9604877 Shafi Description: This award will support the participation of up to ten leading U.S. scientists and advanced graduate students at the BCSPIN (Bangladesh, China, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, India, Nepal) regional Physics School in Kathmandu, Nepal from May 19-June 3, 1997. The subject matter is "Current Trends in High Energy Physics and Cosmology". Many of the leading topics in high energy physics and cosmology will be presented. In addition to the core set of lectures, discussion groups will be created enabling participation in "cutting edge" research and the initiation of collaborations. The major goal of BCSPIN is to provide a stimulating environment in which the brightest student, postdocs and faculty from the BCSPIN countries can come in to contact with leading physicists, particularly from the U.S. Scope: The establishment of a school of excellence in physics will enhance interest in this field in the South Asia region and will greatly strengthen the scientific potential of young researchers there. Without the opportunity given by a school of this kind, it is unlikely that the majority of the students would ever have exposure to such outstanding scientists. Previous schools have been highly regarded and the best students will no doubt eventually enrich American science. BCSPIN is supported multinationally with substantial funding provided by the International Center for Theoretical Physics in Triest. This award is jointly funded by the Division of International Programs and the Division of Physics. ***
