NITheCS and ICTP sign MOU

NITheCS and ICTP have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen their collaboration and support of basic and computational science.

NITheCS and the Abdus Salam International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP) in Trieste, Italy, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the World Science Forum in Cape Town on 7 December 2022. This will strengthen their collaboration and support of basic and computational science in South Africa. The MoU was signed by Prof Atish Dabholkar, ICTP Director, and Prof Francesco Petruccione, Interim Director of NITheCS, in the presence of Dr Blade Nzimande, South African Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation. The agreement will see the two institutes working together on a range of initiatives. These include the development of theoretical and computational research and education in South Africa, and the exchange of scientists and students between the two countries. International opportunities “We are thrilled to be partnering with NITheCS to support the growth of theoretical physics in South Africa,” said Prof Dabholkar. “This collaboration will provide valuable international opportunities for South African scientists and students and those at ICTP to work together and advance their research.”

Dr Nzimande also commented on the agreement, saying, “This partnership will not only provide important support for basic science in South Africa, but also serve as a model for future international collaborations in the field.” The MoU is a significant step forward in the relationship between ICTP and NITheCS. “It will have a positive impact on the development of theoretical and computational sciences in South Africa and Africa,” said Prof Petruccione. ICTP is a unique institution that explores fundamental scientific questions at the highest level, promotes active engagement with scientists in developing countries, and advances international cooperation through science. Its scientists conduct rigorous world-class, curiosity-driven research in frontier and interdisciplinary science ranging from string theory, cosmology, and black holes to quantum computing, climate science, and quantitative life sciences.

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