A Boost for Sub-Saharan Africa Science

Starting in 2027, ICTP will be welcoming 32 scientists from across Sub-Saharan Africa who have been selected as new ICTP Associates. As such, the scientists will be entitled to visit the Trieste campus several times for sabbatical stays of up to 60 days each visit, exposing them to ICTP's international environment, where world-class researchers explore cutting edge science and share their knowledge through conferences, schools and educational programmes.

This latest batch of new Associates is the result of a targeted campaign by ICTP to increase representation of Sub-Saharan scientists in the Associates Programme. Physics research in Sub-Saharan Africa faces major challenges, including gaps in human capital, infrastructural deficits and barriers to international collaboration, factors that have reduced the contributions of the region's physics community to developmental priorities.

"We welcome these 32 scientists from 13 different Sub-Saharan countries starting next year. They will play a key role within our Associates Programme in further strengthening our research and science diplomacy relations with the region, reinforcing our global reach," said Associates Programme coordinator Emanuel Carneiro.

ICTP Associateships are open to scientists at all stages of their careers, and are meant to help scientists from the global South overcome the sense of isolation in home countries where science is less developed. By giving these scientists the opportunity to remain in touch with experts and the most modern aspects of scientific fields, the Programme helps to eliminate brain drain.

ICTP Associates are active scientists in their countries and are expected to play a major role in the process of building their scientific communities, enhancing physics and mathematics education at all levels, and planning research projects related to the specific needs of their region.

Since the Associateships programme began in 1964, ICTP has supported the visits of more than 3000 Associates. Many have leveraged their ICTP experience to achieve success in their scientific careers. For example, ICTP Associate Omololu Akin-Ojo led ICTP's partner institute in Rwanda, the ICTP-East African Institute for Fundamental Research. Another ICTP Associate, Mary Teuw Niane, is the Minister of Higher Education and Research in Senegal.

For more details on how to apply to become an ICTP Associate, visit the Associateships web page.