The ICTP-East African Institute for Fundamental Research (EAIFR) is pleased to welcome its new cohort of postgraduate students for the 2026–2028 academic years. Candidates were selected through a rigorous process combining application ratings and interviews with international and in-house experts in Physics.

As a partner institute of the Abdus Salam International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP) under the auspices of UNESCO, and hosted by the University of Rwanda through the Ministry of Education, EAIFR provides a unique environment for high-level research and excellent postgraduate training in Physics, aimed at strengthening the continent's scientific community.

Photo credit: Dr. Edward Ntim Gasu

The new students took part in an orientation session led by EAIFR Director Dr. Catherine Meriaux, who welcomed them and outlined the Institute's academic programmes and research opportunities. She stressed how demanding the coursework of the Master's programmes are, explained the academic rules that govern them, and underlined the importance of their scholarships and the standard of excellence required to remain in good standing. She encouraged the students to engage with their senior colleagues and reminded them that others have excelled under the same conditions, and so can they.

Prof. Andrea Marini urged the students to stay focused on their studies throughout their time at the Institute. He advised those who feel their Mathematics is weak to start strengthening it now, noting that the coming courses (Quantum Mechanics I & II and Many-Body Physics I & II) use Mathematics as their core language, so students should not wait for the dedicated Mathematics lectures. He also noted that colleagues from other parts of Africa will join them for these courses through the APhRICA Project, offering a valuable opportunity for exchange and collaboration. He closed by warmly welcoming the students once more and wishing them a pleasant stay.

Dr.s Daniel Manu-Marfo and Edward Ntim Gasu also welcomed the students and encouraged them to make every minute count in pursuit of excellence. Edward particularly urged them to take full advantage of the seminars, webinars, workshops and other activities organised by the Institute, and then took them on a tour of the offices, classrooms, and academic and research facilities.

The institute's administrator Sylvane Ndayikunda, was in attendance, together with some Ph.D. Students. The event ended briefly after a round-table introduction, followed by collegial exchanges. The students, both new and senior, have already begun their intensive coursework, which includes seminars and collaborative projects with international researchers.

EAIFR Staff, Students, Faculty, and Partners Institutions, all look forward to a productive and inspiring academic year ahead.