Summary of Meeting

Present: F. Fassi, M. Chabab, L. B. Drissi, R. Sebihi, Uli, Kenneth, Sanae, Kétévi, Christine, Obinnah, Benard , Funmi and Mounia

Apologies: Ulrich 

1. short report of the ASP2024 site visit 

Report on the ASP2024 site visit to Rabat from February 12-14:

During the Rabat site visit from February 12-13, 2024, F. Fassi provided a brief overview of our engagements. We met with key figures, including the Director of CNRST, the President and Dean of Science at Mohammed V University, the President of the Higher Council of Education and Scientific Research, and cabinet members of Ministère de l’Enseignement Supérieur, de la Recherche Scientifique et de l’Innovation. Additionally, we engaged with the Perpetual Secretary of the Hassan II Academy and their support staff. In these discussions, we successfully secured both in-kind and financial support for all planned activities at ASP2024.

On February 14, 2024, we had the privilege of attending the PhD thesis defense of Zainab Soumaimi, an alumna of ASP2021. Her doctoral work on the ATLAS Experiment was co-supervised by Prof. Farida Fassi and Dr. Kétévi A. Assamagan. Zainab Soumaimi, an ASP alumna, had previously participated in a short-term research visit to BNL in 2022-2023.

Marrakesh on February 15-16, 

Ketevi provided a concise overview of our Marrakesh visit. The delegation engaged with the Dean of the Faculty of Science at Cadi Ayyad University, conducting meetings and inspecting the university's facilities, including amphitheaters, seminar rooms, and computing rooms earmarked for ASP2024 activities. Subsequently, the delegation proceeded to Ben Guerir from Marrakech with the aim of integrating Mohammed VI Polytechnic University into the LOC.

Additional discussions were held with the Vice-President of Cadi Ayyad University and officials from the Regional Academy of Education, overseeing matters related to high school learners. In-kind support for the use of university facilities was obtained from Cadi Ayyad University officials, while discussions with the Regional Academy of Education yielded support for the high school outreach program, covering both scientific and logistical aspects. The preparations for ASP2024 continue diligently, with the imminent focus on the high school learners' program scheduled for April 15-19, 2024.

2. High School Students Program on April 15-19:

• • Commencing next week, we will initiate a weekly meeting to coordinate preparations for the ASP2024 learners' program scheduled from April 15-19, 2024. Emails have already been dispatched to interested individuals, expressing their willingness to participate in this program. We have requested activity leaders to furnish comprehensive details about their respective programs.

  • Furthermore, we have extended our communication to Moroccan ASP alumni to ascertain their availability during the specified period of April 15-19. Our proactive approach underscores our commitment to ensuring a well-organized and engaging high school learners' program. The upcoming meeting is slated for Tuesday, February 27, at 15:00 CET.