Dušan Repovš, University of Ljubljana, Slovenia How to improve fundamental research in developing countries: UNESCO diploma program in mathematics and physics at ICTP http://obc2012.outofthebox.si/

1. Dušan Repovš
Faculty of Mathematics and Physics and Institute of Mathematics, Physics and Mechanics
University of Ljubljana, Jadranska 19, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
dusan.repovs@guest.arnes.si | www.fmf.uni-lj.si/~repovs/

2. *January 29, 1926 – November 21, 1996
*Pakistani theoretical physicist
*Nobel laureate in Physics for his work on the
electroweak unification of the electromagnetic and
weak forces
*notable achievements: electroweak theory, Pati-
Salam model, Magnetic photon, Vector meson, Grand
Unified Theory

3. *founded in 1964 by Abdus Salam
*Sponsored by tripartite agreement between Italy,
UNESCO and IAEA
*ICTP provides scientists from developing countries
with the continuing education and skills that they
need to enjoy long and productive careers

4. *1964 – founded
*1966 – first course on theoretical nuclear physics takes
place
*1970 – UNESCO joins IAEA as full partner
*1971 – Mathematics added to curriculum
*1975 – First course on physics of environment held
*1982 – Scientific Council creates ICTP Prize
*1982 - First course on biophysics held

5. *1987 – High temperature Superconductivity Laboratory
established
*1988- Salam proposes creation of ICS
*1991 – Diploma courses in High Energy Physics and
Condensed Matter Physics launched
*1992 - Diploma courses in Mathematics launched
*1996 – Salam dies
*2001 – New research activity in Statistical Physics and
Complex Systems established
*2007 – ICTP holds Africa Day

6. *More than 120,000 visits since 1970
*184 countries represented
*20% of ICTP visiting scientists are women

8. *Opportunity for talented young science students
from developing countries
*Goal is to bring best students from some of the least
developed countries and educate them so they can
then compete for admission to the graduate
programs in any university in the world

9. Specializations:
*High Energy Physics (1991)
*Condensed Matter Physics (1991)
*Mathematics (1992)
*Earth System Physics (2006)
*General Physics (2007)

10. I term: II term:
*Topology *Abstract Algebra
*Complex Analysis *Partial Differential
*Real Analysis Equations
*Differential Geometry *Algebraic Topology
*Differential Equations and *Differential Equations and
Dynamical Systems Dynamical Systems II
*Differential Geometry *Ergodic Theory
tutorials *Algebraic Geometry

11. I term: II term:
*Quantum Mechanics *Statistical Mechanics
*Mathematical Methods *Advanced Quantum
*Mathematical Methods Mechanics
tutorials
*Solid State Physics
*Classical Mechanics
*Physics of the Earth System
*Advanced
Electromagnetism *Statistical Mechanics
*Quantum Mechanics tutorials
tutorials

12. *Total number of students since the beginning of the
Programme = 662 from 1991-92 to 2010-11 (20 academic years)
*Students who obtained the diploma = 602

13. General
Earth System Physics (36)
Physics (44) 6%
7%
High Energy
Physics (180)
30%
Mathematics
(167)
28% Condensed
Matter Physics
(175)
29%

14. Female (130)
22%
Male (472)
78%

15. Central Oceania (16)
America South 3% Europe (15)
(32) America 3%
5% (42)
7%
Africa (260)
43%
Asia (237)
39%

16. *PhDs obtained so far = 265
Mathematics High Energy
(85) Physics (91)
32% 34%
Condensed
Matter Physics
(89)
34%