The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Ropar on Monday inaugurated the International Conference on Physics Education (ICPE) 2025, a five-day global meet aimed at rethinking and strengthening physics education in the context of rapidly evolving scientific and technological landscapes. The conference is being held from December 16 to 20, 2025, in collaboration with the International Union of Pure and Applied Physics (IUPAP). Bringing together physicists, educators, researchers and policymakers from India and abroad, ICPE 2025 seeks to address contemporary challenges in physics education and explore innovative teaching and learning practices aligned with emerging fields such as artificial intelligence and quantum technologies. The inaugural session was graced by Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood, Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, National Science Chair, and Professor of Physics at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, as the Chief Guest. Prof. Anil Kumar Tripathi, Director of the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Mohali, attended the event as Guest of Honour. Addressing the gathering, Prof. Sood underlined the pivotal role of physics education in strengthening India’s scientific ecosystem and driving innovation. He emphasised the need for modern pedagogical approaches, particularly in areas such as artificial intelligence, quantum science and virtual laboratories, to prepare students for future scientific challenges. The inauguration was also attended by eminent academicians, including Prof. Manjula Sharma, Chair of the IUPAP Commission on Physics Education (C14) and Professor of Science Education at the University of Sydney; Prof Arun Kumar Grover, Member of IUPAP C14 and former Vice-Chancellor of Panjab University, Chandigarh; Prof P K Ahluwalia, President of the Indian Association of Physics Teachers (IAPT) and Padma Prof HC Verma. ICPE 2025 focuses on a wide range of themes, including the integration of artificial intelligence in physics teaching, education in quantum mechanics and quantum technologies, virtual laboratories and simulation-based learning, active learning methodologies, gender equity and inclusivity in physics, and the development of low-cost experimental apparatus for hands-on learning. The conference has witnessed strong international participation, with delegates from leading institutions such as the University of Sydney, University of Washington, University of Pittsburgh, Kansas State University, Ohio State University, University of Oregon, Chiang Mai University, University of Ljubljana, Uppsala University, University of Udine and CERN. Prominent international speakers include Prof. Paula Heron (University of Washington), Prof. Chandralekha Singh (University of Pittsburgh), Prof. Dean Zollman (Kansas State University) and Prof. Marisa Michelini (University of Udine), among others. ICPE 2025 is jointly chaired by Prof. Arvind (IISER Mohali) and Prof. Pushpendra Pal Singh (IIT Ropar), with organizational support from Prof. Sudarshan Iyengar and Prof. Mukesh Kumar of IIT Ropar. The conference coordination is being led by Dr. Radhika Trikha, CEO, IIT Ropar Technology & Innovation Foundation, iHub–AWaDH.