European Physical Society: get involved!
Dear Readers,
In almost all discussions with colleagues and students about membership in a learned society the question is asked: “what’s in it for me?” Besides the purely philosophical answer, there are many practical reasons for why membership in a learned society can be a fundamental asset for every scientist.
The European Physical Society [EPS] is a platform for your activities and a voice for your interests. Are you affected by the decreasing number of physics students? Is energy your concern? Are you interested in the Bologna process and its consequences? Do you have a solidarity project with a developing country? Would you like to struggle for diversity issues?
Joining forces with colleagues – from different backgrounds and from every European country – will strengthen your workforce and enhance the visibility of your project. Interaction is crucial to give weight to your arguments. For many issues you can meet people who have already given thought about how to proceed – or are willing to do so.
On the other hand, a society is strengthened by the number and activities of its members. The more scientists who join in, the louder the voice of the EPS will be when defending your interests. Teacher training; evaluation of research and researchers; and open access publication are among the subjects for which the EPS has an opinion to offer.
Nourished by the input of its members, the EPS answers consultations from the European Commission. The EPS debates topics of practical interest in our Forum Physics and Society. Moreover, the large number of topical EPS divisions and groups proposes a wide range of workshops, conferences, prizes and other activities.
The European Physical Society is the learned society for European physicists. Don’t sit alone in your office: come and get involved!
Martina Knoop
EPS Executive Committee Secretary
