Author: Hannah Means, Frontiers We at Frontiers are honored to share that Frontiers in Physics and Frontiers in Astronomy and Space Sciences have been added to the Recognized Journals list of the European Physical Society. This recognition reflects the community’s trust in our rigorous and high- quality peer review. We will continue to uphold a trustworthy peer review process to further our mission: to keep science open for everyone. Frontiers in Physics, a multidisciplinary journal established in 2013, features 22 sections that cover all areas of physics, from theoretical, to computational, to experimental. Some of the largest sections include Condensed Matter Physics, Optics and Photonics, and Social Physics. The journal is led by Field Chief Editor Professor Alex Hansen (Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Norway). As of January 2026, Frontiers in Physics contains over 5,500 articles and 54,000 citations across all sections, corresponding to an Impact Factor of 2.1 and CiteScore of 4.6. Frontiers in Astronomy and Space Sciences is a multidisciplinary journal established in 2014. Field Chief Editor Julio Navarro (University of Victoria, Canada) leads the journal, which contains 14 sections that explore all areas of astronomy and space sciences. Some of the largest sections include Cosmology, Space Physics, and Stellar and Solar Physics. As of January 2026, Frontiers in Astronomy and Space Sciences contains over 1,800 articles and 15,000 citations across all sections, corresponding to an Impact Factor of 2.6 and CiteScore of 4.7. Both journals are indexed in Scopus, Web of Science (SCIE), the DOAJ, and more. Additionally, both journals accept a wide range of article types, including but not limited to original research articles, reviews, perspectives, and methods. Dedicated editors and reviewers in each journal help handle and review these articles. We at Frontiers sincerely thank our editorial boards for helping us achieve this recognition. Through this new collaboration, we are eager to make new connections across the European Physical Society. We look forward to supporting EPS members and the wider community by publishing rigorous, impactful research across physics and the space sciences.
EPS Executive Committee and Staff activities in 2026
You will find below the activities of the members of the EPS Executive Committee and of the EPS Staff. January 7th, 13th, 20th and 27th January: Alessandra Fantoni participated in the Energy conference meeting14th January: a meeting of the EPS Executive Committee was held online16th January: Alessandra Fantoni participated in EPS-EPLA meeting 23rd January: Alessandra Fantoni and José María De Teresa took part in the EPS finances meeting February 2nd, 9th and 16th February: Alessandra Fantoni and Gabriel Chardin participated in the meeting to organise the Energy Conference to be held in Brussels in April18th February: an online EPS Executive Committee meeting was organised 18th February: Karin Zach and José María De Teresa participated in a videoconference between DPG representatives (president, board member for international activities) and EPS (president, president elect and secretary general) to prepare a meeting of the presidents of the EPS member societies which will be held in Berlin in November 2026. In February, Gabriel Chardin did the liaising with the French Physical Society and proofread the report on Physics Education in Europe. Members of the EPS Executive Committee: Mairi Sakellariadou (EPS President), José María De Teresa (EPS President-Elect), Alessandra Fantoni, Anna Di Ciaccio, Brian Fulton, Christian Beck, Kristel Crombé, Eugenio Coccia, Gabriel Chardin, Karin Zach, Katharina Lorenz, Sascha Schmeling, Ulrich Husemann Members of the EPS Staff: Anne Pawsey (EPS Secretary General), Xavier de Araujo, Milan Milicevic, Ophélia Fornari, Chahira Boudeliou, Gina Gunaratnam, Ahmed Ouarab and Adriana Zerafa Members of the EPL Staff: Frédéric Burr (EPL Staff Editor), Kevin Desse and Tomy Zede.
