The first day of ICTS-SSWP 20261 began with registrations, as all of us arrived with enthusiasm and anticipation for the program. Nearly 50 undergraduate women students from different institutions took part in this 10-day residential program, and the excitement was evident from the very beginning as everyone looked forward to learning, interacting, and exploring new ideas.

A big thanks to the organizers and student volunteers, who made sure everything was in place. Their efforts helped the program run smoothly and created a welcoming atmosphere for everyone.

The formal program commenced with an inspiring talk by Dr. Rajesh Gopakumar, Director of ICTS. He spoke about the various initiatives and programs at ICTS and highlighted the broader educational and research initiatives undertaken by TIFR. His talk provided us with valuable insights into opportunities available in science and research, especially for women.

This was followed by welcome addresses from Prof. Shirish Pathare from HBCSE and Prof. Kripa Gowrishankar from Azim Premji University, Bengaluru. They gave us an overview of their respective institutions; shared the vision behind the Summer School for Women in Physics (SSWP); and spoke about the goals and expectations of the program.

The talks and the ice-breaker sessions throughout the day were informative, inspirational, and highly engaging. They set a good start for the days ahead and encouraged us to make the most of the opportunities offered by the program.

With a welcoming start and a room full of eager learners, the first day marked the beginning of what promised to be an exciting journey for all us.

Day 0 Registration Program Registration


  1. ICTS SSWP-2026: The ICTS Summer School for Women in Physics (SSWP) 2026 is a 10-day residential program designed to encourage undergraduate women to pursue careers in physics through hands-on experiments, conceptual discussions, and lectures. For more details, visit ICTS. ↩