The conference room of the ICTP–East African Institute for Fundamental Research (EAIFR), Kigali, came alive with equations, graphs, and the quiet tension of thesis defense. From the 7th to 9th of September, seven MSc Physics candidates stood before their examiners to defend thesis research — from the electronic structure of tin oxide to the free energy landscapes of electrolytes, and from the strained lattices of perovskites to the dissolved gases of Lake Kivu.

The defense series was held in hybrid format: students, staff, and the local EAIFR community gathered in person in Kigali, while supervisors and examiners — many joining from institutions abroad — followed and engaged remotely. It was a fitting image for an Institute for fundamental research connecting Rwanda to a much wider scientific world.

By the close of the third day, all seven candidates had successfully defended their theses — a milestone reached with the support of the director, supervisors, examiners, and staff, alongside a full room of peers who will, in turn, day after day stand at the same podium.

“We are proud of our students and warmly congratulate Ashuja Ibyanyagasani, Anas Farahat, Alberto C. Tairo, Emmanuel Chukwuebuka Umeh, Nyangoma R. Kwarisiima, Rukaya M. Al-juneid, and Esther Mahoro on this achievement.

We also express our sincerest gratitude to all examiners and supervisors who gave their time and expertise to make their research supervision and defense series possible.”

— EAIFR Director, Faculty, and Staff

Defense Event details are available here.