in the education sector. Around 102 000 jobs in Scotland are The physics-based sectors accounted in physics-based sectors, according to for 4.3% of all jobs in Scotland in 2005. a report commissioned by the Insti- The largest share of these (47%) were in tute from the Centre for Economics manufacturing; 15% in telecommuni- and Business Research (Cebr). cations; and 9% in oil and gas. About Physicist takes Famelab prize The report, Physics in the Scottish 10% of all UK jobs in physics-based sec- Economy, also showed that the gross tors were in Scotland. There has been a A physicist has won NESTA Famelab, regional heats to gain their opportu- prepared to take risks, she said. value added by Scotland’s physics- slight decline in the number of jobs in a national competition to find the best nity at Cheltenham. In his acceptance speech, Harrigan based sectors accounted for 9.5% of physics-based sectors in Scotland since science communicators among peo- Harrigan wore a chef’s outfit on said: “I like sharing things that make national output – a much greater per- 2001, mirroring a similar UK trend. ple working in science in the UK. stage to explain how microwaves make me go ‘wow, that’s cool’. There are so centage share than that for UK In 2005, physics-based sectors in Famelab, now in its third year, is spon- the water molecules in food move many everyday things that you can physics-based sectors in the UK econ- Scotland contributed £8 bn in gross sored by the National Endowment for around, generating heat. As part of his find in the house that are awesome.” omy as a whole. value-added to the economy. This is a Science, Technology and the Arts brief show, he made a bulb light up in He wins £2000, a master-class in The Cebr report defined physics- measure of the difference between the (NESTA), Pfizer, and Research Coun- a microwave oven, which went down science communication, a tour of based sectors as those where the work value of goods and services produced cils UK. The winner was Nicholas well with the audience, who voted him international events and a two-week could not be carried out without the and the cost of inputs. Harrigan (pictured), a 25-year-old the best performer in a paper ballot of internship with Channel 4. The run- use of technologies based on physics. Gross value-added rose rapidly in postgraduate student in quantum more than 250 people held in addition ners-up were Jan Schnupp, a The definition used by Cebr encom- the four years to 2005, due to the fall in information at Imperial College, Lon- to the main competition. researcher in neurobiology at Oxford passed the use of modern technologies raw materials costs, technological don, who impressed the judges with The judges were Kathy Sykes and University, and Marieke Navin, a 28- such as lasers, but not, for example, the advances driving down the price of his presentation on the science of Mark Lythgoe, both co-directors of year-old physics PhD student at most basic mechanics. Staff who machinery and equipment, and lower microwaves. the Cheltenham Science Festival; Sheffield University who gave a pres- worked in the sectors but did not use wage costs resulting from a more cap- The judging took place after a live Roger Highfield, science editor of the entation on atoms and the large physics-based technologies were ital-intensive approach. final in front of an audience at the Daily Telegraph; and Louisa Bolch, com- hadron collider. included in the figures, but these were Productivity levels in physics-based Cheltenham Science Festival on missioning editor for science at Chan- Navin also won a prize for her pod- adjusted to exclude the distorting sectors in Scotland and the UK were 9 June. Each finalist had to give a five- nel 4. Sykes, who is also a NESTA cast which was on Channel 4’s Fame- effects of huge numbers of employees similar in 2005, but the levels in Scot- minute performance on stage to trustee, said the judges thought Harri- lab website. Visitors to the site at in some sectors, such as soldiers who land were much more variable than explain a scientific concept in a way gan had been brave to use props and www.channel4.co.uk/famelab were relied on the products of the defence the UK as a whole during the period that would engage a broad audience. demonstrations, which can easily go invited to vote for the best 99-second industry, or teachers not teaching 2001–2005 . The seven finalists had all won their wrong. He had huge potential and was podcast and Navin topped the poll.

