The 32nd International Colloquium on Group Theoretical Methods in Physics (Group32) organized with participation of JINR was launched in Prague, the Czech Republic.

The first colloquium of this series was held in 1972 in Marseille, and has become regular since then. If we take into account that group theoretical methods are widely used in physics, starting from research on particle physics and ending with gravitational physics, then we see that such colloquiums can be compared in importance with the Rochester conference on high-energy physics.

In 2018, the Group32 colloquium is held on 9 – 13 July at the Faculty of Nuclear Sciences and Physical Engineering of the Czech Technical University. A festive opening of the event took place in the Concert Hall of the Prague Conservatory. The colloquium has an interdisciplinary character. It aims at bringing together experts and young researchers from different fields encouraging cross disciplinary interactions.

The ICGTMP (International Colloquium on Group Theoretical Methods in Physics) series is traditionally dedicated to application of symmetry and group theoretical methods in physics, mathematics and other sciences, and to development of mathematical tools and theories for progress in group theory and symmetries. Over the years, it has further broadened and diversified due to successful application of group theoretical, geometric and algebraic methods in life sciences and other areas.

One more tradition of the colloquium dates back to 1978 when the first established medal for excellence in development of group and theoretic methods was awarded to the outstanding American theoretical physicist Eugene Wigner. Since then, this medal has been named after him and is awarded “to recognize outstanding contributions to understanding of physics through Group Theory”. Moreover, the programme of the colloquium comprises decoration of the Hermann Weyl prize named after one of the most brilliant mathematicians of the 20th century. The prize is awarded to young scientists performing original work of significant scientific quality in the fields of understanding physics through symmetries. The festive awarding ceremony will be held on 12 July in the Bethlehem Chapel, the most significant cultural and religious monument of Prague.