Online Lecture Series
The online lecture series is a weekly seminar or colloquium to supplement the ASP term schools. It is organized continuously even when there is no term school. Experts are invited or volunteer to lecture on any topics in the areas of concentration of ASP students and alumni, namely:
- Astrophysics and Cosmology;
- Nuclear and Particle Physics;
- Accelerator, Medical and Radiation Physics;
- High-Performance Computing;
- Physics Education;
- Physics Communication;
- Renewable Energies and Energy Efficiency;
- Materials Physics.
2025 Series
Comets and asteroids: from contributing to the destruction of life on Earth?
Date: May 27, 2025
Time: 13:00 UTC
Dr. Youssef Moulane is a Research Scientist in astronomy and astrophysics at University Mohammed VI Polytechnic (UM6P)
Bio of the speaker:
Dr. Youssef Moulane is a Research Scientist in astronomy and astrophysics at University Mohammed VI Polytechnic (UM6P). He previously worked as a Postdoc at Auburn University in the United States. His research focuses on the study of the physical and chemical properties of small bodies of the solar system, including comets and asteroids. He holds a Ph.D. in Astronomy and Space Science from Cadi Ayyad University in Morocco and the University of Liège in Belgium in 2021. He has previously worked as a visiting researcher at the European Southern Observatory (ESO) in Chile between 2019-2021. In addition to his academic work, he is also interested in outreach and educational activities in the field of astronomy for the public and general audience.
Abstract:
Comets and asteroids have played a dual role in Earth’s history, both as potential harbingers of life and agents of destruction. This talk explores how these small celestial bodies have shaped the evolution of life on our planet. We will examine their contributions to early Earth, delivering water and organic molecules essential for life’s emergence. At the same time, we will discuss their catastrophic impacts, from mass extinctions, such as the asteroid that ended the reign of the dinosaurs, to potential future threats posed by Near-Earth Objects (NEOs). By understanding the science behind these bodies, their past influence, and modern efforts in planetary defense, we can appreciate their profound role in shaping Earth’s biological and geological history.
Muon g-2 anomaly in QED, EW theory and beyond
Date: April 15, 2025
Time: 13:00 UTC
Dr. Mustafa Ashry is a lecturer assistant in the Department of Mathematics, Faculty of Science, Cairo University
Bio of the speaker:
Dr. Mustafa Ashry is a lecturer assistant in the Department of Mathematics, Faculty of Science, Cairo University. As a theoretician, he is interested in Higgs phenomenology beyond the Standard Model of particle physics, the phenomenology of supersymmetry in particle colliders, and models that explain the muon anomalous magnetic moment. Additionally, he works on models that accommodate cosmological inflation to explain the large-scale structure and causal structure of the universe.
Abstract:
The measured anomalous magnetic moment of muons is clear evidence of a physics beyond the Standard Model of elementary particles. We present the QED, the standard model and beyond standard model contributions which includes a left right model with inverse seesaw neutrino mechanism and a model with leptoquarks.
Researcher Training and Funding Opportunities for African Students
Date: February 25, 2025
Time: 13:00 UTC
Prof. Carsten P Welsch, Professor of Physics and Head of Accelerator Science at the University of Liverpool, England
Bio of the speaker:
Professor Carsten P Welsch studied physics and economics at the Universities of Frankfurt and UC Berkeley, completing his PhD in accelerator physics at Frankfurt. Following postdoctoral roles at the Max Planck Institute and CERN, he founded the QUASAR Group in 2007. Since 2008, he has been a member of the University of Liverpool and the Cockcroft Institute, becoming a Full Professor in 2011 and serving as Head of the Physics Department from 2016 to 2023. His research focuses on antimatter physics and accelerator optimization, with pioneering contributions to beam diagnostics. He has led six EU networks, training over 100 fellows, and directs two STFC CDTs in Data Science. With over 50 international events organized and extensive outreach efforts, he actively promotes discovery science and influences global research strategies.
Abstract:
Supporting the next generation of researchers is crucial for driving scientific innovation and economic development. In this seminar, Prof. Carsten Welsch will explore training and funding opportunities available to African students and early-career researchers seeking to advance their careers in science and engineering. Drawing on his extensive experience in leading international training programs, including EU-funded doctoral networks and knowledge-exchange initiatives, he will highlight practical pathways for accessing scholarships, research placements, and collaborative projects.
Prof. Welsch has successfully trained researchers at all career stages, equipping them with technical skills and career development opportunities in academia and industry. This seminar will provide valuable insights into structured training programs, application strategies for competitive funding schemes, and ways to connect with leading research institutions.
Whether you are a student looking for postgraduate opportunities or an early-career researcher aiming to expand your network, this seminar will offer practical guidance on taking the next step in your research journey. Join us for an interactive session to explore how you can enhance your career prospects through international training and funding initiatives.
The following series have been captured in Indico and in the calendar below:
- Series 1 (May7-Nov19 2020): ASP lecturers, see the topical version by LINXS
- Series 2 (Nov24-Jan02 2021): Photons and Neutrons, see LINXS version
- Series 3 (since Feb 16 2021): ASP Alumni
- More organizational lectures:
- International Association for Physics Student (IAPS) (09/02/2021)
- ASP Mentorship Program (12/11/2020)
The timetable of the online lectures (in GMT (UTC)):
NB: Most videos are available on the given Indico and gathered in the Video_PlayList.
Attendees of any ASP in-person or virtual events are expected to meet standards of professional conduct as described in the ASP Code of Conduct. Violations of these standards may disqualify people from future participation.