Interactions July 2007 people 5 profile: Haley Gomez OBSERVATIONS Mary Matthews, seconded to work in parliament on an Institute fellowship, is finding sparks can fly How stars are made over the radio spectrum. Sharon Ann Holgate talks to a fledgling I’m privileged to have a three-month fellowship, funded by the Institute, to work at the Parliamentary Office of Science and astrophysicist who’s Technology (POST). Each year the Institute’s POST fellow is tasked truly down to earth. with writing a briefing paper for MPs and peers about a science or technology issue, contributing to a longer report or helping with a select committee enquiry. It’s not often that a bit of dust sparks off an international debate but, when POST is all about science and all about parliament, but it suffers astrophysics lecturer Haley Gomez from mistaken identity. People think that it represents the published her PhD research, that’s government, but this is most definitely not the case. POST serves the what happened. “A lot of people House of Lords and the House of Commons. People may also believe that cosmic dust is formed in imagine that it’s a think tank, but it’s not about policies or agendas. supernovae but no one had actually It really is all about the science, which makes POST quite unique in seen it, apart from a small amount politics as an enclave of truly independent research. A scientist is with a temperature of 100 K. I was often the person who doesn’t have an axe to grind but simply wants part of a team that found, using a sub- millimetre camera sensitive to dust of to know what’s going on. The topics that parliamentarians deal with about 30 K, the first observational are inreasingly science related, from global warming through health proof that a supernova can form as to telecommunications. Technology has changed our world but our

much as a solar mass of cosmic dust. Nick Treharne understanding of this is still limited. POST aims to provide “Because submillimetre astronomy Haley Gomez enjoys both research into and teaching about the cosmos. accessible and independent briefings on such topics. is relatively new, this result caused a My task is to write a briefing paper on “management of the radio lot of controversy,” says Gomez, who epted me on the strength of my inter- use the software and has written sup- frequency (RF) spectrum”. Now if, like I did, you think that RF won the Royal Astronomical Society view. Many of the lecturers were so port material for the children. “The management sounds a little dry, let me correct you. I rapidly Michael Penston Astronomy Prize for supportive academically and I ended Faulkes project is an amazing way to best doctoral thesis in 2005. Her PhD up with a first, but only because I’d get astronomy into the classroom. discovered that this topic can cause sparks to fly. About 3% of the work, conducted in 2001–2004 at been given a chance.” She snapped up Children can use the telescopes to see UK’s gross domestic product comes from the use of the RF Cardiff University, also won her the a PhD place at Cardiff and has stayed things like the moons of Jupiter and spectrum, so there’s significant interest in it. departmental Bessie Jones Prize for there, first as a research fellow, then get pictures of galaxies. Learning how I’ve interviewed people at Sky, ITV, the BBC, Motorola, Vodafone Outstanding Postgraduate of the Year from 2005 as a fixed-term lecturer. to make astronomical images look and the Ministry of Defence, and I’m about to interview staff at in 2004 and led to a shortlisting for the “Having a history like mine means good involves art and IT as well as Orange, the Department for Trade and Industry, the Civil Aviation 2005 Times Higher Young Researcher that I find it really important now I’m astronomy.” Authority, O and many other organisations. The RF spectrum is a of the Year Award. She continues to lecturing to get to know my students Gomez regularly visits schools to 2 work in this field and is trying to deter- as individuals. They respond to that talk about being an astronomer. “It’s huge resource that many of us rely on every day, in applications mine if the dust observed in the Cas- and work harder for it,” she says. so important to show children that from television and telephones to aircraft safety. It’s great to see a siopeia A supernova remnant comes Gomez is equally keen for her stu- science isn’t elitist or stuffy or arro- piece of physics that’s so wide and relevant, even though many of entirely from the remnant or from dents to feel comfortable approaching gant. I grew up in a council house and the users don’t even realise it. something between it and the Earth. her with questions, so starts her lec- never dreamed I would end up pre- I’m currently looking at the regulation of RF