Science in the Middle East

ICTP and the University of Sharjah have signed an agreement for scientific cooperation between the two institutes, paving the way for joint research programmes, academic exchanges and conferences. The signing took place during the First Sharjah International Conference on Particle Physics, Astrophysics and Cosmology (FISICPAC), which was co-sponsored by the University, ICTP and CERN.

Established in 1997 and located in the United Arab Emirates, the University of Sharjah is a national, comprehensive academic institution that grants degrees at the diploma, bachelor, master and PhD levels.

At the signing of an agreement between ICTP and the University of Sharjah, ICTP Director Fernando Quevedo (centre, left) shakes hands with the University of Sharjah Chancellor Hamid M.K. AlNaimiy as His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council, Ruler of Sharjah, and President of the University (centre), looks on

FISICPAC's success offers a preview of the new agreement's possibilities. Some 250  researchers representing 24 countries participated in the conference, which showcased presentations on recent scientific discoveries in the particle physics, astrophysics, and cosmology fields. In addition, the conference also featured workshops on particle physics by Kate Shaw of ICTP's Physics Without Frontiers programme. Applied Physics and Astronomy major students at the University and others in the UAE attended the workshop sessions, and presented their research project posters at the conference.

Held in November 2018, FISICPAC was organized under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council, Ruler of Sharjah, and President of the University, who also attended the signing of the agreement between ICTP and the University of Sharjah.