Antonino Zichichi (1929-2026)
Author: Luisa Cifarelli Antonino Zichichi, an influential and leading figure in high energy particle physics, passed away on 9 February 2026 at the age of 96. Professor Emeritus at the University of Bologna, Benedictine Member of the Academy of Sciences of the Institute of Bologna, and founder of the “Ettore Majorana” Centre for Scientific Culture in Erice, he held numerous prominent roles in the international scientific community. These included President of the Italian National Institute for Nuclear Physics (INFN), the “Enrico Fermi” Historical Museum of Physics and Study and Research Centre, the European Physical Society, the World Federation of Scientists, and the World Laboratory. The conception and creation of the INFN Gran Sasso National Laboratories are credited to him. His contributions and decisive drive were also fundamental to the realization of major particle accelerators, such as LEP at CERN and HERA at DESY. His visionary project for a proton supercollider, named ELOISATRON and proposed in the late 1970s, had anticipated the LHC at CERN as its first phase and foreshadowed the Future Circular Collider (FCC) project, an integral part of CERN’s strategic plan for the coming decades. A true promoter of cutting-edge experimental research at the laboratories of Frascati, CERN, DESY, and Gran Sasso, he and his team achieved fundamental results in nuclear and subnuclear physics. These include the discovery of the antideuteron —the first example of nuclear antimatter— the discovery of new phenomena in QCD (such as the leading effect and effective energy), and the discovery of the first beauty baryon. He also established significant limits on free quark production in strong and weak interations, and on heavy lepton (t) production in e+e– collisions, the existence of which he first proposed, developing and testing a new method to search for it, which then led to its actual discovery. Furthermore, he pioneered original particle detection techniques, such as the preshower in calorimetry, and achieved intense R&D for new detectors within the framework of the CERN LAA project. Notably, he led the development of novel microeletronic chips and of the Multigap Resistive Plate Chambers (MRPCs) for measuring particle time-of-flight (TOF) with record precision; these devices still constitute the large TOF apparatus for particle identification of the ALICE experiment. His commitment to disseminating scientific culture was remarkable, innovative, and of immense scope, spanning articles, interviews, television appearances, seminars throughout Italy and beyond, and numerous books for a general audience on major themes and figures of physics. As for dissemination, it is worth mentioning the unique and still ongoing EEE project he has launched and successfully expanded over the years. This is a true astroparticle physics experiment carried out through a network of muon telescopes (each made up of three layers of MRPCs) installed in more than 50 high schools throughout Italy and all connected to the INFN CNAF computer centre. Together, these telescopes form an unprecedented observatory that combines teaching and research in physics, involving hundreds of students every year. His leadership in international collaboration for the study of planetary emergencies, advocating for a science without secrets or borders, leaves an indelible mark on the scientific community. The Erice Statement, which he co-authored in 1982 with Nobel laureates Paul A. M. Dirac and Piotr Kapitza, remains a milestone in the quest for a peaceful future in the face of ongoing nuclear proliferation threats. With the passing of Antonino Zichichi, we lose an eminent figure in contemporary science and a key player in physics at the turn of two centuries. We also lose an outstanding mentor who always offered great opportunities to all those who had the privilege of working with him and whose legacy will live on for future generations.
SCIENCE POP-UP by GSI/FAIR
SCIENCE POP-UP by GSI/FAIR becomes a permanent place to go for science enthusiasts in the inner city of Darmstadt 28.01.2026 | What started as a temporary project will now become a permanent inner-city institution in Darmstadt for the next two years: The SCIENCE POP-UP project, an interactive hands-on exhibition for science enthusiasts of all ages, remains at its location at Ernst-Ludwig-Straße 22 in the long term. This establishes the successful initiative of the GSI Helmholtzzentrum für Schwerionenforschung and the international accelerator center FAIR as a long-term point of contact for anyone interested in experiencing cutting-edge research first-hand. Since its opening in March 2025, the innovative SCIENCE POP-UP project has attracted about 10,000 visitors, including 55 school classes and numerous workshop participants. Initially planned as a temporary project lasting until the summer months, the interactive space was first extended to the end of December 2025 due to the overwhelming response. Thanks to the new long-term lease, it is now becoming an integral part of the inner city and the scientific landscape of Darmstadt. Exciting innovations are underway, as is the expansion of offerings for school classes of all age levels. As cutting-edge research breaks new ground in many areas and the FAIR mega-project on the Darmstadt-Wixhausen campus progresses extremely well, the interactive space will reinvent itself constantly while retaining its proven concept. This ranges from creative knowledge transfer for all interested parties to the targeted didactic support of future researchers. Casual pedestrians and school classes alike can discover the world of particle accelerators, the origin of the elements, and working with state-of-the-art technology in a playful way. Popular stations include the throwing game, simulating the production of new elements; the accelerator game, the cloud chamber, and the VR station. Using virtual reality headsets, the VR station takes visitors directly to the GSI and FAIR facilities. A qualitative analysis of the offering revealed: More than three-quarters of visitors rated the exhibition as “very positive”. The interactive and vivid presentation of complex content was particularly well received. Knowledge transfer was also measurably successful: before the visit, the proportion of correctly answered quiz questions ranged from 46 to 65 per cent—after the visit, the figure rose to over 85 per cent. A scientific evaluation conducted in cooperation with the Technical University of Darmstadt confirmed the success of the concept. Professor Thomas Nilsson, Scientific Managing Director of GSI/FAIR, emphasized: “Our SCIENCE POP-UP has demonstrated the strong interest in science and technology in Darmstadt. By establishing it permanently, we want to give even more people the opportunity to get in touch with our research. Our goal is to spark a fascination for physics in people of all ages – and we are succeeding in doing so here in an exemplary manner.” (BP) Opening hours and further information The SCIENCE POP-UP at Ernst-Ludwig-Straße 22 invites anyone interested to explore the world of cutting-edge research for themselves. Further information about offers and events, as well as opening hours, can be found on the GSI/FAIR website. GSI is an EPS Associate Member. Image credit:GSI
