The Start of an Educational Journey

They come from developing countries as diverse as Burundi, Colombia and Viet Nam, but all 36 of ICTP's new Postgraduate Diploma students share a common vision: to enrich their knowledge of physics and mathematics in preparation for graduate studies in their chosen fields.

"Work hard, learn from each other, and don't be shy to ask questions to each other and to your lecturers," was the advice offered by ICTP Director Fernando Quevedo in his remarks during the official welcome ceremony for the new students, held on 21 October in Centre's Budinich Lecture Hall.

Quevedo stressed the importance of the students building cooperative relationships amongst themselves to succeed in the Postgraduate Diploma Programme, a course of study that he described as more demanding and disciplined than anything the students have experienced before. "It's important to work together and share ideas--collaboration in science is important, you can learn a lot from each other," he said.

The new class marks the 24th year of the Postgraduate Diploma Programme, instituted by ICTP founder Abdus Salam in 1991 as an intense, 12-month course of study for students coming from developing countries that lacked advanced training at a postgraduate level. Since then, more than 700 students have completed the programme.

For the 2014-2015 academic year, which runs from September to August, 36 students (13 of whom are female) from 21 countries are enrolled. For more details about the Postgraduate Diploma Programme, visit the website.