and the changes that Her fascination with the universe ture courses by making it clear that senting my research to Prince Philip at are happening in this area. “Spectrum liberalisation” and “spectrum began when she was nine. “My par- she doesn’t know everything about Buckingham Palace and to MPs in the trading” are all hot topics, as is the “digital dividend”, which will ents had a Reader’s Digest Encyclopaedia astronomy. “As lecturers we have a Houses of Parliament,” she says. arise from the auctioning off of the UHF spectrum when the and I found a section on black holes, responsibility to bring out the best in Gomez often works 24 hour shifts which I decided to read because it every student, and students who are and weekends, and she admits that, switchover to digital happens. looked scary. The idea that there’s not high-flyers deserve to be given the like many temporary lecturers, she Everyone has an opinion and everyone wants to tell you about it. something in space incredibly strange confidence to ask for more help.” feels under pressure to ignore her hol- However, there are occasions when I think: “I’m only a PhD student. that scientists didn’t understand really As part of the EU Hands-On Uni- iday entitlement. Even the small Why do they think that anyone will listen to little old me?” In fact got me hooked,” she recalls. verse network she’s helping to train amount of leave that she does take is that, bizarrely, is why they do listen. Parliamentarians need good Despite an increasing desire to specialist astronomy teachers who often filled with science outreach information to understand the decisions that they take. More often understand the universe, partly fuel- can pass this training on to colleagues work. This has included promoting than not, they’re not scientists and they really do need help, even led by reading Stephen Hawking’s A “Astronomy is becoming more science to girls as a Women Into Sci- from a little old physics postgraduate. Brief History of Time and opting for important at A-level and GCSE, but a ence and Engineering in Wales role physics, chemistry and maths at lot of physics teachers haven’t studied model, running an after-hours As I have delved deeper into the subject, my focus has become A-level, Gomez found herself won- it,” Gomez explains. She became astronomy club at a school and help- more policy based and less scientific. It can be quite difficult to dering whether university was the involved through her work with the ing the charity Sense about Science to maintain an objective view, because your own opinions start to right choice. “No one in my family Faulkes Telescope project. prepare a guide to dealing with the make themselves heard. I try to step back and pretend that this is had been to university so they could- Schools can book time on either of media for early-career researchers. just the same as probing a GaAs heterostructure. Even so, I’m n’t really advise me, but my A-level the two research-sized telescopes run Despite her hectic schedule, Gomez finding that there are limits to objectivity and to what I can discover. maths teacher Mr Griffiths was really by the Faulkes project, and control the is incredibly enthusiastic about the Spectrum users come in all shapes and sizes, while practicalities supportive and told me I could do telescopes’ movements via web-based future. “I enjoy being around astro- get in the way of discovering hard facts, just as noise gets in the way anything if I was interested in it software. Gomez helps teachers to physicists who are passionate about enough. He lent me a book about time what they do and have great ideas, but of an experiment. travel, Masters of Time, which featured equally realise that they don’t know all I’m really enjoying gathering people’s different perspectives into the first female astronomer I’d ever “I ended up getting the answers. The only friend I have one report, but a part of me really wishes that they could be read about, and I started thinking: that works as many hours is a lawyer translated onto a graph – all nice and neat, with error bars. Surely ‘actually maybe I could do that’.” a first, but only who earns five times as much as me, that would be easier to interpret. If parliament and government Having decided to apply for astro- but the rewards of making a research could do that, wouldn’t the world be a better place? physics at Cardiff, Gomez had to deal because I’d been breakthrough and seeing my students with disappointing A-level results. “I’d understand difficult concepts are been predicted to get three As but I got given a chance.” worth any struggles that I have. This If you would like to contribute to OBSERVATIONS, e-mail your idea to a C and two Ds. Luckily, Cardiff acc- really is my dream job.” [email protected].

