Scientific Philanthropy

Behind every philanthropic contribution to ICTP lies a unique story, but they are all united by a shared commitment to supporting the progress of science and the community it serves.

At ICTP, we have been privileged to receive generous personal support from some of the world’s most distinguished scientists — including Dirac Medallists, Fields Medallists, and Nobel Laureates — who have chosen to give back to science by donating in support of our mission.

Their philanthropy reflects a shared belief in ICTP’s unique role and strong support for our mission, which is grounded in three equally important foundational pillars: excellence, inclusion, and international cooperation. This means conducting world-class research in frontier areas of science while fostering an inclusive and vibrant environment for inquiry; advancing scientific excellence in the Global South through high-level training, research, and collaboration to bridge the global knowledge divide; and promoting science diplomacy by serving as a hub for international scientific exchange and peaceful cooperation among scientists worldwide.

Many of our donors have chosen to support specific needs aligned with these pillars:

• Some have funded travel and participation for students and researchers attending ICTP activities in Trieste.
• Others have sponsored the organization of workshops, schools, and conferences abroad — in locations such as Crete, Romania, Ghana, India, and Argentina — as part of our global outreach.
• Initiatives like Physics Without Frontiers have benefited from targeted donations, like the one from Prof. Edward Witten outlined in our March newsletter that help bring high-quality science education to underserved regions.
• A special fund for scientists at risk, particularly those from conflict-affected regions, was created thanks to a deeply personal donation from an eminent physicist.
• Recurring donations have also been instrumental in sustaining fellowships, scholarships, and scientific prizes, like those from Adnan Shihab-Eldin, featured in January or Qaisar and Monika Shafi featured last month.

These acts of generosity are often rooted in personal experience, a desire to give back, or the wish to leave a lasting legacy. Whether inspired by past challenges, strong ties to ICTP, or a belief in the transformative power of science, these contributions stand as powerful testaments to the scientific community’s dedication to nurturing future generations.

In the coming months, stay tuned for interviews with some of these prominent scientists as they describe their personal inspiration for giving back.

If you are interested in learning more about supporting ICTP, please contact us at advancement@ictp.it.

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