Fundraising Challenge Met!

Another Challenge has been successfully matched! Thanks to the extraordinary generosity of donor Carl Feinberg—and a powerful wave of support across the ICTP community—the Physics Without Frontiers (PWF) Challenge target has been fully achieved.

Behind the scenes, PWF coordinators Bobby Acharya and Kate Shaw worked diligently to help rally the necessary matching contributions. The result is an inspiring demonstration of solidarity from dedicated sponsors and supporters, proving just how vital this initiative is to advancing science worldwide.

Prof. Acharya stated, “This year has been unprecedentedly successful for Physics Without Frontiers, with 30 projects taking place in 27 different countries. Much of this would not have been possible without the tremendous support of our donors and the ambition and drive of our PWF volunteers worldwide.”

Managed by ICTP, and coordinated by Profs. Acharya, Shaw and Natasa Stojic, Physics Without Frontiers teaches, trains, and inspires physics and mathematics university students in developing nations. By bridging educational gaps, PWF helps build the next generation of researchers, academics, and innovators in regions where advanced training opportunities are often limited.

PWF relies on a dedicated network of more than 100 volunteer scientists—PhD students, postdocs, and lecturers primarily hailing from the Global South—who give their time and expertise to mentor young scholars.

Each project is tailored to specific educational needs, combining:

• Hands-on Training & Advanced Lectures: Cutting-edge instruction delivered directly to host universities.
• Mentorship & Career Guidance: One-on-one encouragement for students seeking higher degrees or research opportunities.
• Science Diplomacy & Outreach: Fostering international collaboration, diversity, and engagement with industry.

To date, PWF has reached over 14,000 students in more than 60 countries. In 2025 alone, the initiative delivered 39 specialized activities across Africa, the Middle East, Latin America, and Asia.

Challenge Target Reached

A dedicated supporter of ICTP, Carl Feinberg made two contributions to PWF - a $12,500 direct contribution followed by a pledge for another $12,500 as a challenge to inspire others to support the program. With the matching contributions, that is a $37,500 impact supporting PWF, including speaker and participant travel and event and operational support.

Spotlight on Our Benefactor: Carl Feinberg

Carl Feinberg is a serial entrepreneur, investor, and philanthropist dedicated to making "leveraged investments in civilization" through his passionate support of curiosity driven, basic scientific research. A champion of fundamental science and higher education, he serves on the Board of Trustees at the Institute for Advanced Study (IAS), the NYU Arts & Science Board, and the KITP Director’s Advisory Cabinet, the Board of the Centre for the Study of Existential Risk, the McDonald Observatory of the University of Texas, Chatham House, and the Economic Club of New York.

His philanthropic leadership includes endowing the Carl P. Feinberg Institute for Theoretical Physics at NYU,  Chairs in Theoretical Physics at both the IAS and the Kavli Institute for Theoretical Physics (KITP) at UC Santa Barbara, as well as the Cross-Disciplinary Program in Innovation at IAS and the Rees-Feinberg Chair at the University of Cambridge Center for the Study of Existential Risk (CSER).  

Through his generous support, Mr. Feinberg advances scientific research across leading global institutions—including ICTP in Trieste, NYU and NYU Langone, the University of Cambridge, and the University of Texas - Austin.  

"I seek to advance civilization through my support of basic research and to preserve civilization through my active involvement in the Centre for the Study of Existential Risk," Mr. Feinberg said.

Gratitude to Our Global Community

The overwhelming response to this challenge speaks volumes about the collective dedication to accessible scientific education and the profound impact of global mentorship.

We extend our sincere thanks to Carl Feinberg for setting this inspiring challenge in motion, to professors Bobby Acharya and Kate Shaw for their leadership, and to all the sponsors, alumni, and supporters whose contributions pushed us over the finish line.

Together, we are ensuring that talent and passion—not geography—determine the future of science.