Interactions July 2007 6 letters

President Mr Peter Saraga OBE FREng CPhys FInstP, Immediate Past President Prof. Sir John Enderby CBE FRS CPhys FInstP, Honorary Secretary Prof. John L Beeby CPhys FInstP, Honorary Treasurer Dr J A (Tony) Scott CPhys Hon.FInstP, Vice-president, Education Dr Elizabeth Swinbank CPhys FInstP, Vice-president, Business & Innovation Dr Keith Winters CPhys FInstP, Vice-president, Membership & Qualifications Mr Alan Pratt CPhys FInstP, Vice-president, Science Prof. Carole Jordan FRS CPhys FInstP, Chief Executive Dr Robert Kirby-Harris CPhys FinstP, Director, Education and Science Prof. Peter Main CPhys FInstP, Director, International Dr Peter Melville CPhys FInstP, Director, Membership & Business Mr John Brindley, Group Finance Director Mr Sean Fox MInstP, Managing Director, Institute of Physics Publishing Mr Jerry Cowhig, Director, Communications & External Relations Dr Beth Taylor.

Acting Editor Heather Pinnell, Art Director Andrew Giaquinto Institute of Physics, 76 Portland Place, London W1B 1NT, UK. Tel +44 (0)20 7470 4800 ; fax +44 (0)20 7470 4991; e-mail [email protected]; Web http://members.iop.org

