Development of the Centre

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The First 35 years: 1960 - 1994

1960:

June - The Faculty of Physics of Trieste University organizes the Symposium on Elementary Particle Interactions which is held in the Castelletto (the "small castle") in Miramare Park. Abdus Salam is invited to attend. It is the first time Professor Salam interacts with the physicists of Trieste. The Faculty includes names which would become historic for ICTP and Trieste: D. Amati, L. Bertocchi, P. Budinich, N. Dallaporta, G. Furlan, C. Villi.
August - A group of physicists participating in the High Energy Physics conference in Rochester discusses the idea of creating an International Centre for Theoretical Physics to establish a collaboration among physicists of the West and East. Abdus Salam is one of them. As a Member of the Delegation of Pakistan to the International Atomic Energy Agency, he puts forward the idea of the creation of such a centre at the Fourth General Conference of the IAEA in September. Many developing countries are in support, and the idea of collaboration is extended to include them too.

1961:

The Director General of IAEA, Sigvard Eklund, convenes a panel of 14 experts to discuss the feasibility of the idea. The panel strongly recommends the creation of such a centre. Observer to the panel is Prof. P. Budinich, Professor of Theoretical Physics at the University of Trieste, who would be Deputy Director of ICTP from 1964 to 1983.

1962 :

The General Conference and Board of Governors of the IAEA adopt the decision to establish the centre, and request Member States for financial assistance in the commitment. Italy's offer is the most generous. As a first tentative move towards the creation of the centre, an experimental seminar on theoretical physics is held in Trieste, thanks to Prof. P. Budinich.

1963:

The Director General of IAEA convenes a panel of three experts to formulate a concrete project for the institution-to-be. The report of the panel (commonly referred to as "The Three Wise Men Report") states: "...We feel this enterprise to deserve the greatest and most enthusiastic support." Discussions at IAEA on the basis of the Report lead to the acceptance of the Italian offer in 1963 and the creation of the International Centre for Theoretical Physics in Trieste in 1964.

1964:

5 October - ICTP is formally inaugurated with programmes in Plasma, High Energy and Nuclear Physics. Its offices are temporarily housed in the Building of Regione Friuli-Venezia Giulia in the city centre (6, Piazza Oberdan). The first session of its Scientific Council is chaired by R. Oppenheimer. The Associateship Scheme is established in an attempt to curb brain-drain.

1965:

The Federation Scheme is launched. It aims at guaranteeing scientists regular access to ICTP activities. Professor Manuel Sandoval Vallarta (Mexico) is appointed as Chairman of the ICTP Scientific Council. He will be until 1970. The first ICTP Prize in 1984 will be awarded in honour of his memory.

1967:

Solid State Physics is added to the curriculum.

1968:

May - The Offices move to the building in Miramare. To celebrate the event, the Symposium on Contemporary Physics is held the following month, with the attendance of 300 leading physicists in all branches of science. For the evening lecture series "From a Life of Physics", some of the physicists to whom the creation of modern physics is owed are invited: H.A. Bethe, P.A.M. Dirac, W. Heisenberg, E. Wigner, O. Klein and E. Lifshitz.

1969:

An ad-hoc Committee is convened to assess the impact ICTP has had so far and make recommendations for the period 1971-74. The Chairman is Prof. H.B.G. Casimir (Netherlands), and one of the Members was Prof. D. Amati who would be future Director of the International School for Advanced Studies (SISSA) from the Academic Year 1986-87. The Committee recommends that the activities should include applicable mathematics and a research group in condensed matter physics.

1970:

UNESCO joins IAEA in the management of ICTP as a full partner.

1971:

Mathematics is added to the curriculum.
With the College on "Computing as a language of physics" - which was organized in co-operation with CERN - the possibility of using the computer for "doing" physics is discussed for the first time at ICTP. This course marks the beginning of Applied Physics at the institution.
Alfred Kastler, Nobel Laureate 1966, replaces Manuel Sandoval Vallara as Chairman of the ICTP Scientific Council. He will be in office until 1982.

1973:

Atomic, molecular and laser physics is introduced into the curriculum of ICTP by Prof. Alfred Kastler. His decisive influence in French governmental circles makes it possible to hold colleges in science teaching and non-conventional energy in the French language on a regular basis (1973, 1977, 1979, 1981, 1983, and 1985).

