Call for Applications: ICTP Physics Without Frontiers Programme

PWF organises projects working with volunteer scientists, who are PhD students, postdoctoral researchers, or lecturers from all over the world, who are passionate about promoting and supporting physics and mathematics. The Physics Without Frontiers Volunteer Network is composed of more than 100 passionate scientists primarily from the Global South.

Each PWF project is unique, combining activities such as hands-on training, lecturing and networking, developed with a country’s specific needs in mind. A component of science diplomacy, interaction with industry, outreach and diversity are often incorporated into projects. PWF promotes networking and collaborative environments, and encourages mentoring to students who may have less opportunities.

Aims

• Physics Without Frontiers aims to:
  • teach and train university students in core topics, and cutting-edge research, in physics and mathematics using enquiry-based learning and hands-on sessions by PWF Volunteers who are experts in their research fields, and provide transferable skills in computing, programming and data science;
  • identify and mentor top students studying at universities without MSc/PhD programmes to go on to further study abroad, such as the ICTP diploma programme, and MSc and PhD placements;
  • support physics and mathematics departments in universities with little or no research, by providing faculty training, taught university courses, curriculum support, research infrastructure, efforts towards the public understanding of science, and outreach to high school students and teachers.

Funding Information

• PWF is not a funding body, but largely a volunteer network. They do have a small amount of funding available and they partner with the local universities, industry or other partners to provide travel grants and other forms of support towards the project. Typically the projects are supported at the level of 1,000 – 3,000 euros, usually to provide travel grants and other relevant project expenses or in some cases equipment for online or hands-on activities. Universities or local partners are typically expected to cover refreshments and local costs including accommodation for any visiting volunteers or participants. The grant from ICTP PWF must go to the host institution or to the volunteer in the case of a travel grant. Subsistence is normally not provided. If you already have a clear idea of the costs of your project, try to provide a detailed breakdown of the budget and which partners will fund which costs. Travel details and cost estimates should be provided for each volunteer. If you are unable to provide a detailed budget but are selected to proceed to stage two, the PWF coordinators will assist you in developing the details.

Who can apply?

• PWF welcomes applications which aim to teach, train, and inspire undergraduate and master’s students in physics and mathematics from the Global South, broadly interpreted. Often, the ideas and motivation for the project will originate by, or be developed with the scientists and institutions in the Global South. The proposers might be scientists and/or students, and do not necessarily have to have previous experience in organising activities and the proposal will be submitted by one person who will be the main designated contact for the PWF team. Each in-person project should have a designated local organiser who does not necessarily have to be the person who submits the proposal, but is clearly consulted and supportive of the project and listed in the proposal.
• A lecturer(s) at a university in the Global South applying to organise a project for their own students in their university, region, or country, or they may be applying to partner with other universities or with another country.
• A graduate student, postdoc or lecturer from the Global South working abroad, applying to organise a project in their own or another country.

For more information, visit ICTP.