LETTER FROM Prepared to teach be encountered when studying the how much standards have fallen. dubious foundations, and changes in subject. We’re likely to be more Nearly all my peers in my class of school curricula can be very ...the Printing and I am writing regarding capable of teaching physics to GCSE top-year infants (7–8-years-old) disruptive and time-consuming. Graphics Science A R Matthews’ letter on teacher and A-level than the majority of knew their multiplication tables to The present shortfall of 10 000 shortages (May issue). One current highly educated physicists because 12 x 12, with the following year at physics teachers with only 200 new Group programme to address shortages we can lower the complexity of topics junior school making sure all in the physics graduates entering the Exciting developments provides prospective teachers with a to a level that pupils can relate to. class really did. However, about half teaching profession every year is a are happening in graphic six-month course in physics. This I’m more than happy for my the 14–15-year-olds at the school national disgrace, and will certainly arts technology and enhancement course leads into the progress throughout my training where I taught had great difficulty not be helped by more universities printing. The digital PGCE and upon completion all and my early years of teaching to be with their tables. I had to give out closing their physics departments. revolution initiated new individuals should be capable of monitored if that is what’s needed to printed tables as aides-mémoire. Besides attracting young physicists ways of reproducing and teaching physics to GCSE and, in convince people that the PEC is the This was necessary to even move into teaching, the profession – or displaying images and information, in some cases, A-level. The writer way forward. I have every confidence slowly when teaching the rather government – must retain which the UK has a leading role. Inkjet and suggests that this course is not that all 17 of my peers at Pythagorean right angle triangle them if their aspirations are to be other printing and deposition processes suitable for training physics teachers Loughborough will not only be good relation. Without pupils knowing realised. Pay must enable people to are in use in applications such as VDUs, and that those completing it may not quality teachers, but good quality the squares of simple integers, undertake a mortgage in addition to flexible electronics, smart packaging, and be entirely fit for the teaching the physics teachers. When I discussed teaching this topic is a dead duck. buying a loaf of bread. Disciplinary photovoltaics based on organic and subject, writing “the proposal that the letter in May Interactions with Adding fractions without a procedures and riot control must not polymer electro-optic materials. non-physicists be given a six-month them, we unanimously decided that calculator is well beyond most senior leave the teacher exhausted at the Physics and physicists are involved in crash course in the teaching of we would each sign our names to this pupils under 16, though this is needed end of the week, and bureaucracy forming and measuring an image and physics fills me with horror”. letter to demonstrate our strong to do calculations for resistors in must not demand 70 hours per week. how it is perceived, developing the I’m currently close to completing feelings on the matter. I hope that parallel, and light rays with mirrors Neither government nor processes and the new materials, and my Physics Enhancement Course A R Matthews will rethink his or her and lenses. I was taught addition of headteachers will openly discuss the designing and characterising the (PEC). I’m one of 18 people at opinion of the “six-month crash fractions in my second year at junior taboo subject of indiscipline because products. The Institute’s Printing and Loughborough University who have course in physics” now that they school. Fundamental questions must it is feared that is an admission of Graphics Science Group promotes the spent the last five months studying have perhaps had an opportunity to be asked not just about physics, but failure. A radical rethink is necessary. application of physics in these fields. It is to gain a wide breadth of physics entertain the other side of the story. also about the standard of maths and Unless and until indiscipline, pay and a relaunch and renaming of the Printing, knowledge in order to commence Vikki Horner and 17 others a pupil’s ability to think, to analyse bureaucracy are addressed I fear Packaging and Papermaking Group, their PGCE as physics specialists. If and to describe a topic in maths and qualified physics teachers will formed in 1985; we maintain an interest the opportunity had not arisen to Scandalous schools clear English. become an even rarer species, much in the manufacture and properties of take the PEC, I would not have been The Institute must draw education like teachers of Latin and Greek today. paper and the physics of packaging. able to train as a physics specialist Like many of your respondents, I left ministers’ attention to the fact that P Edwards Research in our areas is and biology would have been my industry to try and give something changes or even extra money do not Barnwood, Gloucester multidisciplinary, often conducted in back-up. I’ve gained 9 GCSEs, 5 AS back to the younger generation by necessarily equate to improved departments not called “physics”, by levels, 4 A-levels and a BSc (Hons) in teaching physics. My first rude shock standards. Many “initiatives” and Write to [email protected] or the address scientists whose original discipline is not sport and exercise science. After was that my PGCE college could not “targets” have