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27th International Nathiagali Summer College on Physics and Contemporary Needs, 24th June - 6th July, 2002 International Nathiagali Summer Colleges (INSC) have been organized every year since 1976, mostly at the scenic hill resorts near Islamabad, Pakistan. The idea of holding these Colleges came from the distinguished Nobel Laureate. Professor Abdus Salam who emphasized the vital need of communication, as well as for transferring and sharing scientific knowledge, among the scientific community of the Third World. The primary aim of these Colleges is to break the isolation of the scientists in the developing countries by enabling them to come in contact with their colleagues from the Third World and to interact with an international lecturing faculty. The scientific activities of INSC aim at a broad coverage of topics at the frontiers of knowledge in physics and allied sciences. One or two subjects of current interest and their applications for technological development, with special reference to needs of the developing world, are highlighted by a renowned international faculty every year. About two hundred scientists from a large number of developing nations benefit from this scientific discourse. During the last twenty six years, about 450 eminent scientists including six Nobel Laureates shared their knowledge and experience with nearly 5000 scientists from over seventy developing countries. The Colleges have resulted in collaboration between the scientists of the region and interaction with those from advanced countries. Many workshops/seminars and joint research projects spawned as a direct follow-up activity of the College. The proceedings of these colleges have appeared as eleven volumes of "Physics and Contemporary Needs". Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC) has organized 25 colleges of this series. From 26th College, it is being organized jointly by the National Centre for Physics, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad and PAEC. The regular sponsors of the College include the Abdus Salam International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ASICTP), Trieste, the US National Science Foundation, The European Laboratory for Particle Physics (CERN) and some local and regional organizations. Registration The College is primarily intended for scientists actively engaged in teaching and research activities in developing countries. Advanced graduate students from Pakistan are also encouraged to attend. Participants must have an adequate knowledge of English which is the working language of the College. The boarding and lodging arrangements and the expenses in this regard are, in general, the responsibility of the Organizers. The travel costs are expected to be arranged by the participants. However, modest funds may be available to cover the expenses, either in full or in part, of a limited number of participants from the developing countries. Requests for participation, on the prescribed form (or photocopy) should reach the Scientific Secretary by 15th April, 2002. The selected candidates will be informed by 15th May, 2002. Advance applications can be sent by email. The final selection, however, is subject to receipt of the formal application. Scientific Programme The scientific programme of the 27th College has been divided into three activities: Condensed Matter Physics, Particle Physics, and Plasma Physics. The following paragraphs list the topics of discussion and the eminent faculty members being invited to lecture during each activity. Activity 1: (24th
- 29th June, 2002) The College will focus on some key developments in Condensed Matter Physics in recent times. Unprecedented developments in experimental techniques, computation methods and computer technology have made it possible to comprehend and control some of the physical and chemical properties of materials at the atomic scale. Each such step brings us closer to the challenging era of nanotechnology and related innovative technical application in other fields like biology, pharmaceuticals, and engineering. The emphasis will be on understanding phenomena such as nanotribology, computational condensed matter physics, quantum dots, quantum computing. The goal is to provide a forum for the exchange of ideas and information in the three complimentary approaches to understanding physical and chemical phenomena: experimental, simulational and the theoretical.
Activity 2: (1st
- 3rd July, 2002) The College will focus on the new developments in particle physics. The topics such as neutrino physics, CP Violation and heavy flavour physics will be covered. It is particularly important in the light of the fact that Large Electron Positron (LEP) was shut down last year. The LEP data from four experiments provides precision measurements for the Standard Model. The Large Hadron Collider (LHC) will take us to a new energy frontiers where we will explore physics beyond Standard Model. So this activity will address the topics from physics of LEP and discuss the future of physics especially from LHC. Physics community from Pakistan is very active in the LHC programme of CERN.
Activity 3: (4th
- 6th July, 2002) During this activity, discussions will focus on intergalactic material and the observed radiation. Magnetosphere/ionsphere coupling and the Aurora formation, Non-linear structures, Linear and non-linear instabollities. Particle and energy transport in plasmas, Dynamics of dusty plasma, Electron-position plasma: and the Laser produced plasma.
Venue These Colleges have traditionally been held at the scenic summer resorts of Nathiagali, near Islamabad, the capital of Pakistan. Logged in the Sylvan slopes of lower Himalayan range, these hill resorts (2000-3000 meter high) are sheer slopes of colourful harmony, rolling fields and towering forested hills, pervading senses with a deep feeling of rediscovering nature. The cool and bracing climate, heavy with the scent of pines and ablaze in a riot of colours, provides an excellent blend of tranquil atmosphere conductive to learning and enjoying nature at its best. Some Colleges have also been held at Islamabad. The capital city has slowly emerged as a seat of learning and scholarship, with several universities and other academic institutions, and research centres for medical, agricultural and nuclear sciences. Designed by some of the world's most distinguished architects and town planners, Islamabad is a well planned city with fine specimen of modern and impressive architecture, preserving the natural surroundings in an atmosphere of relaxed spaciousness, having been declared as national park and wildlife sanctuary. For further information, please contact Prof. Dr. Hafeez R.
Hoorani M. Munim Awais |
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