49th International Nathiagali Summer College
24th June – 6th July, 2024
at Nathiagali, Pakistan.
International Nathiagali Summer College (INSC) on Physics and Contemporary Needs has been organized every year
since 1976. The idea of holding these Colleges came from the distinguished Nobel Laureate,
Professor Abdus Salam who emphasized the vital need of communication, as well as for transferring
and sharing scientific knowledge among the scientific community.
The primary aim of the College is to break the scientific isolation of researchers
in the developing countries by providing them a platform to interact with international faculty.
A unique opportunity in the developing world has been provided by this college to younger and active
scientists for establishing and renewing contacts with world renowned scientists.
The scientific activities of INSC, every year, cover a broad coverage of topics at the frontiers
of knowledge in Physics and allied sciences. Every year three to five subjects of current interest and
their applications with special reference to needs of the developing countries are highlighted. The following
topics will be covered during 49th INSC.
- Activity - I: Quantum Technologies (24th-28th June, 2024)
- Activity - II: Advanced Artificial Intelliegence and Machine Learning Technologies (29th June-2nd July, 2024)
- Activity - III: Advanced Semiconductor technologies and Coatings (3rd-6th July, 2024)
Activity - I: Quantum Technologies (24th-28th June, 2024)
Quantum Technology is an emerging field of Physics and Engineering, encompassing technologies that rely on the properties
of quantum mechanics, especially quantum superposition and quantum entanglement. Quantum technology is a potentially disruptive
discipline with the ability to affect many human activities. Quantum technology is grouped into three broad categories:
Quantum Communication, Quantum Sensing and Quantum Computing.
Fast and secure sharing of information is the prime concerns of almost any communication system. The primary application of
quantum communication technology is security against eavesdroppers, primarily through a method known as quantum key distribution
(QKD). The commonly used cryptographic algorithms cannot provide unconditional security. Quantum Key Distribution (QKD)
offers an exceptional means to this end. Quantum Communication is now an emerging field of technology with Quantum Key
Distribution over planetary distances. Quantum entangled state, a mystery in itself, has proved to be a vital resource for
the Quantum Key distribution protocols in free space. Quantum communication, will soon revolutionize the technical and scientific
scenario in entirely unforeseeable ways.
Quantum sensing and metrology is the most mature quantum technology area, which improves timing, sensing or imaging. For example,
atomic clocks from the first quantum revolution have been part of the Global Positioning System (GPS) for almost half a
century. Quantum sensing stands for all quantum technologies that measure various physical variables such as external
magnetic or electric fields, gravity gradient, acceleration and rotation. Quantum sensors can produce very precise information
about an electric signal, magnetic anomalies and for inertial navigation. Quantum imaging systems are a wide area covering 3D
quantum cameras, behind-the corner cameras, low brightness imaging and Quantum RADAR or LiDAR.
Quantum computing is one of its most profound manifestation. Quantum computer is one of the most important and groomed breaking
discovery of the present age. Quantum computers could outperform their classical counterparts in certain complex computational
tasks with exceptionally high speed. Specific problems that are entirely infeasible to solve on a standard computer could become
feasible on a quantum computer. The activity on Quantum Technologies will serve as an intellectual bridge to join the scientific
community of the subject and help to cope with the stringent needs and challenges presented by this fascinating and somewhat
mystifying subject.
During the 49th International Nathiagali Summer College, some highlights of this emerging field of Quantum Technology will be
discussed.
Subtopics: Quantum Cryptography, Quantum Computing, Quantum Sensors, Inertial Navigation System,
Atomic Clocks, Gravitational Force Sensors, Magnetic Field Sensors, Quantum mysteries
Activity - II: Advanced Artificial Intelliegence and Machine Learning Technologies (29th June-2nd July, 2024)
In this activity, renowned scholars from around the world are going to deliver lectures on cutting edge technologies
in the field of Artificial intelligence and Machine Learning including;
1. Reimagining Mobility with AI (Autonomous Vehicles):
Explore the sensor suite powering autonomous vehicles: LiDAR, radar, cameras, and more, working in orchestrated harmony.
Decipher the algorithms that navigate self-driving cars and guide drone swarms like coordinated teams.
Engage in thoughtful discussions about the ethical landscape of autonomous travel, paving the way for a responsible future.
2. Unleashing AI's Creative Potential (Generative AI and Natural Language Processing):
Master the art of GANs (Generative Adversarial Networks) to create mind-bending images, music, and text.
