Inside Iowa State Dec. 1, 1995 Partners Pleased With Physics Institute by Diana Pounds Iowa State's partners in the International Institute of Theoretical and Applied Physics (IITAP) are pleased with the 1-year-old institute's progress, President Martin Jischke reported after a recent visit to Paris. Jischke led a delegation to the 50th anniversary celebration of the creation of UNESCO (United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization) in mid-November. IITAP, a joint venture between Iowa State and UNESCO, is intended to foster peace through the sharing of scientific advances, and particularly, by encouraging collaborations among U.S. scientists and their colleagues in developing countries. In its first year of operation, IITAP has drawn several hundred international scientists to campus for workshops, symposia and collaborative research projects. The institute also has sponsored a symposium in El Salvador and spawned a number of cooperative projects among international and U.S. scientists. In one IITAP project, ISU astronomers traveled to the University of Honduras to help faculty there establish an astronomy observatory, one of the first in Central America. While in Paris, Jischke spent a day and a half discussing IITAP's progress and future plans with numerous UNESCO officials, including director general Federico Mayor, and ambassadors to UNESCO from China, Egypt, El Salvador and Israel -- all nations involved in IITAP projects. "UNESCO officials and ambassadors indicated our efforts in IITAP are viewed as extremely important to UNESCO and a very successful venture," Jischke said. "They are exceedingly pleased with the institute's accomplishments to date and enthusiastic about its future." Jischke said he and UNESCO officials discussed potential new projects for the institute, one involving possible expansion of Iowa State's Women in Science and Engineering program to international partners. IITAP efforts enhance Iowa State's international stature, Jischke said. He pointed out that at any given time, there are eight to 10 international scientists on campus for IITAP projects. Typically, the international scientists spend several weeks at Iowa State (a few stay as long as a year) working with ISU scientists. After the ISU and international scientists become familiar with the other's research interests, they often write funding proposals for collaborative projects. "These long-term projects help develop personal and institutional friendships that further the causes of science, education and peace throughout the world," Jischke said. More information on activities of the International Institute of Theoretical and Applied Physics is available on the World Wide Web at this URL: http://www.physics.iastate.edu/. __________ University Relations Iowa State University