KITP's primary activity is to help organize topical research programs of duration from as short as two weeks to as long as five months. Each year, hundreds of theoretical physicists and other scientists come from all over the world for varying periods of time to work on site, to meet with other experts with similar or overlapping interests, to explore new ideas and techniques, and to form new collaborations. Conferences are often associated with these programs in order to gather relevant data or disseminate new results and to provide for interactions with additional scientists unable to come for longer periods.
Scientists can become involved in many different ways, and links to further information are provided above and in the left column. One may apply to attend one of the future programs or register for a future conference. Because of limitations of space and funds, participation in our programs is by invitation only, whereas our conferences are usually open to anyone interested, so long as we have room. Those who are invited to participate in our program may request financial assistance to help defray the cost of their participation. Those coming for extended visits who wish to bring family members can request supplementary financial assistance.
KITP sponsors special fellowships designed to provide opportunities to graduate students, recent PhD's, and faculty at primarily undergraduate institutions.
KITP is a user-facility for scientists interested in any aspect of theoretical physics, broadly defined. We are open to ideas for new ways that our institute could stimulate research progress in forefront areas. Please contact the director with your suggestions.
KITP Fellows
The KITP Fellows program supports a single long visit (6-8 weeks) from experimentalists, observers or theorists in physics or astronomy departments at teaching-intensive U.S. colleges or universities, which are also designated as non-RI, Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs).
KITP Scholars
The KITP Scholars program supports three round trip KITP visits of ~2 weeks per year for researchers in physics who are faculty at teaching intensive U.S. colleges from non-Ph.D.-granting institutions and from institutions with greater emphasis on teaching and have ongoing research activity.
Postdoctoral Scholars
Each year 4-5 postdoctoral scholars are selected to join a cohort of 12-15 postdoctoral scholars in residence at KITP. They have free reign to participate in the many long-term research programs held here, to collaborate with other postdoctoral scholars, faculty members and visiting scientists, and to develop their scientific careers.
Graduate Fellowship Program
Physics doctoral students spend a minimum period of 5 months (and up to 6 months) at the KITP, participate in KITP research programs, and broaden their pursuit of theoretical physics in areas of current research.
Programs
KITP's programs are designed to enhance interaction and collaboration among participants in order to stimulate the vibrant, creative thinking that leads to insight and significant scientific progress. Programs range in length from a few weeks to several months and attract select groups of participants from institutions worldwide.
Conferences
Most KITP programs include a 4-day conference for those preferring short trips away from their laboratories or home institutions.