The Divisions act as forums for reviewing research and development in their respective field of physics. Each Division comprises several Subject Groups coming within its area of interest and in collaboration with those Groups organises an annual or biennial conference. The Subject Groups are concerned with the specialist subject areas of physics, the Professional Groups with the application of physics in research, development and manufacture across a wide range of disciplines. In addition to arranging meetings and conferences, the majority of Groups produce regular newsletters keeping their members in touch with the latest developments in their field and providing information on relevant meetings organised by other bodies.
Some Subject Groups make bursaries available to help students attend conferences.
Several of the Groups are organised jointly with other societies with similar interests. Members may join Groups at any time by contacting the Membership Department or by amending their subscription form. Student members do not have to pay for the first Group they join.