The International Union of Pure and Applied Physics (IUPAP) is the only international physics organization that is organized and run by the physics community itself. Its members are identified physics communities in countries or regions around the world.

The IUPAP was established in 1922 in Brussels with 13 Member countries and the first General Assembly was held in 1923 in Paris. It currently has 60 country members.

The Aims of the Union Are
  • Assist in the worldwide development of physics and promote physics as an essential tool for development and sustainability;
  • Engage in the strengthening and improvement of physics education, particularly in developing countries;
  • Increase diversity and inclusion in physics, enhancing the participation and recognition of women and of people from under-represented groups;
  • Foster international cooperation and sponsor suitable international physics meetings;
  • Promote the free circulation of scientists and the open access to data;
  • Enhance the vital role of early career physicists;
  • Strengthen the links with physicists working outside academia and with other scientific communities;
  • Uphold openness, honesty and integrity in the practice, application and promotion of physics;
  • Promote international agreements on symbols, units, nomenclature and standards.

The Union is governed by its General Assembly which meets every three years. The Council is its top executive body, supervising the activities of specialized International Commissions, Affiliated Commissions and Working Groups.

As one of the basic sciences, physics relates to all branches of natural science. Many of the most exciting developments take place in the border areas between different disciplines. To cover interdisciplinary activities IUPAP maintains close liaison with several of the other Unions. In some cases this collaboration is manifested in the form of associate members of IUPAP Commissions. The Union also participates in many of the International Science Council Inter-Union Commissions and global projects.

The IUPAP endorses and sponsors international conferences and workshops promoting diversity and inclusion among participants, speakers and committee members. IUPAP Commissions are directly involved in the conference selection within their sub-field and, in certain cases, in the organization of the conferences. Conferences and meetings of the International Commissions are mainly supported from funds derived from the members of IUPAP. These funds are also used to meet the administrative expenses of the Union.

The IUPAP sponsors a number of awards for scientists at different stages of their careers.