International Physics Center Envoy Meets with Students, Staff
Professor Bobby Acharya from the International Center for Theoretical Physics (ICTP) in Italy and Kings’ College in London visited the Birzeit University physics department on September 20, 2014. He started his visit by meeting with master’s students for discussion and feedback on the physics course they took last year under Kate Shaw, an ambassador to young scientists from ICTP, who also accompanied Acharya on his visit.
Acharya also gave a physics colloquium entitled “Beyond the Large Hadron Collider: What Next?” that touched upon the findings from the Large Hadron Collider that led to the discovery of the Higgs Particle two years ago. He discussed future plans for building more advanced colliders in different parts of the world. The colloquium attracted many academics and students from the university and the local community.
Finally, Acharya met with Professor Henry Giacaman, university vice president for academic affairs and the holder of the UNESCO Chair in Mathematics and Theoretical Physics. The two men discussed working together to encourage more physics students and young faculty members to participate in scientific programs and activities offered by the ICTP and the Federation agreement between the UNESCO chair in Mathematics and Theoretical Physics and the ICTP. Dean of the science faculty Wa’el Karain discussed with Acharya the situation of physics majors at the university and the challenges facing faculty members carrying out systematic research in physics.
The ICTP will be celebrating its 50th anniversary next month at an international event held in Triest, Italy (October 6-9, 2014). Professor Giacaman has been invited to participate in this, along with distinguished international guests.
Acharya’s visit was coordinated by physics professor Wafaa Khater, a regular participant in ICTP scientific activities and the recipient of a six-year associateship with the ICTP beginning this year.
More information on the ICTP is available here: http://www.ictp.it