proved to have above. Letters may be edited for length. physics. Our activities include this wider years of education, I find the accept me to teach only physics; I’d community, wherever physics is brought to suggestion that I’m not capable of be expected to teach “science” HAVE YOUR SAY ON NUCLEAR POWER bear. We’ll bring together scientists in teaching physics in secondary including biology. For someone who industry, academia and elsewhere, and schools insulting. has left biology behind by several The government is suggesting that consultation by visiting develop links with other professional Each person on my course has years decades this was too much to ask. It the private sector should be allowed http://nuclearpower2007.direct societies. We are affiliated to the Institute’s of experience in industry, most of did not take much time to rethink to build new nuclear power stations .gov.uk and giving their views Applied Physics and Technology Division, which is entirely applicable to physics. and opt to teach maths with IT. but it wants to find out what the online as to whether the ensuring strong links with related subjects. We’ve not only learned the crucial My next shock at a real school after public thinks about the proposal. It government has considered the Our objectives are to promote the skills needed to teach physics, we’ve 30 years was the standard of is inviting individuals as well as relevant arguments; whether it has application of physics in graphic arts also had the opportunity to discuss discipline. In previous times, a teacher organisations to comment on its considered the arguments technology, printing, packaging and and investigate relevant uses of the had a right (and some would argue a consultation document on nuclear reasonably; and whether there are papermaking, and the development of subject. Surely this range of practical professional duty) to change bad power, The Future of Nuclear Power: the important arguments that it has innovative printing in new markets such experiences is ideal for teaching behaviour to good by using physical Role of Nuclear Power in a Low Carbon overlooked. The closing date is as displays, lighting and printed physics in schools? We’re now capable coercion or punishment if necessary. UK Economy. 10 October. electronics. We aim to promote physics of teaching physics and doing so in a Now, teachers are expressly forbidden Anyone can take part in the The Institute will also be in these industries as a career choice and practical and exciting way. to even touch a pupil except in Department of Trade and Industry’s submitting a response. to act as a forum for communication A R Matthews wrote: “I chose to extremis. One quickly learnt from between scientists working in them. read physics and maths in the sixth other staff that generally, it was not As well as running meetings, visits, a … I cannot believe that I would have about teaching subjects, but about newsletter and a website, we organise been motivated to do so had I been “riot control”. Even headteachers now notices the triennial Institute conference taught by teachers who did not have seem bound by a wealth of “Preservation and Conservation Issues in a thorough physics or maths regulations. A new teacher would feel NEW BUSINESS Seaton, Harry Standing, Victor Suchar. Digital Printing and Photography”. We graduate training and a deep interest totally unsupported in this situation AFFILIATES award an annual prize for the best in their subjects and their students”. where indiscipline is endemic. Franks & Co, Plasma Clean. MEMBER NEWS application of physics in the subject This suggests that A R Matthews Surely teaching maths and physics Fraser Hatfield, a lecturer in medical physics area. To support postgraduate believes that anyone without a demands a disciplined class with NEW MEMBERS at the University of Liverpool, has been researchers we run an annual student degree in physics cannot be disciplined minds ready to learn? Alistair Bell, Jose Castrejon-Pita, Patrick awarded a Fellowship for Excellence in conference and award an annual grant. interested in the subject. However, How on earth can this be done if one Collins, Bryan Davison, Stephanie De La Teaching by the Higher Education Academy. To find out more, visit “Groups and modern courses can enable people has to concentrate on “riot control” Bedoyere, David Eccles, Joesph Herbert, Divisions” on the Institute’s website. We’re to study elements of the core which saps so much morale and Sarah Kendrew, Jaime Reed, Hugh MEMBER OFFER seeking views on the group’s direction and sciences while allowing interest in energy? Why should any teacher be Reynolds, Paul Ruffle, Michael Shaw, Mark ● Online subscription prize draw activities; you can help by completing a alternative subjects to develop. forced to spend a considerable Stroud, Philip Thomas, Benjamin Tordoff, Sheena Haytack from Littleover, Derby, is questionnaire at www.iop.org/ Someone truly interested in a subject percentage of time trying to get a Keith Warburton, Xiulai Xu. May’s prize-draw winner. She wins a 2 GB activity/groups/subject/pgs/index.html. will inevitably return to it later in life, class to listen? Even doubling salaries data stick. For your chance to win a data hence our enthusiasm for our would not remove the pain of IN MEMORIAM stick, pay your membership online at Dilwyn Jones chairs the Institute’s current study on the PEC. mentally exhausted teachers with all Mahendranath Chady, Christopher Escreet, http://members.iop.org when you receive Printing and Graphic Science Group. PEC students have first-hand the hours of paperwork thrown in. David Ottewell, Cestmir Radon, Michael your subscription notice. experience of the difficulties that can The next big shock was to find out