1974:

Ad-hoc Committee, chaired by Prof. L. Van Hove. They suggest that biophysics and earth sciences may be added to the curriculum, that computing facilities should be readily accessible, and that - due to a foreseeable growth in mathematical sciences - negotiations for the construction of an additional building could be started.

1979:

Nobel Prize awarded to S. Glashow, Abdus Salam and S. Weinberg for their work on the unification of the electromagnetic and weak forces.

1981:

ICTP starts its series of Colleges on Microprocessors, organized with the scientific and technical cooperation of CERN. Besides the Colleges held at ICTP in 1981, 1983, 1985 and 1987, those in 1984, 1985 and 1986 were held in Sri Lanka, Colombia, Mexico and China respectively, as "Regional Colleges".

1982:

ICTP has a Guesthouse within walking distance from the Main Building - the Galileo Guesthouse.
The Scientific Council institutes the ICTP Prize which is meant to reward young promising scientists from developing countries for achievements in physics and mathematics.
Lectures on Physics and Development are delivered weekly.

1983:

The Italian Government allocates grants for experimentalists to work at Italian Laboratories (Training and Research at Italian Laboratories, TRIL).
A delegation from the IAEA Board of Governors holds its session at ICTP and meets its scientists.
The Ad-Hoc Committee recommends the institution of numerous permanent scientific positions, and the organization of activities in developing countries similar to those held at ICTP.
Prof. Luciano Bertocchi, full professor of physics at the University of Trieste, becomes Deputy Director of ICTP. His name has been associated to the Centre ever since the Symposium in 1960.
Prof. Stig Olof Lundqvist from Sweden, takes over the Chairmanship of the Scientific Council (until 1992).

1984:

Twentieth anniversary celebrations. At the end of September, ICTP holds the "ICTP Trieste Commemorative Meeting (1964-1984) on the "Next Twenty Years in Plasma Physics" to repeat the most important feature of the first symposium on Plasma Physics of 1964 - namely, the exchange of ideas and results between East and West.
In October, three meetings are held simultaneously:
- the International Conference on Physics for Development, to motivate physics communities in industrialized countries to assist the growth of physics research in developing countries and to inform physics communites in the Third World about potential sources of assistance for the development of physics research and its applications for the development needs of their countries;
- the Symposium on the State of Physics and Mathematics in Africa, to examine the state of the development of physics and mathematics in Africa at the present time, and to produce recommendations for its development and improvement;
- and the General Assembly of the International Union for Pure and Applied Physics (IUPAP).
The construction of the new building is started.
The Dirac Medal of ICTP is instituted.
The Equipment Donation Programme is started, after an appeal made by Professor Abdus Salam to leading European laboratories.

1985:

An extra contribution from the Italian Government (Direzione Generale per la Cooperazione allo Sviluppo) allows ICTP to establish the Office of External Activities and to increase the participation of scientists from developing countries by 30% vs. 1984.
The Secretary General of the United Nations, Mr. Javier Perez de Cuellar, visits ICTP on the occasion of the Conference on South-South and South-North Cooperation in Sciences which marks the official inauguration of the Third World Academy of Sciences - TWAS (now, Academy of Sciences for the Developing World). Abdus Salam is the Founding President of the Academy. The Conference takes place on the ICTP premises.
It is suggested that ICTP could be transferred from IAEA to UNESCO because the scope of its disciplines has outgrown that of IAEA. Negotiations among IAEA, UNESCO, ICTP and the Italian Government will lead to the transfer of administrative responsibilities of ICTP from IAEA to UNESCO from 1 January 1996.
7 October - ICTP signs an agreement with INFN to jointly operate the Microprocessors Laboratory, with the sponsorship of the United Nations University.
The Chapter Leaders of the Society for International Development (SID) choose ICTP to hold their third meeting because it offers a concrete example of collaboration between the North and the South.
The ICTP Arab Friends Society, SARF, is constituted. It holds its first inter-Arab Symposium on the status of the physical and mathematical sciences in the Arab world.
Renting of the Adriatico Guesthouse.

