ICTP is Community

Late summer at ICTP is always a time of transition: a moment to honor the extraordinary accomplishments of our graduating scholars and welcome those just beginning their path.

This year, on 26 August, ICTP celebrated this annual passage at the 2026 Post Graduate Diploma Ceremony, awarding diplomas to 42 students from 24 countries. Hearing the graduates share their personal reflections was a deeply moving experience for everyone present. For our faculty and staff, their stories are a powerful reminder of why we do this work and what it truly means to support young scientists from across the globe.

A central theme throughout the students' testimonials was the profound sense of community they experienced in Trieste. Graduates spoke of the lasting bonds formed with peers, professors, and advisors, emphasizing that this network of support was essential to their success. Sharing their cultures, personal stories, and common aspirations is ultimately what our students treasure most about their time at ICTP.

Reflecting this spirit, Prof. Mikhail Kiselev, Head of the Diploma Program, reminded the class that their connection to the Centre is lifelong: "Instead of saying goodbye," he told the graduates, "say 'see you soon'"

That enduring connection is what brings so many alumni back to support the next generation. Today, many of ICTP’s most dedicated donors were once students here themselves:

• The Shafi Prize: Awarded this year to Nathasya Abenita Christien for outstanding academic achievement, the prize was established by Qaisar Shafi—a former student of ICTP founder Abdus Salam—and his wife, Monika.
• Supporting Future Talent: Adnan Shihab-Eldin, an ICTP participant since the 1960s, recently launched a giving challenge to support both the Scientists at Risk program and the Karim Aoudia Memorial Scholarship Fund.
• Long-Term Vision: Development Advisory Board Chair Ashvin B. Chhabra, along with Stephen and Vincent Della Pietra (anchor donors to the ICTP 2.0 Campaign), all trace their relationship with the Centre back to their early days as young researchers.

As ICTP's global reach grows, so does our community of supporters. Donors make a vital impact across all areas of our mission—from the planned International Science Complex at the Adriatico Guest House to fellowships, associateships, and the Diploma Program itself. Most recently, a generous new grant from The Foundation of Light in Canada was awarded to fund an incoming Diploma student from Africa for the upcoming academic year.

From all of us here at ICTP, a big thank you to our entire community of donors and alumni!

For our community members who might be interested in supporting a Diploma scholarship, either annually or through an endowment, please contact Amy Buchan Baldonieri at abaldoni@ICTP.it or +39 040 2240 4179.