Interactions July 2007 event horizon 7 Visit whatson.iop.org for full details of all Institute of Physics events.

JULY 2007 AUGUST 2007 ONE-DAY CONFERENCE Physical Acoustics Tutorial Day CONFERENCE NOVEMBER 2007 and AGM Schools Lectures 2007: Light ICPS 2007 Non-Adiabatic Molecular One-day tutorial meeting. Novel Applications of Schools Lectures 2007: Light Fantastic – the Science of Colour International conference for physics Dynamics: a Discussion Physical Acoustics Group Surface Modifications Fantastic – the Science of Colour Lecture by Pete Vukusic of Exeter students. Talks by experts in different 76 Portland Place, London W1 Event on surfaces, materials and Lecture by Pete Vukusic of Exeter University. Nexus methodologies. 13 September systems for the 21st century. University. Education Department University College London Computational Physics Group www.iop.org/Conferences Applied Physics and Technology Education Department University of Sheffield, Hull 10–16 August 76 Portland Place, London W1 Division Highcliffe School, Christchurch, Collegiate School www.icps2007.info 10 September Schools Lectures 2007: Light University of Southampton Clayesmore School, Dorset, Ralph 4 & 5 July Registration required www.iop.org/Conferences Fantastic – the Science of Colour 18–20 September Allen School, Bath www.iop.org/activity/education/ Lecture by Pete Vukusic of Exeter www.iop.org/Conferences 5, 6 & 7 November index.html University. Registration required www.iop.org/activity/education/ SEPTEMBER 2007 Schools Lectures 2007: Light Institute of Physics in Scotland index.html Music to Your Ears Fantastic – the Science of Colour St Andrews University, Heriot-Watt Presentation by Wendy Sadler of the Physics by the Lake Summer Lecture by Pete Vukusic of Exeter University, Glasgow University OCTOBER 2007 Pie in the Sky: Scotland’s Space University of Cardiff. School 2007 University. 17, 19 & 20 September Satellites Midland Branch School on condensed matter theory. Education Department www.iop.org/activity/branches/ Light for the Firm but Gentle Talk by Craig Clark of Clyde Space St Peter’s School, Wolverhampton Theory of Condensed Matter Group Glasgow University, St Andrews Scotland Control of Disease Ltd. 12 July University College of St Martin, University, Heriot-Watt University, Talk by Prof. Stephen Brown of the Institute of Physics in Scotland http://midland.iop.org Ambleside, Cumbria Edinburgh Electro-active Materials Royal Free and University College Glasgow Science Centre, Pacific 2–14 September 6, 10 & 11 September Conference on field-induced effects London Medical School. Quay, Glasgow Low-Energy Quantum Gravity www.physicsbythelake.org www.iop.org/activity/education/ in materials. Institute of Physics in Scotland 6 November Informal meeting for PhD students Registration required index.html Dielectrics Group Glasgow Science Centre, Pacific www.iop.org/activity/branches/ and researchers. Cranfield Management Quay, Glasgow Scotland Mathematical and Theoretical Clusters 07 Polymer Physics Group Biennial Development Centre, Cranfield 2 October Physics Group/Gravitational Conference on the clustering of Conference 20 September www.iop.org/activity/branches/ Utopia Theory: the Search for the Physics Group nucleons in the nucleus. Conference on physical aspects of www.iop.org/Conferences Scotland Physics of Society University of York Nuclear and Particle Physics polymer science. Talk by science journalist Philip Ball. 19–20 July Division Polymer Physics Group Extreme Physics at National Schools Lectures 2007: Light London & South East Branch www.iop.org/activity/groups/ The Holiday Inn, Stratford-upon- Grey College, Durham University Science Learning Centre, York Fantastic: the Science of Colour Rutherford College Lecture Theatre subject/index.html Avon 10–12 September Talks, workshops and participation. Lecture by Pete Vukusic of Exeter 1, University of Kent 3–7 September www.iop.org/activity/groups/ Education Group University. 7 November Recent Advances in Mixed and www.iop.org/Conferences subject/pol/index.html National Learning Centre, York Education Department www.iop.org/activity/branches/ Active Membranes Registration required Registration required 22–23 September Prior Pursglove College, London_and_South-East Meeting with invited speakers and www.pegresources.net/Home.html Guisborough, Northumbria poster session. Electron Microscopy and QuAMP 2007 University, Newcastle upon Tyne, Applications of Plasmas: Micro Biological Physics Group/Liquids Analysis Group Conference Conference on ideas and results at CONFERENCE/COURSE Hartlepool College of Further to Nano Scale and Complex Fluids Group (EMAG 2007) the forefront of research. Education Meeting with invited and 76 Portland Place, London W1 Conference with speakers, technical University College London Emergent Themes in 16 & 17 October contributed speakers. 23–24 July workshops, exhibition and posters. Atomic, Molecular, Optical and Biophysics www.iop.org/activity/education/ Ion and Plasma Surface www.iop.org/Conferences Electron Microscopy and Analysis Plasma Physics Division Day one: a research meeting on index.html Interactions Group Registration required Group 10–13 September emerging technologies in 76 Portland Place, London W1 Glasgow Caledonian University/ www.iop.org/Conferences biophysics. Day two: a course for Energy Management Group 7 November SYMPOSIUM University of Glasgow, Glasgow Registration required students and postdoctoral Lecture on electricity supply by www.iop.org/activity/groups/ 3–7 September research assistants considering Lord F. Tombs. subject/ipsi/index.html Dynamic Nuclear www.iop.org/Conferences Sensors and their a career in biological physics. Energy Management Group Polarisation Symposium Registration required Applications XIV Biological Physics Group 76 Portland Place, London W1 Experimental Techniques in Meeting to discuss progress in Conference on sensors, Manchester Institute of 17 October Semiconductor Research nuclear magnetic resonance Current Research in Combustion instrumentation and measurement. Biotechnology, University of www.iop.org/activity/groups/ One-day course aimed primarily at research involving dynamic Forum for research students and Instrument Science and Technology Manchester professional/emg/index.html new researchers. nuclear polarisation. early-career researchers. Group 17–18 September Semi-conductor Physics Group BRSG Group Combustion Physics Group Liverpool John Moores University www.iop.org/Conferences East Midlands Conference Centre, University of Nottingham Faculty of Engineering, 11–13 September Nottingham 29–31 August Loughborough University www.iop.org/Conferences 13 November www.iop.org/Conferences 4 September Registration required www.iop.org/Conferences Call for papers and registration www.iop.org/activity/groups/ open subject/comb/index.html

