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Double Success for Durham Physics at the IOP Awards 2026
The Department of Physics at Durham University is celebrating after two members of staff were recognised in the prestigious Institute of Physics (IOP) Awards 2026. Dr Will Yeadon has been awarded the Daphne Jackson Medal and Prize, while Nikky Joyce, Assistant Technician and Mechanical Engineering Degree Apprentice, has received the IOP Apprentice Award, marking a fantastic double success for the Department.
The annual IOP Awards recognise exceptional contributions to physics across research, education, industry, engineering and technical support. This year's winners come from a wide range of backgrounds, with the IOP highlighting individuals who are helping to shape the future of physics through innovation, expertise and dedication.
Understanding the impact of AI on physics education
Dr Yeadon received the Daphne Jackson Medal and Prize for his pioneering research into the impact of generative artificial intelligence on physics education and assessment.
Since 2023, he has developed a programme of research examining how large language models such as ChatGPT perform in physics assessments and what that means for maintaining academic integrity. His studies were among the first to show that AI systems could achieve first-class marks in accredited university physics modules and produce essays that expert markers could not reliably distinguish from student-written work.
His research has also explored AI performance in coding tasks and benchmarked large language models against more than 1,000 physics questions, from GCSE level through to university textbooks. The resulting evidence base is helping schools and universities develop authentic assessment approaches that remain robust in a rapidly changing technological landscape.
As well as influencing discussion nationally and internationally, Dr Yeadon's work has informed policy development within higher education and contributed to international AI benchmarking initiatives.
Outstanding achievement from apprentice technician
The Department is equally delighted to celebrate the success of Nikky Joyce, who was recognised with the IOP Apprentice Award for his outstanding achievements as an apprentice technician and his already significant impact on research, teaching and engineering innovation.
Since joining Durham in 2021, Nikky has become an invaluable member of the technical team, contributing to projects that support world-leading research and hundreds of students each year.
Among his most notable achievements was helping to relocate a laser-cooled ultra-cold atom experiment to the Boulby Underground Laboratory, more than a kilometre beneath the Earth's surface. Faced with the challenge of installing a high-powered laser system where no suitable infrastructure existed, Nikky played a key role in designing, building and commissioning a bespoke laser-controlled area that met demanding operational and safety requirements.
He has also contributed to major improvements in teaching facilities, designing and manufacturing new laboratory workstations for optics teaching and helping deliver a new rooftop telescope dome that now supports both student projects and frontline research. Alongside his technical work, Nikky is a passionate advocate for technical careers and regularly supports outreach activities that encourage young people to explore science, engineering and technology.
Recognition for the very best of physics
Congratulating this year's winners, IOP President Professor Paul Howarth said:
Our award winners represent the very best of physics. Through their curiosity, expertise and dedication, they are expanding knowledge, driving innovation and inspiring the next generation of scientists. Physics underpins so much of the modern world, from healthcare and clean energy to advanced technologies and our understanding of the universe. The achievements we celebrate today demonstrate the extraordinary impact that physicists have in research, education, industry and beyond.
Professor Del Atkinson, Head of the Department of Physics at Durham University, and Professor Pippa Petts, Head of Physics Education and Scholarship, also congratulated both award winners, describing the recognition as a fantastic and richly deserved achievement.
Everyone in the Department is enormously proud to see Will and Nikky recognised by the Institute of Physics. Their awards reflect the breadth of talent within Durham Physics, from internationally influential educational research to the technical expertise that enables cutting-edge science to happen every day.
Congratulations to both on this outstanding achievement.