All sections were formed in the 1930s except for the Texas Section, which was established in 1982, fifty years after the first, the New England Section. Distant travel was not so prevalent back then and, for many, these sections were the focus of physics communications. Regional physics activities are still vital, even in our fast-paced mobile world. Industrial-academic interactions are typically local phenomena, as are many professional collaborations that enhance our research, teaching, and pleasure of doing physics. Students from physics departments feed local industry and graduate schools.
Faculty are a resource of technical expertise for industry and government laboratories.
Industry, in turn, often provides regional departments with a technical focus, internships, and support. Regional meetings enable faculty and students from small departments to become connected to the broader physics community. Section meetings draw professors, undergraduate and graduate students, retirees, and physicists working in local industry together to discuss a diverse range of research or educational issues. Meetings are usually informal and attendees tend to get to know each other well. Sections develop unique characters to suit their region's membership.