1986:

Professor S. Lundquist (Sweden) organizes the first Adriatico Conferences, which are aimed at discussing frontier topics.
The Mathematics Research Group becomes established. Professor James Eells from Warwick University (UK), an internationally known expert in differential geometry, is appointed Head of the Group. He will be until 1992.
A delegation from the IAEA Board of Governors holds its session at ICTP and meets its scientists.
The School on Advanced Techniques in Computing in Physics is organized to discuss the use of sophisticated "supercomputers" to simulate and solve problems which were once considered 'beyond grasp'.
Visiting scientists from Bangladesh, China, Sri Lanka, India and Pakistan found the BCSIP Committee for promoting joint activities in physics to help enrich the physics research in the area and also to promote better understanding among the neighbouring countries. It will become BCSPIN including Nepal.
The first version of Directory of Physicists is issued.

1987:

The High Temperature Superconductivity Laboratory (HTSLab) is established. It will start its research activities in early 1989.
Professor Abdus Salam visits French-speaking African countries to convince top-level politicians of the importance of supporting science and establishing research centres.

1988:

In February, Professor Abdus Salam proposes the creation of an International Centre for Sciences (today ICS). In June, UNIDO initiates a feasibility study.
ICTP hosts the first Edward Bouchet International Conference on Physics and Technology, organized by Black American physicists in honour of Edward Alexander Bouchet (1852-1918), the first Black American physicist. Professor Abdus Salam strongly supports interaction between Black American and African physicists. The first Bouchet Advisory Council meeting, composed of both American and African scientists, meets in April at ICTP and decides to found the Edward Bouchet Institute.
3-7 October - ICTP hosts the Conference on the Role of Women in the Development of Science and Technology in the Third World which is organized by the TWAS. Among the 250 participants, 2 Nobel Laureates (Prof. D.C. Hodgkin and Prof. R. Levi-Montalcini).
9 November - The President-elect of Venezuela, Sr. Carlos Andres Perez, pays a visit to ICTP on his way to Arab countries. He states that Venezuela is considering with great interest initiatives like ICTP and TWAS, and that Venezuela will strengthen collaboration with them. In his inaugural statement, he says "I am deeply convinced tht one of the keys necessary for being up-to-date at the end of the second millennium stems from a self-sustained technological and scientific development, for which we missed important opportunities in the past. I offer to make, from now on, science and technology a governmental matter with highest national and social priority". TWAS hold its III General Conference in Caracas in 1990.

1989:

Twenty-fifth anniversary celebrations.
31 October - Formal ceremony with the presence of the Prime Minister of Italy, On. Giulio Andreotti, the Director General of IAEA, Dr. Hans Blix, 5 Nobel Laureates, and all who have contributed to the growth of ICTP. During the ceremony, Professor Abdus Salam is presented with the key of the New Building.
The scientific meeting "Frontiers in Physics, High Technology and Mathematics" is a review of some of the most important achievements in sciences in the last 25 years with a look at the future.
June - The Trieste Branch of the World Laboratory opens within the ICTP campus.
June - Mwalimu J. Nyerere, former President of Tanzania, pays a visit to ICTP and Professor Abdus Salam as President of the South Commission of which Abdus Salam is the member in charge of the issue of science and technology in the developing countries. He expresses his appreciation to the Director of ICTP for what he has accomplished for the benefit of the Third World.
October - Professor Abdus Salam speaks at the UN on the peculiarities of the "Trieste System" that is, the complex of international institutions set up in Trieste which represent a secure point of reference for scientists and researchers, particularly those from developing countries. A convinced encouragement to the Trieste System comes from the Secretary General of the UN, Mr. Perez de Cuellar.
The World Bank also shows itself prepared to support Salam's initiatives in Trieste.
Professor Abdus Salam chairs a panel which had been convened by the UN Secretary-General to discuss issues related to peace, development and the role of science and technology.
The first Staff Associates are appointed.
The Scientific Computer Section installs a Convex C210 supercomputer with 128 MB of RAM, 2 GB of disks, running the UNIX operating system, with 50 MFLOPS peak.

