The American Institute of Physics (AIP) is a not-for-profit membership corporation which began in 1931 for the purpose of promoting the advancement and diffusion of the knowledge of physics and its application to human welfare. Its members are leading societies in the fields of physics and astronomy, and its activities include providing services to its member societies in publishing, finance, and education. The responsibility of Public Information Division is to promote the public's knowledge and appreciation of physics, and facilitate communication among physicists, policy makers, and the public. In 2000, the name was changed to Media and Government Relations Division.