ICTP's new head of administration arrived last spring. With his feet now firmly on the ground, John Fennessy outlines future directions for both administrating ICTP and improving its facilities.

Changes in the Works

ICTP is a dynamic institution worthy of its global reputation. Nevertheless, like all institutions, the Centre must change to meet future challenges. I would like to outline some critical administrative areas that will receive special attention in the months and years ahead.

Budget Matters. On 1 January 1996, the mantle of administrative control of the ICTP passed from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The transfer marked the end of one era and the beginning of another.

Simply put, the Centre moved from an administrative environment marked by strict central control to one of greater autonomy and independence. Unlike the past, the Centre now shoulders responsibility for its treasury, accounting and budget. It has established its own financial rules. It will soon have its own personnel procedures.

That's why the Centre has embarked on a full-scale effort to computerize its financial system, which will be completed by the end of this year. Computerized accounts will provide immediate information on the flow of funds both in and out of the Centre, giving staff a better handle on its money matters. And, in the years ahead, we plan to computerize and integrate information about other administrative programs, including the Scientific Information Services, Housing and Visa programs.

In addition, ICTP will also establish a line-item operational budget for 1999. Monthly reports will be issued enabling program leaders to assess their ongoing expenditures. The goal is twofold: to place day-to-day financial responsibility in the hands of ICTP's program leaders and to give our sponsors a clear accounting of how their money is being spent.

Staff Development. On the one hand, ICTP has experienced little staff turnover over the past decade. On the other hand, our employees have had few opportunities for advancement. To build enthusiasm and encourage new ideas, it has become essential for the Centre to emphasize staff training in computing and other skills, especially interpersonal management.

Last November, we took our first steps in meeting this goal by offering a week-long computer training course and introducing a voluntary staff rotation program. Early this year, we will begin offering management and supervisory training courses. The initiatives are based on this premise: Scientific excellence cannot be isolated from administrative excellence.

Facility Improvements. First-class scientific research requires up-to-date facilities. That's why the ICTP began refurbishing the rooms at the Adriatico and Galileo guesthouses last year. And that's why we will continue to improve those facilities in the future. Computer links in each room will be in place by the end of this year. In addition, the remodelling of the cafeteria in the Main Building which began last December, is now complete.

ICTP has also begun to study the feasibility of developing recreational facilities, which could lead to the creation of a "rec" club comprised of administrative staff, in-house scientists and visiting researchers. Such a club would pursue a wide range of activities, helping to promote not just science but life in its broader sense.

For more than three decades, the Centre has been a beehive of activity exerting an extraordinary impact on thousands of lives. The changes outlined here are designed to continue to advance the ICTP's agenda by maintaining an environment that offers both first-class training and research opportunities for scientists and a rewarding work environment for its administrative staff and visitors.

John Fennessy
ICTP's Chief of Administration.

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