Vision and Mission
Vision: The National Institute for Theoretical Physics leads and coordinates research programmes and fosters education in Theoretical Physics, allowing South Africa to play its rightful international role in a truly fundamental scientific field.
Mission: To provide a stimulating national and African user facility for Theoretical Physics that links South Africa and the continent to an international family of Institutes for Theoretical Physics and similar institutions where its programmes are recognised for their excellence in research and innovative role in the education of Theoretical Physics, especially in underrepresented communities.
"The establishment of a National Institute for Theoretical Physics, NITheP, by the South African government, is a significant development for basic science in South Africa and on the African continent. This new institute will allow local theoretical physicists to interact with their international colleagues through joint programmes. NITheP will also play a major role in the training of future generations of African theoretical physicists. It has my strong and enthusiastic backing."
Stephen W. Hawking, Lucasian Professor of Mathematics, University of Cambridge
"I strongly endorse the proposed National Facility for Theoretical Physics in South Africa. It is essential that South Africa take the lead at building modern science in Africa, building on its excellent intellectual capital and reaching out to the rest of the continent. Although many components of such an effort are required, it is essential to promote excellence in the basic sciences and to ensure a vibrant scientific community working at the frontiers of science. The National Facility is a major step in that direction.
"David Gross (Nobel Laureate 2004 and Director, Kavli Institute of Theoretical Physics, Santa Barbara)
Photo taken at the NITheP launch
on 13 May 2008