IoP Schools and Colleges Lecture

The Institute of Physics Schools and Colleges Lecture has been delivered by a seriesof acclaimed physics communicators on an annual basis throughout Great Britain forover twenty years. The lecture uses demonstrations and interactivity to enthuse students and show how their classroom science relates to modern fields of physics. We are currently looking for an enthusiastic and inspiring physicist to produce and deliver the 2011 talk to audiences primarily of 14-16 year olds at approximately 35 venues organised by the Institute (this usually involves at least two talks pervenue).

Past talks have included:
Powering the Future: The Physics of Fusion - Melanie Windridge
How to Explore the Universe – Andrew Newsam, Liverpool John Moores University
Rock in 11 Dimensions: Where Physics and Guitars Collide! - Mark Lewney
Light Fantastic: The Science of Colour - Pete Vukusic, University of Exeter
Gravity, Gas and Stardust - Pete Edwards, Durham University
Our Planet, Our Future - Karen Bultitude, Laura Grant
Fantastic Plastic - Averil MacDonald, Surrey University
Music to your Ears - Wendy Sadler, Techniquest

Existing talks will be considered if they have not toured nationally and in the past the Institute has funded the tour with around £20k but we are happy to assist the presenter in seeking further funding if desired. If you are interested in taking on this prestigious role for 2011 please send us a two page proposal before Friday 7th May 2010 outlining the talk topic, your previous experience and indicative costs. We are interested in receiving proposals from all areas of physics but particularly the area of medical physics as we are keen to dosomething to mark the 100th anniversary of Marie Curie being awarded her second Nobel Prize.We will select a shortlist and these people will be asked to present a short talk at the Institute's offices in London. It is anticipated these will take place during the last week of May or first week of June.

For queries or to submit a proposal please contact:
Clare Mills
Project Coordinator
Education Department
Institute of Physics
76 Portland Place
London W1B 1NT
Tel: 020 7470 4965
E-mail: clare.mills@iop.org

Science cafe - 9 Feb - 8pm - Cryptic photons

Photons - information's best defence?
Speaker: Alex Clark, Electrical and Electronic Engineering

As we head into a new decade we realise that our lives are not only based in reality but stored, manipulated and sent endlessly through the virtual world in the form of information. Our phone calls, bank details, emails, passwords and PINs are constantly being exchanged and reviewed but it is important we ask the question "Is my information secure?"

A new vision of complete security will be offered at February's Science Café by Alex Clark from the Centre for Quantum Photonics at Bristol University. Particles called photons from the quantum mechanical world can carry information in an entirely secure fashion, giving new possibilities for technology.

We'll begin the evening with an introduction to quantum communication from Alex, take part in some demonstrations, and then discuss the advantages and disadvantages of information security and this new quantum communication technology. Check no-one's watching over your shoulder.

Tuesday, February 9th 2010 - 8pm - Cafe-at-Explore

At-Bristol, Anchor Road, Harbourside, Bristol, BS1 5DB. Telephone: 0845 345 1235 (local rate calls) or 0117 915 5000, 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.