ICTP in the U.S.

In early May, ICTP travelled to the United States for a series of events that combined meaningful engagement with friends and supporters, and an important institutional celebration at the United Nations Headquarters in New York.

On both the East and West Coasts, ICTP organized a number of informal get-togethers, generously hosted by long-time friends and supporters—including the family of ICTP Founder Abdus Salam and members of ICTP’s Advisory Board—who welcomed guests into their homes. These gatherings offered a valuable opportunity to reconnect, share updates, and continue to celebrate ICTP’s 60th anniversary.

ICTP is charting a bold course for its future, grounded in three core pillars: scientific excellence, international cooperation, and global inclusion. With major infrastructure upgrades underway, new international partnerships forming, and sustainable funding initiatives being launched, ICTP is reaffirming and expanding its mission to support scientists—especially from the developing world—at the frontiers of research. 

In Los Angeles, we were hosted by Azeem and Aziza Rahman (daughter of Abdus Salam) and Saif and Mariam Rahman (grandson), with the participation of the Consul General of Italy in Los Angeles, the Honorable Raffaella Valentini, as well as Nobel Laureate Professor David Gross, who is a member of both ICTP's Scientific Council and its Fundraising Advisory Board.

In New York City, Michael Douglas--a member of ICTP's Fundraising Advisory Board--and his wife Nina Douglas, hosted a reception on the rooftop terrace of their home, warmly welcoming friends and supporters of ICTP.

As part of ICTP’s U.S. visit, the Permanent Mission of Italy to the UN and UNESCO hosted a high-level event at the United Nations Headquarters in New York on May 9 to celebrate ICTP’s 60th anniversary. A featured information session included powerful testimonials from three ICTP alumni, and a full article with photos and video is available here.

A reception in Princeton, NJ  was hosted for the second time by Daniela Bonafede-Chhabra and Ashvin Chhabra at their home. Over the years, Ashvin and Daniela have become increasingly engaged with ICTP—as supporters, donors, and through active involvement. Ashvin currently serves as chair of the ICTP Advisory Board. The gathering also brought together distinguished scientists from Princeton University, fostering meaningful dialogue and connection.

We also launched the first gatherings dedicated to ICTP Alumni—an exciting step in strengthening our global community. Alumni from Cameroon, Ethiopia, and Turkey joined.

Alumni interested in information about future ICTP meet-ups should join the ICTP Global Science Portal.

If you are interested in learning more about supporting ICTP, please contact us at advancement@ictp.it.

To support ICTP, click here. To learn about tax-deductible giving in the United States, please click here to request more information.