Institute for Scientific Interchange

History and mission

The ISI Foundation was founded and supported by the Regional Government, the Province and City of Turin, and by the two major Bank institutions in Piedmont: Compagnia di San Paolo and the CRT Foundation. Its core mission is the promotion of scientific research within the international cooperation, fostering the creation of research groups and of innovative and interdisciplinary labs, with a special focus on the science of complex systems. The aim is to create a new connection between basic and applied science, helping to face and solve some of the essential issues of contemporary society. The challenge of complexity has now become a sort of paradigm of modernity, and Turin and Piedmont have nowadays become one of the most important international locations in such fundamental research. Thanks to the support of the public founding members and to the precious and continuous cooperation with the CRT Foundation (in particular with the Lagrange Project) and the San Paolo Company, the ISI Foundation was able to tackle, by new frontiers research projects, bold paths, settling itself among the main research centres for complexity. The success and richness of the research work at the ISI Foundation resides primarily in the “human factor” encompassing the scientific and personal value of its scientific and administrative staff, as well as the complex web of human relations that everyday brings the institute to life.

Scientific research

ISI is a major centre for complex networks, complexity science, mathematical physics, statistical physics and quantum physics research, attracting a diverse community of resident and visiting scientists from around the world.

Joint masters-level program

The ISI Foundation engages in a growing number of projects on higher education, both directly, such as the Master in Epidemiology, and indirectly, for example by means of the Lagrange Scholarships.

Doctoral studies

ISI also hosts exceptional PhD students wishing to pursue full-time graduate studies under the supervision of an ISI faculty member. PhD students receive their doctoral degrees from a university partner, which can range in locations.

Courses

ISI offers a number of planned courses each year, including cross-listed programs with universities and mini-courses given by ISI Faculty, associate faculty, and visiting researchers.

Facilities

The long time experience of ISI in the organisation of international workshops, schools and meetings, together with the high quality research activity it promotes, offer a stimulating scientific environment where to organise outreach activities and attract international scientists for visiting periods in order to disseminate the results of the ongoing project. The Institute is provided with technological, scientific and accommodation facilities for these events.

Board of trustees

Scientific Advisory Board

The Scientific Advisory Board is an independent body whose role is to define and provide strategic research lines. By continuously monitoring the research activities of the Foundation's research, it guarantees the high quality of its scientific production.

Notable alumni