New Executive Officer Announced

Smithsonian-Harvard Astrophysicist Selected

After an extensive national search, APS is pleased to announce that Dr. Kate Kirby, research physicist at the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory and lecturer in the Harvard University Department of Astronomy, has accepted the position of Executive Officer of APS

"Dr. Kirby will bring visionary leadership and commitment to the APS," said Dr. Cherry A. Murray, APS president. "We are thrilled at her appointment."

Dr. Kirby said she is elated about beginning her tenure at APS, July 13, 2009.

"Having served the Society for well over two decades as a volunteer on a number of committees, the Council and Executive Board, I am excited to be joining the APS leadership team," Dr. Kirby said. "I look forward to working with APS staff and the membership to advocate for physics in the public arena and to serve the community of physicists throughout the U.S. and the world."

  APS Press Release: Kate Kirby

Physics Graduate Education

Which Way Forward?

Directors of Graduate Studies from 66 of U.S. PhD-granting institutions met at the American Center for Physics in February 2008 to discuss trends and practices in graduate physics programs. The final report contains recommendations that emerged from major topics of discussion and includes a section on promising practices that departments and professional societies might adopt to implement the recommendations.

  Graduate Education Conference
  Graduate Education Report   (1MB)

2008 Annual Report

A Year of Increase

In 2008, APS increased in journal submissions, membership, and meeting attendance, released landmark reports and a new journal, continued growth in all its programs—education, international affairs, minority physicists, outreach, and women physicists—and surpassed fund-raising goals.

  2008 Annual Report