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In times of hardship there are sometimes silver linings. Since its suspension of activities due to the COVID-19 crisis in Italy, ICTP has received a steady stream of support messages from well-wishers around the world.
In the latest such correspondence, a group of some 87 Vietnamese researchers-- including former Diploma students, Associates, a Dirac Medallist, a Fields Medallist, and joint SISSA students--sent a signed letter to ICTP Director Atish Dabholkar expressing their sorrow at the coronavirus crisis in Italy. "As those who have been and are being supported by the ICTP and SISSA, we are following the current events in Italy with apprehension and pain," they wrote, adding, "We cannot help thinking about the ICTP and SISSA, the city of Trieste, and the country Italy, where each of us preserves some of our brightest memories. We are writing to you to express our sympathy and support to all scientific colleagues and staff at the ICTP and SISSA."
The letter ends on a positive note: "We are certain that ICTP and SISSA will overcome the current difficulties and will reopen their doors once again to welcome researchers from all over the world. Please be assured that our thoughts are with you."
In addition, 25 prominent African physicists offered their support to ICTP, its host city Trieste, and to Italy in a signed letter addressed to Italy's honorary consul to South Africa. ICTP has also received offers of support from scientists in China.
"It's heart-warming to see what ICTP has meant to scientists around the globe," said ICTP Director Atish Dabholkar. "The Centre is extremely grateful for this gesture of solidarity from the international community. It vividly highlights for me the deep impress of the mission of ICTP, and the role it can continue to play in bringing the world together."
ICTP has suspended all on-site activities and has been teleworking since 10 March 2020, in line with national advisories. Many scientific activities such as Diploma courses, seminars and colloquia have resumed online. See ICTP's Scientific Calendar for upcoming events.
