Community News Archive
New chief for IoP during Einstein Year
Institute of Physics
01 February 2005
A leading educationalist has been appointed as the new chief executive of the Institute of Physics as the UK begins to celebrate Einstein Year – the biggest ever celebration of physics in the UK and Ireland.
Today the Institute announced that it has appointed Dr. Robert Kirby-Harris as its new chief executive, replacing Dr Julia King who left last year to become the Principal of the Faculty of Engineering at Imperial College, London.
Dr. Kirby-Harris, who will take up his new post from 4th April 2005, joins the Institute at the beginning of Einstein Year. Einstein Year is the centenary of Einstein’s three ground-breaking discoveries and a celebration of physics – communicating the vital role physics plays in developing new technologies such as hospital imaging, mobile phones and computers, and addressing big questions like how the Universe was created and works.
Dr. Kirby-Harris is currently the Corporate Director of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, where he has strategic responsibility for finance, estates, human resources and corporate services.
He has served at Deputy/Pro Vice-Chancellor level both at a UK University (Middlesex) and in Africa (Namibia), and also ran the research and consultancy company of Plymouth Polytechnic. A graduate in theoretical physics, he has been a member of the Institute of Physics and a Chartered Physicist since 1986.
Professor Sir John Enderby, President of the Institute of Physics said: “Robert is joining the Institute at a very exciting time and brings experience that will be vital in helping us ensure a flourishing future for physics in the UK; supporting the Government’s vision of making Britain one of the best locations in the world for science and innovation.”
Dr. Kirby-Harris said today: “I feel it’s vital that we enthuse young people about the excitement and impact of physics. I'm particularly delighted to be joining the Institute at the start of Einstein Year, which has communicating this enthusiasm as its central aim. As a physicist and educator, I'm looking forward to working with colleagues in the Institute and partner organisations to make this a really memorable year for physics.”
Dr Robert Kirby-Harris obtained a first class honours degree in Theoretical Physics (University of Kent at Canterbury) in 1973; and has a postgraduate qualification in Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics from Cambridge, and a doctorate in Higher Education Policy from Lancaster. He is a qualified teacher with a PGCE from Sussex and teaching experience gained in the secondary system (at Wakeford School in Hampshire) and at tertiary level during a Commission in the Royal Navy, which culminated in his appointment as a senior lecturer (with he rank of Lieutenant Commander) at the Royal Naval Engineering College in Plymouth. He has been a Member of the Institute of Physics and a Chartered Physicist since 1986.