CONFERENCES
This page aims to highlight the various conferences that representatives of WiPiSA have attended to present and showcase the efforts of WiPiSA in building a network of Women in Physics in South Africa.
The SAIP annual conference is the prime annual gathering of the South African Physics community, including postgraduate students, which typically attracts over 400 scientific talks in seven parallel sessions. In addition to sessions on research, the conference also has sessions on various aspects of physics for development such as physics in industry, physics education, outreach, teacher development and the promotion of participation of women in physics.
At every annual SAIP conference, there is a dedicated plenary session for the Women in Physics forum followed by a WiPiSA lunch.
The International Union of Pure and Applied Physics (IUPAP) has recognised a particular need to foster the participation of women in physics. The IUPAP Conferences series on Women in Physics, organised by IUPAP Working Group 5, has a history not only of success and growth but also of making a difference in the physics community. The International Union of Pure and Applied Physics IUPAP has recognised a particular need to foster the participation of women in physics. The IUPAP Conferences series on Women in Physics, organised by IUPAP Working Group 5, has a history not only of success and growth but also of making a difference in the physics community.
The International Conference on Women in Physics (ICWIP) is held every three years, bringing together men and women from around the world to report on the situation of women in physics in their country, to share good practice, to suggest and implement means of improvement and to network. Over 92 different countries and over 1300 delegates have attended the ICWIPs and many new national bodies on women in physics have been created and regional meetings have taken place.
The IAU General Assembly (GA) takes place every three years and comprises two five-day sessions spread over two weeks. This event is a unique opportunity for astronomers worldwide working in all fields of astronomy to come together. In addition to the core administrative meetings, the General Assembly also includes a substantial and attractive scientific programme. This usually comprises two series of three Symposia each lasting for three days, scheduled during the first and second weeks, respectively. Fifteen to twenty more specialized “Focus Meetings” are also held, with up to five topics running in parallel. In addition, two full days are reserved for Division Meetings, with no overlap with the general program.
The International Astronomical Union General Assembly 2024 took place for the first time on the African continent from 6th to 15th August 2024 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC).