Stachel new Deutsche Physikalische Gesellschaft president

European Physical Society

Johanna Stachel new DPG president

By DPG. Published on 22 May 2012 in:
News, Deutsche Physikalische Gesellschaft, Germany, University of Heidelberg

Johanna Stachel took office as president of the Deutsche Physikalische Gesellschaft [DPG] on 16 March this year. Stachel, a professor of experimental physics at the University of Heidelberg, is the first female physicist to head the DPG since its founding in 1845.

Stachel presented her presidential agenda during her inaugural speech, which took place in the Magnus-Haus Berlin. Besides the promotion of fundamental research, the main concerns of the new president are education, the training of physics teachers and the encouragement of women in physics – with focus on equal opportunity.

Furthermore, Stachel is planning both to expand the programs for physicists in industry and to emphasise the role of the DPG in advising governmental policy.

Stachel succeeds Wolfgang Sandner, who now assumes the position of vice-president from his predecessor, Gerd Litfin. The presidency of the DPG is a voluntary position, with a two year term.

The DPG is the oldest physical society and – with over 61,000 members – the largest in the world.

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Particle physics outreach database launched by IPPOG

A database of resources and tools for particle physics education and outreach has been published by the International Particle Physics Outreach Group. The collection aims to help and inspire physicists, communicators and teachers with useful and imaginative ways of teaching students and the public about particle physics.

“The idea behind the database was to create a basket of tools where people can go and dip in and use them for their own needs,” says Lisa Mc Carthy, the IPPOG staff member who helped to set up the database.

Submissions to the resource library can be made by anyone - after registering – extending the IPPOG tradition of sharing outreach tools, practices and successes.

The database can be searched by a number of parameters, including the learning topic, nature, intended audience and language. The site also features a rating system – similar to those seen on sites such as amazon and youtube – through which submissions may be reviewed by the community, with popular items earning featured status.

The database is still in its early stages, and the creators are inviting users to provide feedback, and make suggestions as to how it could be improved. Comments should be sent to IPPOG by email.

For more information on IPPOG, please see our article “International Particle Physics Outreach Group meeting”.