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Centre for Theoretical Physics

             

 

Message From the Director

More than two millennia ago, Eratosthenes, the third director of the ancient Library of Alexandria, accurately calculated the circumference of the Earth. He achieved this by comparing the shadows cast by objects in Alexandria and Syene (modern-day Aswan). This remarkable demonstration of theoretical reasoning revealed the scale of our planet through the careful use of limited data. Although Eratosthenes could not have known of the Americas, Australia, or the vastness of the oceans, he theoretically envisioned the expanse that would later be mapped through voyages of discovery.

Today, the tools used to interrogate the physical world such as giant particle colliders and orbiting observatories are vastly different. Yet, we find ourselves in a similar position: precise measurements, paired with powerful theoretical frameworks, have unveiled key parameters of the universe, such as its age and total energy content. However, the vast majority of its constituents remain unknown.

These are exciting times for fundamental physics. Astrophysical observations indicate that approximately 95% of the universe’s content exists in the form of dark matter and dark energy. Discovering the nature of dark matter could lead to groundbreaking advancements in particle physics; alternatively, if dark matter does not exist, we may face a need to radically revise existing physical theories, including Newtonian and Einsteinian gravity. Dark energy believed to drive the universe’s accelerating expansion is even more mysterious. If it is not equivalent to Einstein’s cosmological constant, it could also point to profound changes in our understanding of physical laws.

At the intersection of the very large and the very small, new discoveries await. Research at the Centre for Theoretical Physics (CTP) has addressed several of these issues, including cosmological models, galaxy formation within the cold dark matter paradigm (and its alternatives), particle physics phenomenology, the search for dark matter at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) at CERN, the foundations of gravitational theory, and possible modifications to general relativity. Additional work includes plasma physics and applied electromagnetic theory. This research is conducted in collaboration with colleagues from institutions both within Egypt and abroad. Our aim is to foster stronger ties between the Egyptian physics community and the international scientific landscape, especially in frontier areas of inquiry where local engagement is still developing.

The CTP stands as a rare example of a research centre dedicated to fundamental theoretical physics in Egypt. A recurring question is the relevance of such work in a country facing pressing practical challenges. Yet, theoretical thinking has always been central to meaningful progress through the development of rigorous methodology and conceptual clarity, which are precisely what is most needed in Egypt today. As one CERN promotional film aptly states: no amount of applied research on the candle could have led to the electric light bulb. And, as CERN itself demonstrates, progress in basic science often necessitates advanced technical expertise, far beyond what is commonly required in most industries.

The Applied Electromagnetic Theory Group at the CTP is engaged in basic research with significant potential for practical applications. Other areas of research involve the technical and computational complexities critical to scientific advancement. These include the analysis of LHC data and detector simulations, as well as large-scale cosmological simulations. One of the centre’s primary objectives is the training of graduate students equipping them with both conceptual understanding and technical skills that have wide-ranging applications. Promoting public understanding of science and its methods is also central to our mission. We believe that fostering awareness of scientific approaches is vital to societal development, and that fundamental questions about the physical world offer an ideal entry point into the structure of scientific thought especially for young minds.

The CTP is also unique in being hosted by a young, private university. Over the years, we have benefited from generous support provided by Egyptian public institutions, including the Academy of Scientific Research and Technology (ASRT) and the Science and Technology Development Fund (STDF), for which we are deeply grateful. However, in a context where public funding for fundamental research is limited and increasingly directed toward immediate developmental goals, the sponsorship of the British University in Egypt has been indispensable. This support reflects a forward-looking vision—one that values the intrinsic worth of knowledge production and recognises that genuine technical progress is hindered when the foundation of basic science is lacking. For this, we offer our sincere gratitude.

 

Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ»ÆƬ Centre for Theoretical Physics

The Centre for Theoretical Physics (CTP) at Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ»ÆƬ was established in 2006 as a centre of excellence in fundamental physics. Since its inception, the Centre has broadened its scope to include experimental and applied research areas, particularly those related to the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) at CERN.

Current research areas include particle physics, gravitational theory, cosmology, and the formation and evolution of galaxies.

The Centre is committed to fostering strong connections with the international scientific community through both formal collaborations and informal partnerships. This is supported by the organisation of academic workshops, conferences, and research symposia. A key objective of the Centre is the training of postgraduate students, equipping them to conduct research that meets global standards of excellence.