Mesoamerican Centre for Theoretical Physics Status & Prospects

Mesoamerican Centre for Theoretical Physics Status & Prospects Arnulfo Zepeda Provisional Director Elí Santos Provisional Vice-Director Abdel Pérez Lorenzana Profesor, Cinvestav Tuxtla Gutiérrez, Chiapas, México. 27 de agosto de 2012

Content IDENTITY of the Mesoamerican Centre for Theoretical Phsycis ‣Nature ‣Purpose ‣Mission and Vision ANTECEDENTS ‣The region ‣ICTP ‣Functions ‣Strategic 2010-2014 plan THE PROJECT IN MEXICO ‣Contributions of UNACH ‣Starting building MCTP ‣Structure ‣Programs

Nature The Centro Mesoamericano de Física Teórica de la Universidad Autónoma de Chiapas (CEMAFIT) is created as an academic unit to integrate and consolidate UNACH functions in the areas of physics, mathematics, energy and environment. We will refer to CEMAFIT also as MCTP, for Mesoamerican Centre for Theoretical Physics.

Purpose The main purpose of MCTP is to develop: o teaching o research o and extention of basic and applied science knowledge in: PHYSICS MATHEMATICS ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENT in the region of Central America, the Caribbean and Mexico

Mission To contribute to the growth of education, science and technology and the extension of knowledge in the region of Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean.

Vision Develop and maintain a high quality environment to promote the scientific development of young students and researches of the region.

The region Central America, the Caribbean and Mexico (CACM) are linked by an splendid Mesoamerican past and mostly also by a language. Common problems. Need to integrate local research efforts in science and technology development.

ICTP Founded 45 years ago by Abdus Salam (Nobel Prize 1979 for the proposal, together with Sheldon Glashow and Steven Weinberg, of the Standard Model of physics at the fundamental level). Provides resources and prestigious academic opportunities for scientists, including many from developing countries

Functions ICTP functions focus on: Research, education, exchange, and mobility. Develops research in the following lines: 1. High energy, cosmology and astroparticle physics 2. Condensed matter and statistical physics 3. Mathematics 4. Applied physics 5. Physics of the Earth and environment

Strategic ICTP 2010-2014 plan ‣ Expansion of the lines of research. ‣ Incorporation of bilateral postgraduate program. ‣ Creation of new venues, especially Mexico and Brazil, to be centers of development for the countries of Latin America and the Caribbean ‣ Brazil opened an ICTP institute in Sao Paulo on February 2012. ‣ In December 2011 the Memorandum of Understanding between the UNACH and ICTP for founding a similar institution in Chiapas, Mexico was signed.

Contributions of UNACH First part: For the first 5 years: 1) Funds for operating expenses of MCTP. 2) Salary of the Director and Deputy Director of MCTP 3) 5 positions of Full Professor . 4) Salaries for the administrations personnel: Administration Secretary, legal counselor, two bilingual assistant secretaries, computing expert and a driver. 5) Installations. 6) Furniture, computer equipment and a vehicle.

Building to start activities

On the 27 of August 2012 the Decree of Creation of Cemafit , MCTP, was signed by the Rector of UNACH Tanks

ICTP-UNACH-MAIS Upon approval by the UNACH and UNESCO, MCTP may transmute to ICTP-UNACH-MAIS in accordance with the memorandum of understanding signed on December 20, 2011 by UNACH and ICTP (International Centre for Theoretical Physics), keeping its objectives, goals and programs.

Structure Advisory Council Scientific Council General Coordinator Adjunct Coordinator Academic Staff Administrative Staff Guests researchers Students

Advisory Council It is the highest consultative organ of CEMAFIT. Initially it is composed of one representative from the UNACH and a member nominated by the Director of the ICTP. Both institutions, acting in concert, may invite other institutions or government agencies to be part of this body. Advises on major CEMAFIT policies, regulations, plans, programs and projects, as well as on admission, retention and promotion of both staff and students. The Advisory Board will become the Stirring Committee once CEMAFIT transmutes to the ICTP-UNACH-MAIS and its advisory faculties will become decision rights.

Scientific Council It is a body of opinion and evaluation in scientific-academic matters . It shall consist of a maximum of 10 internationally recognized scientists. This council will include scientists from the region of Central America, the Caribbean and Mexico. Sheldon Glashow, who shared with the Abdus Salam the 1979 Nobel Prize in Physics, accepted to serve as head of this council Ana María Cetto, from Mexico, is part of this council.

Programs MCTP

MCTP Programs MCTP programs seek to replicate as closely as possible, in organization, design, and operation, those of the ICTP in Trieste.

Central goal of the MCTP Programs MCTP shall become an international center for scientific and academic exchange, encouraging regional mobility, and involving in its programs high level scientists.

Programs ‣Agreements on Academic Mobility and Exchange. Permanent program of schools and scientific ‣meetings. ‣Invited Scientific Meeting Program. ‣Research Associate Program. ‣Associated Groups Program . ‣Permanent program of visiting scientists ‣Diploma in Science ‣Postdoctoral positions program ‣Training and Research in Mexican Laboratories

Research Associate Program The aim is to identify and support those members of the scientific community of the countries located in the region noted for its activities and scientific contributions, providing a physical space and facilities for stays. Appointed associates will follow the same academic criteria used in ICTP in Trieste, and as far as possible, will be recognized as ICTP Associates.

Types of Research Associate i) Young Research Associate. Up to 35 years of age, showing ability to perform high-level research, and well-defined lines of research ii) Research Associate level I. Between 36 and 45 years of age, who have demonstrated ability to perform high-level research.

Types of Research Associate iii) Research Associate level II. Conducting scientific research in a systematic high-level, with capacity to form human resources and for the development and management of research projects. iv) Permanent Research Fellow. Who are involved in the organizational, academic and research programs of MCTP.

Permanent Visiting Scientist Program In order to maintain an atmosphere of continuous high academic level, MCTP will promote at all times the presence of international researchers and the interrelationship between all researchers and students .

Diploma in Science Initially there will be two diploma programs in the areas of Physics and Mathematics. These programs are designed for outstanding students with Bachelor degree in physics or mathematics from institutions in the region. Will aim to complement the academic training of students by providing them with adequate training for efficient development in high level graduate programs at any institution in the word. They will last one year.

Postdoctoral program Aimed mainly at young researchers graduated in programs of international level.

Training and Research in Mexican Laboratories MCTP will establish agreements for mobility and academic exchange with high level academic institutions and scientific laboratories of the region to promote that outstanding young researchers conduct experimental short term research projects.

DIPLOMADO: FASE DE ARRANQUE Integración 1a propuesta Registro UNACH Negociación: Convenios Generales y Específicos Apertura Convocatoria Integración Consorcio IES Presentación a Inst. asociables Cierre Convocatoria Distribución cursos/prof Inicio Programa 0 Propuesta p/Consejo Científico Acuerdo del Consejo Científico: Planes y programas Adquisiciones: Bibliográficas. Audiovisuales, Equipamiento instalaciones Listado de Profesores Integración paquete de Convenios Generales Registro SEP Listado candidatos a Profs/Colabs externos Inicio negociaciones p/financiamiento de Programas Integración paquete de Convenios Especificos Fin instalación Biblioteca, Computo Audiovisuales Aulas, etc. Tramites de internación y Becas Selección Estudiantes

Thank you all. All members of the academic and scientific communities are invited to comment and make suggestions on the structure and pertinence of the programs of MCT P [email protected].