APS units

APS units are your opportunity to network with colleagues of similar interests, find collaborators and mentors, and stay informed of new developments in your specialized fields and regions.
Connect on Engage
Engage is a platform exclusive to APS unit members, where you can connect with other unit members, network online, participate in community discussions relevant to your field, and more. Unit leaders can also find the APS Unit Handbook and more resources on Engage.
We invite you to learn more about APS units on their websites, and log in to your myAPS account to join the unit that best fits your interest.
Join the conversation on Engage
Divisions
APS divisions are organized around specific subfields in physics.
DAP engages in observational and theoretical investigation that relates to the study of physical processes in stars and other discrete galactic sources, galactic structure and evolution, the early history and evolution of the Universe, and the Sun and solar activity.
DAMOP focuses on fundamental research on atoms, simple molecules, electrons and light, and their interactions to play an enabling role underlying many areas of science.
DBIO focuses on the study of biological phenomena using physical approaches and in investigations into the physical principles and mechanisms by which living organisms survive, adapt, and grow.
DCP advances the understanding of subjects of chemical interest whose development depends strongly on modern physical theories or techniques.
DCOMP explores the use of computers in physics research and education as well as the role of physics in the development of computer technology.
DCMP concentrates on such topics as superconductivity, semi-conductors, magnetism, complex fluids, and thin films, investigating a broad range of applied and basic physics problems.
DFD focuses on knowledge of the physics of fluids with special emphasis on the dynamical theories of the liquid, plastic, and gaseous states of matter under all conditions of temperature and pressure.
DGRAV serves as a focus for research in all areas of gravitational physics.
DLS promotes laser science interests within APS and represents such interests with other societies by sponsoring events, awards, and educational programs.
DMP applies fundamental condensed matter concepts to complex and multiphase media, including materials of technological interest.
DNP is comprised of scientists and educators who study fundamental problems related to the nature of matter.
DPF is dedicated to the study of fundamental particles and fields, their structure, their interactions and interrelationships, as well as the design and development of high energy accelerators and instrumentation techniques for high energy physics.
DPB advances and diffuses knowledge regarding the nature and behavior of beams and the instruments for their production and use through opportunities for discussion and coordination.
DPP advances and disseminates knowledge, understanding, and applications of plasmas — assemblages of charged particles of natural and laboratory origin.
DPOLY focuses on the physics of natural and synthetic macromolecular substances.
DQI promotes the advancement and diffusion of the physics of quantum information, computing, fundamental concepts, and foundations, including theoretical and experimental research.
DSNP encompasses nonlinear science from dynamical systems and chaos, through pattern formation and spatio-temporal chaos, to fluid turbulence and complex systems.
DSOFT advances knowledge and builds community among the interdisciplinary group of scientists, mathematicians, and engineers working on soft matter physics.
Topical groups
APS divisions are organized around specific subfields in physics.
GCCM promotes the development and exchange of information on all high-pressure compression (static, dynamic, and shock).
Data science is a fast-growing and highly interdisciplinary field that is at the intersection of statistics, computer science, and mathematics. Applications of data science in engineering and both physical and life sciences are countless and increasing.
GERA fosters connections among physicists, engineers, and educators active in the generation, transmission, storage, and efficient use of energy.
GFB serves as an umbrella organization of atomic, molecular, nuclear, particle, and mathematical physicists, as well as quantum chemists, who are interested in the dynamics of “simple” systems.
GHP should interest physicists working in fields such as the partonic structure of hadrons and nuclei, heavy-ion physics, lattice gauge theory, jet physics, spectroscopy, and QCD at finite temperature and density.
GIMS advances the development of new instrumentation and measurement science and to provide a forum for discussions of these topics.
GMAG serves the magnetism community by organizing conference sessions of interest to physicists working on magnetism and its applications and by fostering interactions and meetings with other scientists and engineers interested in advancing and diffusing knowledge of the multidisciplinary field of magnetism.
GMED advances and diffuses knowledge of physics in various areas of medicine, such as the physics of imaging, therapy, and modeling, with applications in oncology, neurology, cardiology, as well as other diseases and normal physiological states.
GPER is dedicated to the learning and teaching of physics.
This member-organized APS unit advances knowledge concerning the physics, measurement, and modeling of climate processes.
This member-organized APS unit advances knowledge concerning the physics, measurement, and modeling of climate processes.
GPMFC serves as a focus for research related to investigating and testing the fundamental laws of physics and their underlying connections, determining fundamental constants, and developing and improving basic measurement standards, with special emphasis on the high-precision experiments that are characteristic of such research.
Home for the APS unit, Topical Group on Quantum Materials Synthesis (GQMS)
Forums
APS forums are centered on special interests in physics.
FDI was created in 2016 with strong support from APS leadership and other forums. The forum works to create a welcoming physics community where all individuals can thrive and contribute their unique perspectives.
FECS's objective is to enhance APS's ability to meet the needs of early career scientists, to offer them support services, and to provide them with an opportunity for increased inclusion and participation in the activities and decision-making of the physics community.
FEd serves as a space for member involvement in activities related to physics education, at all educational stages, from elementary to grad school and life-long learning.
FGSA enhances the ability of APS to meet the needs of graduate students. FGSA offers support services and encourages participation in activities and decision-making in the physics community.
FHPP brings together physicists, historians, and other members of APS with an interest in the history of physics and its impact on culture, education, and physics research itself.
FIAP enhances APS's ability to meet the needs of the industrial and applied physics community and helps APS take advantage of the evolving opportunities in the practice and application of physics.
FIP is an APS unit focused on advancing physics by fostering cooperation and communication among physicists of all countries.
FOEP’s goal is to increase the public’s awareness of physics by providing a forum within APS for the large number of physicists currently involved in a diverse array of outreach and public engagement activities.
FPS addresses social issues, such as climate change, nuclear energy and STEM education.
Sections
APS sections are organized regionally to allow physicists to connect with others in their geographic area.
EGLS brings together physicists, other scientists, and engineers from industry, government, and academia for topical symposia twice a year. All are welcome to participate in these meetings, and APS members are invited to join the section, especially those in the greater Ohio region.
FWS provides a platform to connect physicists in one of the most vibrant academic and industrial regions of the USA, especially those living or working in California, Nevada, and Hawaii.
4CS has a strong commitment to support the work of physics students and to give them opportunities to present their research and to meet physicists in the region by offering small, regional meetings of limited expense and activities that can reach more APS members and potential members, including students and industry physicists.
MAS serves the District of Columbia, Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia.
NES is a network of physicists from academia, industry, and government, as well as individuals interested in physics and related subjects in the New England region of the United States.
NYSS brings together physicists from industry, government laboratories, and academia and supports them through symposia, awards for students, outreach activities, and grants.
NWS facilitates the exchange of physics information and discussion among members living in the rather large area of the Pacific Northwest, primarily Alberta, British Columbia, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington, Wyoming, and Alaska.
PSAPS advances and diffuses knowledge of physics in Illinois, western Indiana, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, Wisconsin and neighboring regions to the west.
SESAPS advances and diffuses knowledge of physics within the Southeastern region of the United States, including the states of Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia, and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.
TAOAPS advances and diffuses the knowledge of physics in the Texas, Arkansas, and Oklahoma area.
Ethics information
Nominees for and holders of APS funding and recognition and official leadership positions are expected to meet standards of professional conduct and integrity as described in the APS ethics guidelines. Violations of these standards may disqualify people from consideration or lead to revocation of honors or removal from office.