Speakers

Professor Paul Howarth has gained extensive experience utilising his physics background working in research, operations, commercial and leadership roles. He studied physics and astrophysics and completed a PhD on the fusion programme at the University of Birmingham, and carried out postdoctoral research in Japan.

He worked for British Nuclear Fuels Ltd, cofounded the University of Manchester’s Dalton Nuclear Institute and served as CEO of the UK’s National Nuclear Laboratory where he led its growth and transformation for more than 15 years. He also served as a non-executive director at the National Physical Laboratory, Chair of the Association of Innovation, Research and Technology Organisations, and Chair of British Hydraulics Research. He gained an MBA at the University of Salford and is an alumnus from Harvard Business School’s Advanced Management Programme.

He is a Fellow of the IOP and the Nuclear Institute, and was elected as a Fellow to the Royal Academy of Engineering in 2014. He was awarded a CBE in the 2024 King’s birthday honours.

Paul is the IOP’s lead Council advisor and spokesperson for government funding of physics, supported by our VP for Science and Innovation, Professor Tara Shears. 

Update January 2026:

To ensure the IOP can play a leadership role in advocating for physics without any conflict of interest in light of her role as Executive Chair of the Science and Technology Facilities Council, our President, Michele Dougherty CBE FRS FInstP, will be stepping back from her presidential duties and her role on our Council.

Paul, who is already leading our response to the recent funding changes, will cover her Presidential duties with immediate effect and the IOP Council will discuss the next steps at its February 2026 meeting.