Richard Zeltner: Reflecting on my time as EPS Young Minds Action Committee Member
Author: Richard Zeltner When I first joined the EPS Young Minds Action Committee (EPS YM AC) in 2018, I was excited to contribute to the development of a programme which has a scope and vision that aligns very much with my own beliefs. I found it to be a valuable opportunity to gain insights into the operations and the management of a large scientific organisation, as well as to increase my professional network and gather experience in international scientific collaboration. Looking back at my time in the EPS YM AC, and as committee chair from 2020 to 2022, it is safe to say that my expectations on the professional learning and growth opportunities have been met. For example, during my time as chair, in particular, I had the pleasure to take on an active role in the organisation of the 2022 EPS Forum. This was the first time that I contributed to shaping a large scientific conference, taking responsibility for, and eventually chairing, several sessions. My engagement provided me with insights on many details of the logistics, budgeting and programming of the meeting that go unnoticed as a conference participant. It also allowed me to directly collaborate with senior and experienced delegates of the EPS and its national member associations. This extended my network in the wider physics community and was also a valuable learning opportunity on how to integrate many good ideas and visions of the meeting coherently into the programme schedule. I further initiated a webinar series together with Optica, allowing me to gain first-hand experiences in facilitating, managing and maintaining collaboration between scientific organisations. These, and many other, activities certainly sharpened and extended my skillset, benefiting my professional career beyond EPS Young Minds. Yet the very first associations that come to my mind when remembering my experiences in the EPS YM are actually about the people I have met and connected to. Personally, I completed all of my studies in Germany, and also after transitioning to industry, I never quite ventured out far enough to experience life abroad or academic systems in other parts of Europe and beyond. But the conversations I had about moving and living abroad, cultural diversity, different academic systems and struggles of the young minds I met, presented an incredibly enriching experience that helped me to vastly widen my perspective. This brought me a little bit closer to the 33 countries that are part of the EPS Young Minds network. I believe that most interpersonal skills cannot be learnt in the classroom or books. I have, however, found them to be highly valuable for my personal and professional growth. Connecting with people from different backgrounds and learning how to connect and relate to them, is a critical skill in today’s fast-paced and diverse work environments. My time in the EPS YM AC taught me many lessons on how to do so effectively.
EPS Plasma Physics Conference 2026: Final reminder for abstract submission
The 52nd conference will be set in the stunning city of Edinburgh from 29 June to 3 July 2026. The Annual Conference will be held across spectacular and unique venues carefully selected to host guests. The conference will be at the Edinburgh International Conference and Exhibition Centre, conveniently located in the centre of Edinburgh. Plasma physics topics that will be included in the 52nd conference programme include:
The 2026 EPS Plasma Physics Division prizes are announced!
2026 Hannes Alfvén Prize The EPS Plasma Physics Division (EPS PPD) is delighted to announce that Professor Philippa Browning of the The University of Manchester, UK, has been awarded the 2026 Hannes Alfvén Prize, “for innovative results that bridge astrophysical and laboratory plasmas addressing, through analytical insight and magnetohydrodynamic/kinetic modelling, the fundamental features of solar coronal heating, the onset of nanoflares, particle acceleration in magnetic reconnection, and relaxation of magnetic configurations in fusion devices.” 2026 Sylvie Jacquemot Early Career Prize The EPS PPD is also pleased to announce that the 2026 Sylvie Jacquemot Early Career Prize has been awarded to Elizabeth Grace from Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), USA, “for pioneering development of a novel on-shot laser imaging technique that enables the capture of plasma dynamics with unprecedented detail, advancing the understanding of high energy density physics, and opening new possibilities for research in fusion energy and fundamental plasma science.“ Details about the winners can be found on the division’s website.
IUPAP Early Career Scientist Prize, in Atomic, Molecular and Optical Physics 2026
Nominations are sought for the Early Career Scientist Prize in Atomic, Molecular and Optical (AMO) Physics 2025, which will be awarded by the International Union of Pure and Applied Physics through the Commission C15 AMO Physics (https://iupap.org/who-we-are/internal-organization/commissions/c15-atomic-molecular-and-optical-physics/)
The January issue of e-EPS is out!
Read the latest issue of our online newsletter here!
Highlights of Nanometa 2026
We are pleased to share highlights from the Nanometa 2026, the 10th edition of the Nanometa Topical Meeting, that took place in Seefeld, Austria, from 6th-9th January. Over four days, the meeting provided an outstanding scientific experience, featuring more than 130 accepted papers, as well as industrial and breakthrough talks that highlighted the cutting edge of the field. The program included two parallel oral sessions and a poster session, fostering stimulating discussions and valuable exchanges among attendees. We are proud to announce that the 2026 EPS-QEOD “Research into the Science of Light” Prize was awarded to: In addition, three EPS-QEOD Travel Grant Student Awards were presented for outstanding student contributions: We warmly thank our sponsors Attocube Systems AG and NKT Photonics, as well as our exhibitors SI Stuttgart Instruments GmbH, Heidelberg Instruments, and Ekspla for their generous support. Special thanks go to Professor Orit Wolf for the unforgettable piano concert, in which she presented a collection of intimate piano miniatures. We are deeply grateful to all speakers, session chairs, reviewers, and participants for making this event scientifically rich and engaging. Thank you once again to everyone who contributed to the success of Nanometa 2026. We look forward to welcoming you to the 11th edition of Nanometa in January 2028 at the beautiful mountain resort of Seefeld, Austria.