Physics thrives when everyone can participate

Across the scientific community, creating spaces where people feel seen, heard, and supported is essential — and more important than ever to ensure physics remains a desirable field for study, career advancement, and innovation. Increasing access to STEM is healthy for APS, for physics, and for the students themselves.

APS activities help students find their footing, increasing the likelihood they’ll connect to physics long-term. These programs are grounded in our core values and guided by our mission to advance physics by fostering a vibrant, inclusive, and global community dedicated to science and society.

“I considered quitting the physics graduate program I was in,” says Arabi Seshappan, but she found that a graduate conference through the new APS Gender-Inclusive Physics Community “changed everything for me. I was suddenly surrounded by students going through everything I'd been struggling with alone.”

The program, which provides a space for student and professional physicists to connect with peers and advance their educations and careers, is APS’ newest community of practice. It has borne fruit, as well: in part due to her APS experiences, she says, Seshappan is now a Fulbright scholar researching condensed matter theory at the Université Paris-Saclay.

The Society has been fostering connections throughout its history, and in 2024, the National Mentoring Community celebrated a decade of providing mentoring and inclusive support to students pursuing physics degrees – students like Jaylyn Umana, now a physics doctoral student at the City University of New York and graduate scholar at the Flatiron Institute's Center for Computational Quantum Physics.

“Without meaningfully present mentorship during my undergraduate years, I would not be the scientist that I am today, and my NMC mentor Jack W. Simonson is a prime example of the kind of mentor I'd hope everyone would have the opportunity to encounter in their journey through the physical sciences,” says Jaylyn. “In times of great confusion and mounting academic pressures, Jack has always been there to help me correct course.”

By offering scientists at all career stages the ability to convene and connect with colleagues in their field, sharing shared life experiences and developing lifelong connections, APS communities like the Gender-Inclusive Physics Community and National Mentoring Community creates welcoming spaces for students and researchers to connect, collaborate, and thrive. These communities are open to all members, with a focus on strengthening our field through diversity, mentoring, and shared support.

Together, we are making science stronger. Learn more about APS communities and join us in our efforts.