The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Ropar commenced the International Conference on Physics Education (ICPE) 2025 on a Monday, marking the beginning of a significant five-day event that aims to reshape and fortify physics education amidst the ever-advancing scientific and technological frontiers. This international gathering, stretching from December 16 to 20, 2025, is organized in partnership with the International Union of Pure and Applied Physics (IUPAP).
The conference has attracted a diverse group of physicists, educators, researchers, and policymakers from both India and around the globe. ICPE 2025 is dedicated to tackling the current challenges in physics education and delving into progressive educational tactics in tune with cutting-edge sectors like artificial intelligence and quantum technologies.
The opening ceremony featured Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood, the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, National Science Chair, and a physics professor at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, who attended as the Chief Guest. Prof. Anil Kumar Tripathi, Director of the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Mohali, was present as the Guest of Honour.
During his address, Prof. Sood highlighted the crucial role that physics education plays in bolstering India’s scientific infrastructure and fostering innovation. He called attention to the necessity for contemporary educational strategies that incorporate areas like artificial intelligence, quantum science, and virtual labs to equip students for forthcoming scientific endeavors.
The event also saw participation from notable scholars such as Prof. Manjula Sharma, Chair of the IUPAP Commission on Physics Education (C14) and a professor at the University of Sydney; Prof. Arun Kumar Grover, a member of IUPAP C14 and former Vice-Chancellor of Panjab University, Chandigarh; Prof. P.K. Ahluwalia, President of the Indian Association of Physics Teachers (IAPT); and Padma Shri Prof. H.C Verma.
ICPE 2025 covers a broad spectrum of topics, from the integration of artificial intelligence into physics education, advancements in quantum mechanics, the use of virtual laboratories and simulation-based learning, to active learning techniques, gender equity, inclusivity in physics, and the creation of affordable experimental tools for practical learning.
The conference has seen robust international involvement, with attendees from prestigious institutions like the University of Sydney, University of Washington, and CERN, among others. Esteemed international speakers include Prof. Paula Heron (University of Washington), Prof. Chandralekha Singh (University of Pittsburgh), and Prof. Marisa Michelini (University of Udine).
The leadership for ICPE 2025 is provided by Prof. Arvind (IISER Mohali) and Prof. Pushpendra Pal Singh (IIT Ropar), with support from Prof. Sudarshan Iyengar and Prof. Mukesh Kumar of IIT Ropar. The coordination of the conference is spearheaded by Dr. Radhika Trikha, CEO, IIT Ropar Technology & Innovation Foundation, iHub–AWaDH.
