The International Science Fund

One Challenge After Another: the Butterfly Effect continues The ICTP community united behind a common goal in late 2025 and achieved something extraordinary: turning a single "butterfly" into 100,000. Now the "Butterfly Effect Challenge" has now inspired another longtime ICTP donor and friend to create not one, but two extraordinary challenge opportunities. Prof. Adnan Shihab-Eldin, a friend and supporter who has been connected to ICTP since the days of Abdus Salam has issued a generous challenge to support two vital new initiatives. The ICTP global community now has the chance to double their donations once again and join Prof. Shihab-Eldin in keeping the momentum going.  Challenge #1: Remembering Karim Aoudia Prof. Shihab-Eldin has pledged to match the first €30,000 that ICTP raises to support the The Abdelkrim "Karim" Aoudia Memorial Scholarship which will be awarded annually to an Earth Systems Physics or other diploma student from Africa or the Middle East. This endowed scholarship—with a total goal of €300,000 —was created in honor of Prof. Karim Aoudia, who passed away suddenly in October 2025. Over his nearly 20 years at the Centre, Karim exemplified the three pillars of ICTP’s mission: Scientific Excellence, Global Inclusion, and International Cooperation. He was a dedicated mentor who guided and inspired countless students throughout his career. Every donation made to this fund up to €30K will be matched 1:1. Due to the generosity of many of Karim's colleagues at ICTP, we have already raised over €7,000 and counting toward the challenge. Please join us in remembering and honoring Karim.

 Do you believe in the Butterfly Effect? It’s the phenomenon whereby a small action—like the flap of a butterfly’s wings—can spark massive changes across the world. Here's your chance to test the Butterfly Effect yourself. Here’s what’s happening: ·      The Adriatico Guesthouse , a place full of memories and meaning for the whole ICTP community, is being reimagined for the future, with the help of a transformative $15 million matching grant from the Simons Foundation International . Now we must rise to the challenge to complete its renovation and unlock the full potential of this generous match. And.... ·      Prof. Jagadish Shukla , meteorologist and author of A Billion Butterflies: A Life in Climate and Chaos Theory , made an incredible gesture of support and friendship to the Centre. He’s pledged $25,000 —and is inviting ICTP alumni and friends to match it. Every dollar you give will be matched 1:1 by Prof. Shukla — and your gift will be quadrupled thanks to the Simons Foundation International match. Together we can turn $25K into $50K and $50K into $100K! No gift is too small. Be the butterfly that starts a chain reaction of discovery. Donate now to quadruple your gift