In Support of Global Science  

Ten years ago, ICTP launched Physics Without Frontiers (PWF), a program dedicated to supporting aspiring physicists around the world, particularly in regions where access to scientific communities and training is limited. PWF's mission is to bridge these gaps and provide opportunities for scientific development, and with the help of private donations it is doing exactly that.

The initiative began with a single workshop in Palestine. The current calendar of Physics Without Frontiers events spans over 34 countries, organizing a diverse range of projects each year aimed at nurturing the next generation of scientists. PWF is powered by a vast network of volunteer scientists working globally, with each project, led by experts with local connections, customized to the region and universities hosting the activities.

PWF is a global endeavour that operates at the intersection of scientific education, diplomacy, and outreach. Since its inception, it has reached more than 10,000 students in over 50 countries and is now at the point where program attendees have been transformed into program organizers. Meet two PWF beneficiaries who have decided to "pay it forward".
 

Maha Hsouna is a PhD student in condensed matter theory at ICTP/SISSA. She holds a bachelor's degree in fundamental physics and a master's degree in condensed matter physics from the Faculty of Sciences of Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, Tunisia. Afterward, she completed the ICTP's Postgraduate Diploma Program in condensed matter.

She joined the Diploma program after participating in a Physics Without Frontiers school in Tunisia. Last summer she was one of the main organizers of another PWF school there, where in two weeks students were taught the basics of density functional theory, which is also the main tool of Maha's doctoral work.

Why did you decide to help organize a PWF event in your home country?
 
My first experience with the PWF program was at my home university. During this event, I learned about ICTP and its various programs, particularly the Diploma program, for which I applied and was selected to join the condensed matter track. Since then, I have had the idea of organizing a PWF event in my home country. I realized the significant impact such events could have on Tunisian students, offering them the chance to learn from experts in various fields. Furthermore, these events allow students to become familiar with ICTP and encourage them to apply for workshops, schools, or even pursue one of its programs, as I did. I received tremendous support, especially from my ICTP supervisor, Dr. Nataša Stojić, as well as others, in organizing the PWF school in Tunisia last summer, which turned out to be a great success.

How has your participation in the Physics Without Frontiers program influenced your academic career? 
 
My participation in the Physics Without Frontiers program brought a significant shift in my academic career, starting with the Diploma program, which marked a major leap in my knowledge of condensed matter physics. This transformation was made possible by the support of professors and tutors, as well as the access to resources provided by ICTP. The regular workshops and seminars also played a crucial role in my development, offering great benefits. Additionally, the joint ICTP/SISSA PhD program has provided an excellent opportunity to deepen my knowledge and engage in high-level research, with continuous support from renowned scientists and access to advanced facilities.

Dr. Jean Paul Latyr Faye is a theoretical physicist specializing in strongly correlated systems, quantum computing and machine learning. He began his academic journey at Cheikh Anta Diop University in Senegal, where he earned a master's degree in physics in 2008. Subsequently, he completed ICTP's Postgraduate Diploma in condensed matter physics in 2011.

Dr. Faye earned his doctorate in 2015 from the University of Sherbrooke in Quebec, and he continued there as a postdoctoral researcher for an additional year.

From 2016 to 2019, Dr. Faye returned to ICTP for a postdoctoral position in the Condensed Matter and Statistical Physics (CMSP) group, collaborating with ICTP physicist Mikhail Kiselev on strongly correlated systems. He then transitioned to the private sector, working as a quantum computing specialist. During this period, he also expanded his expertise by obtaining a master's degree in computer science with a specialization in artificial intelligence from the University of Sherbrooke.
 
In 2021, Dr. Faye was appointed as an assistant professor at Cheikh Anta Diop University in Dakar, Senegal, where he teaches various physics courses. In 2023, he became an ICTP Associate, collaborating to bring the Physics Without Frontiers initiative to Senegal, reflecting his dedication to advancing scientific education and research in his home country. From 30 April to 3 May 2025, he is organizing the PWF event "Exploring Quantum Frontiers: Empowering Senegalese Students and Researchers in Quantum Computing" at his home university.

Why did you decide to help organize a PWF event in your home country?

I decide to help organize a PWF event in Senegal because I am passionate about empowering young scientists and expanding access to advanced research fields, particularly quantum computing. I strongly believe in giving back to my home country. My goal is to bridge the gap between Senegalese students and cutting-edge developments in quantum technologies by creating opportunities for learning, networking, and collaboration with global experts.

Through the PWF event, I aim to inspire the next generation of physicists, provide hands-on training, and foster an environment where local researchers can engage in groundbreaking scientific work. By collaborating with ICTP, I hope to build a strong quantum research community in Senegal and across Africa.

How has your participation in the Physics Without Frontiers program influenced your academic career? 

My participation in PWF has had a profound impact on my academic career, shaping both my research focus and my commitment to scientific outreach. By organizing and contributing to the PWF initiatives, particularly in Senegal, I have been able to bridge the gap between local students and cutting-edge fields like quantum computing. This experience has reinforced my belief in the importance of mentorship, collaboration, and international scientific exchange. Engaging with young researchers has also provided me with fresh perspectives on teaching and research, enriching my approach as an assistant professor at Cheikh Anta Diop University.  

Physics Without Frontiers is generously supported through private donations. One donor, Professor Edward Witten, recently told us: "I was very glad to support the Physics Without Frontiers project, which is part of the vitally important work that the ICTP does to advance science around the world.''

Click here to join Professor Witten and others in supporting ICTP.