1990:

Spring - Many offices including the Library move to the new wing of the Main Building.
March - ICTP organizes the Trieste Conference on Scientific Cooperation with Eastern Europe to discuss new prospects of cooperation after the political changes. Among the 148 participants, there are 22 ministers, presidents and high officials from academies of sciences.
The Laboratory for Lasers and Optical Fibres starts its activities. The scientists working there also hold lectures in the framework of the new LAMP (Laser, Atomic and Molecular Physics) Seminar series.
The Plasma Research Group is established. Prof. S. Mahajan (India/USA) is appointed Head of the Group. It will conduct theoretical research on the basic problems of plasma physics: kinetic theory, plasma turbulence, general nonlinear theories, and exotic plasmas like the quark-gluon plasma.
The Microprocessor Laboratory produces the ROSY Jr. Station for the realtime programming courses.
27 June - 25 members of the European Parliament visit ICTP to become acquainted with its activities and scientific staff. The European Parliament is prepared to consider concrete proposals, now that East-West tension is over and it is re-activating its dossier on North-South relations.
August - The Symposium on Frontiers in Condensed Matter Physics in honour of Prof. Stig Lundqvist is organized to thank him for all he has done at ICTP to build up condensed matter physics. Five Nobel Laureates are present, as well as numerous distinguished guests.
November - The Trieste Conference on Cooperation in Science, High Technology and Environment between North and South Mediterranean Countries is convened to discuss the state-of-the-art of cooperation in science, high technology and environment in this region and make recommendations for the future.
24 November - The Director General of the EEC Directorate for Science, Research and Development, Prof. Paolo Fasella (Italy), is invited to ICTP to exchange views with Trieste scientific representatives on possible collaboration with EEC.
Upon request of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, ICTP organizes the First International School on Computer network analysis and management, which is meant to benefit especially the scientists from Central and Eastern Europe. Follow-up to the School is the Computer Network Project in 1992. Analogous schools are organized, with the co-operation of ICTP, in Venezuela (1993) and India (1994) to favour the scientific communities of these regions as well.

1991:

The ICTP Diploma Course is started in High Energy Physics and Condensed Matter Physics.
March - ICTP organizes in a short time the Round Table on Scientific Brain Drain in the Third World and in Central and Eastern Europe. Thirty personalities from these regions and international organizations discuss the scientific brain drain to the developed world and put forward some recommendations on how to stop it.
The Construction of the new Administrative (Multi-functional) building is started. The Fermi Building.
The Agreement between the Italian Government and IAEA/UNESCO for the funding of ICTP is renewed for the next four years.

1992:

Two new research lines are established - the research group on Structure and Non-linear Dynamics of the Earth and Earthquake Prediction, and the Laboratory of Atmospheric Physics and Radiopropagation.
The European Community funds "Go West" fellowships for Eastern European physicists and mathematicians.
The Diploma Course is held also in Mathematics.
April - The Round Table on "The Essential Role of Science in Technological Progress and Economic Development" is convened to initiate a dialogue between economists and scientists with the aim of narrowing the gap between science and economics.
July - 25th Anniversary Symposium on Frontiers in Condensed Matter Physics at the ICTP, with all the old friends of ICTP (including Nobel Laureates, J.R. Schrieffer and K.A. Muller) and S. Lundqvist.

1993:

11 February - The President of Italy, Signor Oscar Luigi Scalfaro, meets the scientific community of Trieste at ICTP.
March - An old friend of ICTP, Prof. Erdal InsnY from Turkey, comes back to the institution as Minister of State and Deputy Prime Minister of Turkey.
March - During the workshop on "The impact of ICTP on Indian science" held in New Delhi, the idea of creating the India-ICTP chapter is proposed. A few months later, the Chapter is constituted. It will act as a coordinating body for many of the collaborative efforts between the Indian scientific community and ICTP.
May - Prof. J.R. Schrieffer holds his first session of the ICTP Scientific Council as Chairman.
April - Ad-Hoc Consultative Committee, chaired by Prof. P. Chaudhari from IBM. An expansion in the field of computing and physics teaching is recommended for the future activities of ICTP.
The old Convex C210, a vector machine, is replaced as the central computing facility, by a couple of IBM R6000/580, Risc-based superscalar machines, interconnected via a very high speed link. This change improves by a factor of more than three the total available processing power.
ICTP implemented UNIX-based servers and developed in-house scripts to organize its on-line information system on the Internet accessible via electronic-mail, gopher, World-Wide Web and other computer services such as ftp.

1994:

Prof. Salam's Book Professor Abdus Salam, having resigned from the Directorship of ICTP, is appointed President. A selection committee is convened to appoint a new director. The Deputy Director, Prof. L. Bertocchi, is appointed Acting Director.
The Library begins its automation. A full on-line search facility is installed for the user, who will be able to find any type of item held in the Library - the book collection, the preprints and the journals.