New ICTP Collaboration in the Middle East

ICTP has signed a Memorandum of Understanding to collaborate with the Royal Scientific Society of Jordan (RSS) and the Synchrotron-light for Experimental Science and Applications in the Middle East (SESAME). The collaboration will promote scientific research, education, training, and communication in Jordan and the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.

The Memorandum (MoU) sets up a framework to foster the development of the scientific capacity of Jordanian and MENA scientists interested in synchrotron physics and applications. This includes training scholarships for Jordanian and MENA scientists to work with experts at SESAME synchrotron in Allan and the Elettra synchrotron in Trieste. The development of a pool of SESAME users within the Jordanian and MENA scientific community is the goal.

"We are glad to be going ahead with this MoU with RSS and SESAME," says ICTP Director Atish Dabholkar. "ICTP had played a pivotal role in both the conception and realization of SESAME at a time when it seemed like a pipe dream. It is now a shining example of international cooperation through science." This memorandum will help the RSS create partnerships with researchers in Jordan and facilitate training opportunities for them at SESAME and ICTP.

Additionally, the RSS has signed a separate MoU with ICTP, which will be focusing on knowledge sharing and scientific collaboration in the fields of Earth System Physics (ESP), High Performance Computing (HPC) and climate modelling.

The RSS is an independent, non-government, not-for-profit institution, Jordan’s scientific hub for international engagement and national scientific advice. It is also the country's leading support mechanism for technical guidance, policy, services and scientific research for development. Since its inception as a national and independent organisation, the prime objectives of the RSS have been to protect human health and safety, to safeguard the environment, and to contribute to sustainable economic development.

SESAME is a third-generation synchrotron light source and the Middle East’s first major international scientific and technological research centre. It opened on 16 May 2017, established under the auspices of UNESCO as an independent intergovernmental organization modelled on CERN. It's a cooperative venture by scientists and governments in the Middle East and neighboring regions.

RSS, SESAME, and ICTP share a mission to build bridges through scientific collaboration and focused research on critical challenges. This new collaboration will enable the institutions to identify and explore areas of research for the benefit of Jordan, the MENA region, and the whole developing world. "We look forward to strengthening our collaboration and enhancing our mission," says Dabholkar, "which is sure to have a lasting impact on the science in the region."

Read further about the collaboration at The Jordan Times.