Physics World Newsletter: Top 10 physics breakthroughs, IOP business awards, quantum centenary
It’s that time of year when Physics World editors pick the top 10 breakthroughs in physics for 2024 –there is some really amazing stuff across the whole of the subject. This week, you can also learn about some of the incredible hi-tech companies to have won business innovation awards from the Institute of Physics. Plus, get ahead of the game by checking out our launch coverage of the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology. Finally, do explore our brand new Jobs Hub – part of the Physics World Jobs Partner Network – a one-stop shop containing advice, support and help for you to take the next step in your career.
This week Physics World announces the top 10 Breakthroughs of the Year in physics. They range all the way from quantum and medical physics to condensed matter and space science. Read our article or listen to the Physics World Weekly podcast to find out more. The overall Physics World Breakthrough of the Year will be revealed on Thursday 19 December – so stay tuned to see who wins the title.
More than 80 hi-tech companies have been recognized by the Institute of Physics since its business innovation awards programme started 13 years ago. In the first of two articles, James McKenzie profiles some of the firms to have won IOP innovation and start-up awards this year. They include Oxford Ionics, FeTu, Covesion and Metasonixx. The latter firm, which makes sound-proofing metamaterials, also features on the Physics World Weekly podcast in which Claire Dancer and Alastair Hibbins explains how the UK Metamaterials Network is seeking to encourage commercial exploitation of these materials.
One of the most significant events in the International Year of Quantum of Science and Technology is a workshop being held in June 2025 in Helgoland – the tiny island off the coast of Germany where Werner Heisenberg laid the foundations for quantum mechanics exactly 100 years ago. Robert P Crease talks to delegates to find out what they’ll be discussing and wonders whether Heisenberg’s work was as definitive as he later claimed.
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The final word…
This could be a gamechanger
Physicist Christian Smorra from the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz quoted in the Guardian
Scientists at CERN have built devices that are capable of transporting antimatter with the aim of moving it to “any lab in Europe” so that it can be studied in greater detail.
Matin Durrani
Editor-in-chief, Physics World
Professor at Harvard University, Co-founder & Chief Scientific Advisor at HyperLight
1moamazing and well deserved. congrats!