Physics teacher David Hutchings has been elected as a Fellow of the Institute of Physics in recognition of his achievements as a teacher and author and the impact his work has made in the sector.

Fellowship is the highest level of membership of the IOP, a scientific membership society working to advance people’s knowledge, understanding and enjoyment of physics. Fellows are elected by their peers to head a community which works with a range of partners to support and develop the teaching of physics in schools, to encourage innovation, growth and productivity in business, and to provide evidence-based advice and support to governments.

Dame Julia Higgins, President of the IOP, said: “Fellowship of the IOP is in recognition of David Hutchings’ achievements in physics and contributions to the profession. It confirms his position as a leading physics professional and his ability to progress the future of the discipline. We are delighted to welcome him to the Fellowship community and look forward to working with him to help us strengthen the voice of the Institute.”

Professor Paul Hardaker, CEO of the IOP, added: “As you would expect, we are passionate about physics education as physics teachers can plant the seed for a lifelong love of physics. We are therefore particularly proud to recognise the excellent work that David does as a teacher and author, and his delivery of training and support to other teachers. David is helping to create the next generation of physicists.”

Mr Hutchings has co-written a book, Let There Be Science: Why God loves science, and science needs God and contributed to A Teacher’s Guide to Science and Religion in the Classroom. He was recently invited to the New Scientist Live festival in London to talk about the books with the event’s thousands of visitors.

Mark Ronan, Headmaster, said: “Congratulations to David on his well-deserved IOP Fellowship. His enthusiasm for his subject is infectious and already inspires and energises our students to engage with physics in the classroom. I am confident the new partnerships and collaborations David will build through his prestigious fellowship will benefit pupils for years to come.”