International Centre for Theoretical Physics
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The Abdus Salam International Centre for Theoretical Physics operates under a tripartite agreement among the Italian Government, UNESCO and International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) (both agencies of the United Nations) to foster advanced studies and research, especially in developing countries. While the name of the Centre reflects its beginnings, its activities today encompass most areas of physical sciences including applications. It is located near the Miramare Park, about 10 kilometres from the city of Trieste, Italy.
The Centre was founded in 1964 by Abdus Salam (Nobel Laureate).
Its main aims are to:
- contribute to progress in advanced studies and research in physics and mathematical sciences, particularly in developing countries
- facilitate contact between scientists from all over the world
- provide visitors, associate members and grant-assisted researchers with the facilities required to carry out original research
The scientific programme being affected at the Centre is conducted in close collaboration with the other bodies present in the Trieste-Miramare area.
- Theoretical Physics Department of the University of Trieste
- International Centre for Science and High Technology (ICS)
- National Institute of Nuclear Physics (INPN)
- International School of Advanced Studies (SISSA)
- Third World Academy of Science (TWAS)
ICTP staff scientists are international experts who do research at the cutting edge of their fields. Constant interactions with a large number of visiting scientists enable many of the Centre's research activities to remain at the cutting-edge. Scientists from developed and developing countries attending ICTP activities learn from one another in a stimulating environment that remains responsive to the needs of world-class scientists without neglecting the needs of researchers, particularly young researchers from the developing world, to remain at the forefront of their fields. The Centre sponsors a number of initiatives, including an Associates Programme, to provide research and training opportunities in physical sciences.
The basic requirements for scientific work at the Centre are a Masters degree or equivalent qualification in physics or mathematics, at least two years of post-graduate experience and proficiency in English, the Centre's only working language.
ICTP welcomes about 5,000 scientists each year. About 50% of the 100,000 scientists who have participated in ICTP research activities since the Centre's inception in 1964 are from developing countries. Visitors have represented some 170 nations and 40 international organizations. With more than 64,000 books, 443 current print subscriptions and full-text access to nearly 3,500 e-journals, the library has the biggest single collection of specialised physics and mathematics literature in the whole of Europe. Every month it receives 1,000 preprints from scientific institutes the world over.