Unlock the secrets of NLP (Natural Language Processing) and empower machines to understand your words,
paving the way for smarter interactions and personalized experiences.
3. Seeing the World through AI's Lens (Computer Vision):
Peer into the elaborate vision of CNNs (Convolutional Neural Networks) and witness how they analyze images with remarkable accuracy.
Discover the rising star of Vision Transformers, revolutionizing image understanding with their attentive approach.
Explore AI's transformative impact across sectors – from self-driving cars and life-saving medical imaging to facial recognition technology, with its potential benefits and challenges.
4. Building the AI-Powered Future (Meta Verse and Drone Swarms):
Step into the captivating Metaverse, a virtual world where AI crafts immersive experiences and redefines human-machine interaction.
Harness the power of Deep Reinforcement Learning (DRL), where AI agents learn by trial and error, mastering complex tasks from game playing to robot control.
5. Redefining the Future of manufacturing (Industry 5.0):
Explore the world where humans, smart machine and robots work in unison to boost productivity, minimize resource wastage and perk up safety while being environment friendly.
Start believing in human-machine collaboration that can help create more fulfilling and rewarding jobs for workers, instead of leaving them jobless.
6. Beyond the Edge (EDGE / TinyML):
Observe the hardware trends where real estate shrinks to limit power consumption, while novel algorithms manipulate data on site, to reduce traffic on an already superfast and secure communication backbone, for optimal artificial intelligence.
7. Ethical Crossroads in Artificial Intelligence:
Engage in critical discussions about safety and ethical considerations surrounding these powerful AI systems, shaping a responsible future for our technological advancements.
Activity - III: Advanced Semiconductor technologies and Coatings (3rd-6th July, 2024)
Semiconductors are the building block of the digital age. They have been driving the advances in communications, computing,
health care, military systems, transportation, clean energy, and countless other applications. Tiny electronic components,
made up of semiconductors, can control and manipulate electrical currents, allowing for the creation of complex electronic
devices. The semiconductor industry has always been dynamic, marked by constant innovation and fierce competition. However,
recent developments have further accelerated the need for innovation and expansion. The demand for more powerful and
energy-efficient chips has skyrocketed, driven by applications like artificial intelligence, machine learning, 5G connectivity
virtual reality, energy-efficient sensing, automated devices, and robotics. Research and development in the area of semiconductor
devices, nanostructures, 2D materials, and thin films is of great interest for the development of integrated devices and systems,
especially, band gap modulation, thin film hetero-structures and artificial optical systems. Researchers have reliably kept pace
with Moore’s Law, which states that the number of circuits on a microchip doubles every two years. They have accomplished this by
experimenting with variations of semiconductor materials and device architectures.
Considering the importance of semiconductor technologies and coatings, the Activity-III of 49th International Nathiagali Summer
Colleges (INSC) has been planned to bring together national and international academia, scientist and engineers, and future
researchers working in the field of semiconductor technologies, materials growth, design and fabrication of semiconductor devices,
on a common platform to exchange knowledge and ideas, as well as to foster meaningful collaborations among them.
The scientific theme of this activity of summer college will span over a broad range of topics, which include:
- Recent advances in semiconductor thin films, coatings and optoelectronic applications
- Growth and physical properties of semiconductor materials
- Innovative techniques for the band gap engineering in semiconductors
- Computational methods applied to semiconductor materials and devices
- Semiconductor device designing, fabrication, processing and packaging
- Semiconductor-metal interactions or light matter interactions
- Semiconductor thin films: surface and interface
- Devices and application of van der Waals hetero-structures
Special Seminars: CERN70 & Pakistan 24th June, 2024
CERN is celebrating its 70th anniversary in 2024. Throughout the year, events and activities will take place at
CERN, in Member & Associate Member States. The purpose of these events is to celebrate the past, invigorate the present,
to promote the future and to attract the younger generations and making science more accessible.
Pakistan being an Associate Member of CERN will celebrate a few events in Pakistan. One of the events will take place on 24
June 2024 with the title “CERN70 and Pakistan”. In the event, lectures will be delivered by speakers from CERN and Pakistan.
The lectures will cover Science and Technology, major discoveries & achievements, past, present and future of CERN along with
Pakistan engagement. CERN stake holders in Pakistan, scientists, engineers, students and general public will be invited to attend
the lectures.
DG CERN Dr. Fabiola Gianotti may be one of the expected speaker of this session.
