Nordic Institute for Theoretical Physics

Nordic Institute for Theoretical Physics
Abbreviation	NORDITA
Formation	1957
Type	Research institute
Location	Stockholm, Sweden
Website	www.nordita.org

The Nordic Institute for Theoretical Physics, or NORDITA (Danish: Nordisk Institut for Teoretisk (Atom)fysik), is an international organisation for research in theoretical physics. It was established in 1957 by Niels Bohr and the Swedish minister Torsten Gustafsson. Since its beginning NORDITA was located in Copenhagen (Denmark) but it moved to Stockholm (Sweden) during autumn 2006, and it is now located at the AlbaNova University Centre. The main research areas in NORDITA are astrophysics, biophysics, condensed matter and particle physics.

Basic research in theoretical physics

Research carried out by Nordita academic staff, who are engaged in theoretical and numerical work on many fronts including astrophysics, biological physics, condensed matter and materials physics, cosmology and gravitational theory, statistical physics and complex systems, and subatomic physics. The in-house research forms the backbone of Nordita activities and complements the more service oriented functions.

Research training for young scientists

Nordita has traditionally provided extensive training at the post-doctoral level and has contributed to the career development of numerous senior scientists, who are active in the Nordic countries today. The postdoctoral program at Nordita remains an important recruitment tool for theoretical physics in the Nordic region. Nordita in Stockholm has also introduced a Visiting PhD Student program, where advanced PhD students can apply for support to spend one to three months at Nordita to work with staff members and benefit from the active scientific environment at the AlbaNova centre.

Scientific programs

Since the move to Stockholm, Nordita has placed increased emphasis on organizing scientific programs, where groups of experts within a specific area of research gather at Nordita to work together for extended periods. The international scientific community is invited to suggest programs. Proposals are evaluated by an external panel and decided on by the Nordita Board.

Workshops and symposia

In addition to the scientific programs, Nordita runs several shorter workshops and symposia each year, often in co-operation with outside organizers.

Advanced schools

Nordita has a long tradition of organizing advanced level summer and winter schools aimed at graduate students and junior researchers. These schools often cover specialized areas and thus complement graduate courses available at the students’ home institutions.

Visiting scientist program

Nordita supports numerous short term visits by both junior and senior scientists to participate in Nordita activities or collaborate with Nordita staff. The visitor program also includes several long-term visitors each year.

Funding

NORDITA is funded by the Nordic countries via the Nordic Council of Ministers and its approximate budget for 2007 is 23 million Swedish kronors, of which half is contributed by the Nordic Council of Ministers and the other half is shared between KTH and Stockholm University and the Swedish Research Council.

References

• NORDITA homepage

Coordinates: 59°21′10.8″N 18°03′28.8″E / 59.353°N 18.058°E / 59.353; 18.058