The South African Institute of Physics (SAIP), in partnership with the Southern Africa Physics Network (SAPhysNet) — representing the Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries — has been selected to host the in-person IUPAP General Assembly (GA) and the International Conference on Physics (ICP) in October 2027.

The decision followed a competitive and rigorous selection process. After receiving four expressions of interest, the IUPAP Executive Council (EC) invited detailed proposals from the bidders and held online meetings with three of them (one withdrew before the final stage). Following careful consideration and voting, the EC selected the proposal from SAIP and SAPhysNet, recognizing its strong scientific vision, regional collaboration, and alignment with IUPAP’s mission to advance international physics cooperation.

The upcoming conference will build on the work of IUPAP’s Working Group 21 (WG21) on Physics for Climate Change Action and Sustainability, and its tentative title is:

“Physics for Regenerative Development: Equitable Wellbeing on a Healthy, Lively Planet.”

Igle Gledhill, IUPAP’s Vice President for Membership and Development and Secretary of WG21, and Rudzani Nemutudi, IUPAP’s Associate Secretary General, will serve on the Local Organizing Committee.

Further details about the event will be shared as planning advances — stay tuned for updates.
We look forward to gathering the international physics community in South Africa in 2027 for what promises to be an inspiring and impactful meeting.