Holographic Himalaya IV is a monthly research journal club on "Quantum Information of Space-time and Matter". The host institute is St. Xavier's College, Maitighar, Kathmandu, and the project is organized in partnership with  Physics Without Frontiers and Ejalo Academy for otureach. The journal club aims to support Nepal’s growing community of young theoretical physicists by providing research collaboration and guided group projects.

The programme welcomes Bachelor and Master's students interested in frontier areas of theoretical physics. Students will be divided into small research groups, each assigned a specific topic and a mentor. Over the six months, participants will engage in weekly virtual discussions, monthly sessions, and guest lectures by international and local experts.

This edition continues the success of previous Holographic Himalaya programmes and aims to grow long-term research capacity in quantum information, gravity, and cosmology across Nepal.

Research Topics and Themes
    1. Quantum computing and information theory
    2. Quantum cosmology
    3. Quantum relativistic hydrodynamics 

Eligibility & Commitment
    • Open to 4th-year Bachelor’s and Master’s students in Physics from Nepal.
    • Applicants should have completed coursework in Quantum Mechanics and Statistical Physics, and demonstrate interest in theoretical and computational research.
    • Time commitment: Minimum 3 hours per week for reading, meetings, and research.
    • Active participation is required in weekly discussions and monthly virtual sessions.
    • Evaluation includes attendance, assignments, research participation, and final report.
    • Participants achieving ≥ 70% overall performance receive an ICTP / PWF Certificate of Participation.
    • Priority to final-year students aiming to extend their work into Bachelor’s or Master’s theses.
    • The programme promotes inclusivity and welcomes applications regardless of gender, background, or institutional affiliation.

Programme Structure
    • June 2025 - Registration & Student Selection
    • July-August 2025 - Lecture and Literature Reading Phase
    • August-December 2025 - Research and Group Project Phase
    • December 2025 - Final Presentations and Evaluations

Weekly virtual sessions will be held via Zoom, and monthly sessions will feature talks, discussions, progress reporting. 

Coordinators
    1. Kiran Adhikari - Technical University of Munich
    2. Rajeev Singh - West University of Timișoara, Romania
    3. Anil Kandel - St. Xavier’s College, TU
    4. Swastika Yogi - Tri-Chandra Multiple College, TU

Mentors and Guest Lecturers
Each research group will be assigned a mentor for guidance and review. Guest lectures will feature experts in quantum information, cosmology, and gravitational physics.

Participants
    • Expected number: 30+ students (Bachelor’s and Master’s levels)
    • Selection method: Application review based on motivation, academic background, and preferred research theme

Upcoming Events and Workshops
January 2026 - Two day workshop on Holographic Himalaya activities

Evaluation & Certification
Performance criteria:
    1. Attendance - 20%
    2. Homework & Assignments - 20%
    3. Research Participation and Peer Collaboration - 20%
    4. Final Report - 40%
Participants scoring ≥ 70% and completing all requirements will receive ICTP / PWF Certificates.

Contact
Email: kiran.adhikari@tum.de
Previous edition: https://indico.ictp.it/event/10439/overview