One Challenge After Another: the Butterfly Effect continues

The ICTP community united behind a common goal in late 2025 and achieved something extraordinary: turning a single "butterfly" into 100,000. Through the collective response to challenges set by Prof. Jagadish Shukla and the Simons Foundation International, supporters successfully quadrupled their impact, securing vital funding for the International Science Complex at the Adriatico Guesthouse.

Now the "Butterfly Effect Challenge" has now inspired another longtime ICTP donor and friend to create not one, but two extraordinary challenge opportunities.

Prof. Adnan Shihab-Eldin, a friend and supporter who has been connected to ICTP since the days of Abdus Salam has issued a generous challenge of €50,000 to support two vital new initiatives.

The ICTP global community now has the chance to double their donations once again and join Prof. Shihab-Eldin in keeping the momentum going.

Challenge #1: Remembering Karim Aoudia

Prof. Shihab-Eldin has pledged to match the first €30,000 that ICTP raises to support the The Abdelkrim "Karim" Aoudia Memorial Scholarship which will be awarded annually to an Earth Systems Physics or other diploma student from Africa or the Middle East.

This endowed scholarship—with a total goal of €300,000—was created in honor of Prof. Karim Aoudia, who passed away suddenly in October 2025. Over his nearly 20 years at the Centre, Karim exemplified the three pillars of ICTP’s mission: Scientific Excellence, Global Inclusion, and International Cooperation. He was a dedicated mentor who guided and inspired countless students throughout his career.

Every donation made to this fund up to €30K will be matched 1:1. Due to the generosity of many of Karim's colleagues at ICTP, we have already raised over €7,000 and counting toward the challenge. Please join us in remembering and honoring Karim.

Donate now!

Select the option “Karim Aoudia Memorial Scholarship”

If, depending on your geographic location,  the above link doesn't function, or if you are giving from the U.S., you may also click here.

Challenge #2: Safe Harbour: Supporting Scientists at Risk

ICTP has a long history of standing with scientists and students who cannot return to their home countries due to conflict or geopolitical instability. The urgent need for this support was underscored recently when five students became stranded in Trieste due to the conflict in Iran. ICTP has also supported scientists from Gaza, Lebanon, Ukraine, Venezuela, Sudan, Yemen, and Afganistan. The creation of this fund will ensure that resources are in place when urgent needs arise.

Prof. Shihab-Eldin, has pledged another challenge: matching all donations to the "Scientists at Risk" fund 1:1, up to €20,000.

Donate now!

Select the option “Students and Scientists at risk”

Double the impact of your donation by supporting one or both of these great causes and help ICTP keep the butterflies in motion!

If, depending on your geographic location,  the above link doesn't function, or if you are giving from the U.S., you may also click here.