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Strategic Partner

Galileo Violini

Member of the Executive Committee and Honorary Director, Centro Internacional de Física (CIF), Bogotá

Focus areas
  • International physics research
  • Synchrotron facilities
  • Science diplomacy and education

Background

Professor Violini graduated from the Department of Physics at the University of Rome (today Sapienza University of Rome) and brings more than forty years of leadership in international physics research and education. He co-founded the Centro Internacional de Física (CIF) in Bogotá and has been a driving force in advancing physics programs and the discipline across Latin America and the Caribbean.

Core expertise

  • Mathematical methods in physics
  • Construction and operation of synchrotron radiation facilities
  • International research cooperation and capacity building
  • Science diplomacy and higher-education partnerships

Academic experience

  • University of Rome and University of Calabria: Professor of mathematical methods in physics
  • Universidad de los Andes (Bogotá) and Instituto Superior Politécnico Simón Bolívar: Visiting professor
  • Academy of Sciences, University of El Salvador: Former Director of EU-funded programs
  • UNESCO:Former Representative to Iran and Director of the Tehran Office
  • Centro Internacional de Física (CIF), Bogotá: Co-founder, Honorary Director, and current member of the Executive Committee

Honors and awards

  • American Physical Society John Wheatley Award (1995)
  • ICTP Abdus Salam Spirit Award (2016)
  • Government of El Salvador Outstanding Salvadoran Award (2018)
  • American Physical Society Joseph A. Burton Forum Award (2024)
  • Colombian Academy of Exact, Physical and Natural Sciences: Honorary member
  • American Physical Society (APS): Fellow (since 2001)
  • World Academy of Art and Science: Fellow
  • Academia de Ciencias de la República Dominicana: Member

Publications and leadership

  • Scholarly output:Approximately 430 publications spanning physics, science policy, and education.
  • Conference leadership:Organized more than 200 CIF scientific workshops and symposia.
  • International cooperation: Advanced the CSCA (Central America and Caribbean) doctoral program and deep collaboration with CERN.
  • Greater Caribbean Light Source (GCLS): Chair of the Executive Committee.
  • American Physical Society International Physics Forum: Inaugural Vice Chair.

Key achievements

  • Regional physics hub:Co-founded CIF in Bogotá, advancing physics across Latin America and the Caribbean.
  • Synchrotron and light sources: Led the Greater Caribbean Light Source (GCLS), building regional synchrotron capacity.
  • Global research networks:Advanced the CSCA doctoral program and deep CERN collaboration, linking European and Latin American research systems.

Social impact

Through founding CIF, advancing synchrotron facilities, and regional doctoral training, Professor Violini has significantly strengthened Latin America and the Caribbean's participation and capacity in the international physics research landscape.