Robert Kirby-Harris comes to the Institute of Physics from Kew, but his links to physics go back a long way

As physics is devastated by declining student popularity and an ongoing series of course closures, Robert Kirby-Harris seems an unlikely saviour of the much-maligned discipline.

Dr Kirby-Harris, who was this week confirmed as the new chief executive of the 37,000-member Institute of Physics, spent the past two years at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew - most recently managing its estates and catering.

His PhD is in higher education policy, rather than in physics, and his background has been dominated by spells as a university manager - at deputy level at both Middlesex University and at the University of Namibia in Africa.

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But his relative lack of credentials in physics has not deterred his employers. Sir John Enderby, the institute's president, said: "Robert brings experience that will be vital in helping us ensure a flourishing future for physics in the UK."

Dr Kirby-Harris's first degree is in physics, and he has a postgraduate qualification in applied mathematics and theoretical physics. He has been a member of the institute since 1986. He has worked as a teacher and as a senior lecturer at the Royal Naval Engineering College in Plymouth.

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He said in a statement: "It is vital that we enthuse young people about the excitement and impact of physics. I'm delighted to be joining the institute at the start of Einstein Year. As a physicist and educator, I'm looking forward to making this a really memorable year for physics."