by InTrieste
In a poignant ceremony this week, the Abdus Salam International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP) celebrated its 60th anniversary, reaffirming its commitment to fostering global scientific collaboration, innovation, and inclusivity.
The event drew notable figures from the world of science, academia, and politics, including Fabio Scoccimarro, Friuli Venezia Giulia’s Regional Councillor for Environmental Protection, Energy, and Sustainable Development, who praised the center as a beacon of progress and equity.
Founded in 1964 by Nobel Laureate Abdus Salam, the ICTP has been a trailblazer in creating opportunities for researchers from developing nations, offering a unique space where science transcends borders and divisions. Its contributions have not only advanced theoretical physics but also nurtured an interconnected global scientific community.
Speaking at the ceremony, Councillor Scoccimarro highlighted ICTP’s role as a model of coexistence. “This center has always been and will remain an extraordinary example of dialogue and collaboration,” he said. “Here, differences in skin color, faith, and gender are not barriers but opportunities to pursue the ambitious goal of research and science for the benefit of humanity.”
The event, held in Trieste, a city historically marked by geopolitical divisions, underscored ICTP’s significance in bridging divides. Scoccimarro reflected on the city’s unique position as a hub for international scientific excellence. “The brightest minds in the world have come and continue to come to Trieste and Friuli Venezia Giulia, leaving a tangible mark on global progress,” he remarked.
The ceremony included tributes to Professor Salam’s visionary leadership, which transformed the ICTP into a global powerhouse. Under his guidance, the center welcomed thousands of researchers, particularly from underrepresented regions, fostering an inclusive scientific culture that remains a cornerstone of its mission.
Scoccimarro, delivering greetings on behalf of regional Governor Massimiliano Fedriga, emphasized the center’s alignment with the administration’s goals of promoting technological and environmental advancement. “We wish the ICTP a future rich with new successes, confident that its work will continue to inspire scholars and citizens worldwide,” he said.
The milestone also serves as a reminder of the pivotal role institutions like the ICTP play in addressing contemporary global challenges, from climate change to technological innovation. Its continued relevance, in an era of increasing geopolitical tension and inequality, reinforces Trieste’s reputation as a city where science, diplomacy, and collaboration converge.
As the ICTP looks to the future, its legacy remains firmly rooted in its founding ideals: a commitment to equitable access to knowledge and the pursuit of scientific excellence for the betterment of humanity.
