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News & Analysis
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Newsletter
December 2025
AIP Research Updates, December 2025
A product of the 2025 Research Agenda, this report considers the upcoming generational shift in scientific society leaders through interviews with 22 early-career leaders in AIP Member Societies.

In response to proposed changes in visa regulations, we look at enrollment and degree trends for international students, visa risks, and degree outcomes.

In April, department chairs told us declines in first-year students could reach 13%. In our first look, we estimate the decline is in the 7 - 9% range.

Enrollment in calculus-based physics outpaces enrollment in algebra- and trigonometry-based physics in two year colleges.

Looking ahead to 2026

In last month’s newsletter , I reflected on 2025. This month, I am excited to explore the possibilities 2026 holds for us. We will continue our core surveys to examine physics and astronomy enrollments & degrees, and degree outcomes for physics and astronomy degree recipients. In 2026, we will extend these surveys to include bachelor’s degree recipients in atmospheric science. Also in 2026, we will conduct another round of our academic workforce survey. We will roll out additional reports from our survey of physics in US high schools. We will publish our annual Rosters of Physics and Astronomy Departments in early fall.

We delivered reports and interactive tools based on our 2025 Research Agenda. The 2026 Research Agenda will be unveiled in January.

What can I do with a degree in physics?

Our Degree Recipient Follow-Up Survey is one of our core surveys. The graduates who respond graciously help us better understand what people can do after earning their physics degrees. Our two most popular interactive resources compile the results.

Who’s Hiring Physics Bachelors

Who’s Hiring Physics PhDs

Happy holidays!

If you have any questions or comments, please reply to this message or write to Susan White, Director of Statistical Research, at swhite@aip.org.

If someone forwarded this message to you, you can join the list by signing up for AIP Research Updates .

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