American Physical Society: Advancing the Global Knowledge of Physics
The American Physical Society (APS) is a premier non-profit membership organization dedicated to professionals in physics and related scientific disciplines. With a membership of approximately 50,000 individuals, the society serves as a critical hub for the advancement and diffusion of physics knowledge worldwide. Based in College Park, Maryland, the APS operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and is a member society of the American Institute of Physics.
Led by CEO Jonathan Bagger since January 2021 and President John Doyle, the APS facilitates scientific progress through the publication of prestigious journals, the organization of over twenty annual science meetings, and the management of nearly fifty specialized divisions and sections.
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Key Facts
- Founded: May 20, 1899, at Columbia University.
- Mission: To advance and diffuse the knowledge of physics.
- Membership: Approximately 50,000 professionals.
- Publications: 17 international research journals and the Physics Today monthly magazine.
- Structure: 47 units including divisions, forums, topical groups, and geographical sections.
- Legal Status: 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
History and Evolution
The APS was established by thirty-six physicists who gathered at Columbia University in 1899. In its early years, the society focused primarily on hosting scientific meetings. A pivotal shift occurred in 1913 when the APS took over the operation of the Physical Review, a journal originally founded at Cornell University in 1893. This marked the beginning of the society's role as a major scientific publisher.
As the field of physics expanded, so did the society's publications. Reviews of Modern Physics was launched in 1929, followed by Physical Review Letters in 1958. To accommodate the proliferation of physics sub-fields, the Physical Review was eventually subdivided into five separate sections.
Following World War II, increased federal funding and a rise in public scientific engagement during the 1960s broadened the APS's scope. The society expanded into governmental affairs, international cooperation, education, and media relations. Notable milestones include the 1999 centennial meeting in Atlanta and the 2005 World Year of Physics, which celebrated the 100th anniversary of Albert Einstein's annus mirabilis and led to the creation of the distributed computing project, Einstein@Home.
Identity and Branding
In 2005, a member poll indicated a preference for the name "American Physics Society." However, the Executive Board abandoned the change due to legal reasons. To bridge this gap and improve public recognition, the society adopted the branding "APS Physics," later introducing a new logo on November 1, 2022.
Scientific Publications
The APS is a powerhouse of scientific literature, publishing 17 international research journals and maintaining Physics, an open-access news and commentary website. All members receive Physics Today, published by the American Institute of Physics (AIP).
| Journal | Focus Area | Access Type |
|---|---|---|
| Physical Review Letters (PRL) | Fundamental research in all physics fields | Standard |
| Physical Review X (PRX) | Pure, applied, and interdisciplinary physics | Open Access |
| Reviews of Modern Physics (RMP) | Broad fundamental physics reviews | Standard |
| Physical Review A (PRA) | Atomic, molecular, and optical physics | Standard |
| Physical Review B (PRB) | Condensed matter and materials physics | Standard |
| Physical Review C (PRC) | Nuclear physics | Standard |
| Physical Review D (PRD) | Particles, fields, gravitation, and cosmology | Standard |
| Physical Review E (PRE) | Statistical, nonlinear, and soft matter physics | Standard |
| PRX Quantum | Quantum information science and technology | Open Access |
| PRX Life | Quantitative biological research | Open Access |
Organizational Structure
The APS is organized into 47 units to represent the diverse interests of the physics community:
- Divisions: 18 specialized groups covering research areas such as Astrophysics, Biological Physics, and Quantum Information. The Division of Atomic, Molecular & Optical Physics (DAMOP), created in 1943, is the oldest.
- Forums: 9 groups focusing on broader issues, including Diversity and Inclusion, Education, and Physics and Society.
- Sections: 11 geographical regions, such as the New England and Texas sections.
- Topical Groups: 12 groups for specific niches, including Data Science, Medical Physics, and the Physics of Climate.
Education and Outreach Programs
The APS is deeply committed to fostering the next generation of physicists and improving inclusivity within the field.
Academic Support and Diversity
- APS Bridge Program: Provides funding and mentoring to help underrepresented minority students earn doctoral degrees in physics.
- Scholarship for Minority Undergraduate Physics Majors: Established in 1980 to increase the number of underrepresented minorities receiving bachelor's degrees.
- Conferences for Undergraduate Women and Gender Minorities: Regional three-day events providing professional networking and graduate school guidance.
Professional Development and Teaching
- Physics Teacher Education Coalition (PhysTEC): A joint project with the American Association of Physics Teachers to modernize teacher preparation programs.
- New Faculty Workshop: Co-sponsored workshops introducing new physics and astronomy faculty to pedagogical practices and time management.
- Careers in Physics: A dedicated job board and resource center for professional development.
Public Engagement
The society's outreach efforts aim to communicate the importance of physics to the general public. This includes PhysicsCentral, an educational website, and the Historic Physics Sites Initiative, which commemorates significant physics landmarks across the United States.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary mission of the American Physical Society?
The primary mission of the APS is to advance and diffuse the knowledge of physics through scientific publications, meetings, and educational outreach.
Which journals are published by the APS?
The APS publishes 17 international research journals, most notably the Physical Review series (including A, B, C, D, E, and Applied) and Physical Review Letters.
How does the APS support underrepresented minorities in physics?
The APS supports underrepresented minorities through the Bridge Program for doctoral studies, scholarships for undergraduate majors, and specialized conferences for women and gender minorities.
What is the difference between APS Divisions and Forums?
Divisions focus on specific areas of physics research (e.g., Nuclear Physics), while Forums address broader professional or societal issues (e.g., Diversity and Inclusion or Physics and Society).
Who currently leads the American Physical Society?
As of the current records, the society is led by CEO Jonathan Bagger and President John Doyle.