Atish Dabholkar, a theorist from India, has been appointed the next director of the International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP) in Trieste, Italy. Currently head of ICTP’s high-energy, cosmology and astroparticle physics section, Dabholkar will take up his new position in November. He will succeed Fernando Quevedo, who has led the centre since 2009. Dabholkar’s research has focused on string theory and quantum black holes, and his appointment comes at a time of expansion for ICTP. Over the past 10 years, the centre has hired more researchers and created new research initiatives in quantitative life sciences, high-performance computing, renewable energies and quantum technology. In addition, ICTP has increased its presence with the opening of four partner institutes in Brazil, China, Mexico and Rwanda. “Directing ICTP is a once in a lifetime opportunity due to its unique mission and its big impact in developing countries. I am glad that when I leave in November the institute will be in very good hands,” says Quevedo.