Recent Advances in Mixed and Active Membranes 23–24 July 2007 The Institute of Physics, London, UK Organised by the Biological Physics Group and the Liquids and Complex Fluids Group of the Institute of Physics

Recently we have seen a number of exciting new studies on the dynamics of membranes and membrane proteins, the micromanipulation of membranes into vesicles and tubes, the phase behaviour of mixed membranes, and the effects of polymers, motors and channels on membranes. Each of these fields offers novel combinations of physics, chemistry and biology and promises further insights into the living cell, as well as potential industrial application in pharmaceuticals, personal care products and beyond.

This meeting will explore recent progress and possible future developments in some of these areas.

For further information, select “Forthcoming Institute Conferences” at www.iop.org/Conferences.

Interactions July 2007 8 matters ‘Time and Space’ well worth the wait Heather Pinnell explored the new astronomy galleries and planetarium at the Royal Observatory Greenwich.

For most of its 330 year existence the Royal Observa- More sophisticated interactive games include “Grav- tory Greenwich (ROG) has tried to keep a foot in two ity modelling”, in which the player arranges solid three- camps, rather like the tourists who are eager to straddle dimensional dice on a stand, allowing a computer to both sides of the meridian line that passes through its pick up their positions and turn the configuration into site. It has been the keeper of a historic tradition of a computer simulation of astronomical objects. It proj- astronomy in the UK while keeping up with the cutting ects their future positions when the player alters edge of scientific research and, until the work moved to parameters such as mass and velocity, so that some- Herstmonceux in the 1950s and 1960s, being an active times they crash and coalesce or bounce, and some- player in astrophysics. times a smaller object begins to orbit a larger one. The ROG’s new planetarium and astronomy galleries One of the most popular activities in this gallery reflect this dual identity. Opened by the Queen in May, appeared to be a space mission simulation, in which

the new facilities are the final phase in its Time and players, acting singly or with two or three others, help Courtesy of the National Maritime Museum Space Project, which has taken five years to complete. to design and launch a spacecraft. They can decide on The earlier phases included the much anticipated Time such factors as the weight of the spacecraft and, closer to the present day, there is a mirror used on the Galleries, which opened in February 2006. depending on the outcome at each stage of the mission, Hipparcos satellite, which ended its mission in 1993. From the outside the South Building, which houses a scientist appears in a video to congratulate them on The most colourful part of this gallery is a screen and the new Weller Galleries dedicated to astronomy, is all their success or to tell them where they went wrong. bench covered with a mosaic of changing coloured pat- of a piece with the architecture in the royal park. Con- The “Astronomy inspires” gallery has a continuous terns. Visitors can move solid dumb-bell shapes onto structed in 1899, its decorated redbrick exterior retains video projected onto a curved wall, which explains the one of three numbered circles that appear on the bench. a late-Victorian appearance. Inside, however, it has history of the universe from the Big Bang to the present, Depending on their choice, part of the screen pattern been completely transformed into a 21st-century facil- and outlines some of the unanswered questions in cos- dissolves into one of several video clips of a real ity, with a broad spiral staircase and lift giving access to mology. There is only one historical artefact in this “The planets researcher talking about their area of work, from star the modern galleries, Lloyd’s Register Educational room, but it is an impressive one – an orrery dating move so formation to asteroids. While many young children Trust Learning Centre and the Peter Harrison Planetar- from about 1750 (pictured). This is still in working were attracted to the coloured lights, this installation is ium, as well as a café, toilets and a shop. order and shows the position of the planets in relation slowly in the likely to have the most interest for teenagers or adults The blending of old and new continues inside the gal- to the Earth, although Uranus and Pluto are missing wanting more substantial content. leries, where historic objects and charts used in astron- because they had not then been discovered. A guide orrery that Every hour there is a 25 minute show in the 120-seat omy since the 18th century rub shoulders with explained that the planets move so slowly in the orrery Peter Harrison Planetarium. Since the recent closure of interactive installations highlighting modern research that their motion cannot be detected by someone their motion the planetarium next to Madame Tussaud’s, this is now in astronomy and cosmology. standing by and watching. However, a person looking cannot be the only live public planetarium in London. Children So in the “Astronomy explores” gallery a thermome- at it and returning a week later will notice that the plan- under seven are not admitted to the show in case the ter used by Herschel to measure the heat produced by ets have moved, he said rather disconcertingly. detected by loud noises and dark frighten them. Certainly the show different colours of the spectrum sits next to an interac- The last astronomy gallery is called “Astronomy has a stunning impact – watching a supernova unfold tive game on modern spectroscopy. Nearby a questions”. Here there is a Moroccan astrolabe dating someone gave the illusion of being showered by cosmic gas and 19th-century hand-held spectroscope is close to a from 1721 and a Persian one from around 1850; the standing by dust, and the clarity of the images was startling. The old demonstration of how diminution in a star’s light can eyepieces used by Herschel to discover Uranus; an London Planetarium has truly been eclipsed. be used to detect an extrasolar planet. This consists of armillary sphere from 1730, which models the solar and passing a ball on a stick in front of a light-filled globe system and was used for teaching and calculation; and Heather Pinnell is acting editor of Interactions. For more and watching the resulting change on an LED display. a planisphere from Philadelphia made in 1856. Coming watching.” information, see www.nmm.ac.uk/astronomy/index.html. particles Institute of Physics

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Interactions July 2007