ICTP-EAIFR will soon announce a call for applications for its new PhD programme in physics, offered jointly with the University of Rwanda in Kigali. It represents the first physics PhD degree programme to be established in Rwanda.

The PhD programme will offer specialisations in high energy physics, condensed matter physics, and solid Earth geophysics. ICTP-EAIFR's high energy physicists work in cosmology and particle physics phenomenology. The condensed matter physics research is mainly in electronic structure theory, while geophysics will be centered around seismology, space geodesy and tectonics.

Admitted students will be taught and supervised by ICTP-EAIFR resident scientists and co-supervised by scientists at ICTP Trieste and possibly others around the world based upon mutual interests and the research proposal of the students. The PhD programme is completed through in-depth research that breaks new ground in the field and contributes to overall scientific knowledge. Research publications are expected from students as well as a final dissertation thesis before graduation. The maximum duration of study is four years.

Selection of candidates will be based on their university record and on academic recommendations.  Minimum qualifications for the programme include:

• Bachelor’s degree with honors in physics, mathematics, or a related field,       with distinction (cumulative grade point average of at least 70%).
• Master’s degree in physics, mathematics, or a related field.

A limited number of scholarships and/or assistantships are available to top students admitted into the programme. Scholarships can also be obtained through funding agencies. Rwandan students are encouraged to apply to the Rwandan Higher Education Council (HEC) for funding.

Female candidates are particularly encouraged to apply; ICTP-EAIFR is a collaborating institution with the Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World (OWSD) and female candidates can apply for OWSD PhD fellowships. See: https://owsd.net/ictp-east-african-institute-fundamental-research and https://owsd.net/career-development/phd-fellowship.

More details about the programme, including the application deadline, will be available soon.