TRIL Turns Thirty

For thirty years, ICTP's TRIL (Training and Research in Italian Laboratories) programme has been creating lasting international connections and collaborations, reducing scientific isolation, and sustaining the careers of young scientists from developing countries. Since 1983, when the TRIL programme started under the guidance of Giuseppe Furlan (professor of theoretical physics at the University of Trieste and a staunch friend of ICTP), it has trained 1283 fellows, given out 1993 grants and opened the doors of 417 Italian laboratories to TRIL fellows.

This year, the programme has new leadership under ICTP research scientist Joseph Niemela, in collaboration with programme coordinator Daniele Treleani. As the head, Niemela wants to continue the tradition of helping scientists from developing countries to build strong foundations for research. "It is important to recognize that excellent academic programmes in experimental physics cannot be overlooked for maintaining a solid research base," he says. "Active participation by early career scientists as members of a successful research team-which applies to any of the participating Italian laboratories in the programme-can shape how they approach doing research and problem solving throughout their careers," he adds.

To better facilitate the connections between scientists and host laboratories, starting with information exchange, the TRIL programme has recently re-vamped its webpages and has started an on-line application process.

"I think TRIL's success over the years in shaping careers can most easily be attributed to the extraordinary coordination efforts of Professors Furlan and Treleani," says Niemela. Looking ahead, Niemela wants to improve keeping track of the TRIL fellows' careers and measuring the programme's impact. "This will allow us to continually improve and shape the programme in a changing world. Finally, we need to keep doing what works," he says.