Upcoming Events

 APS FIP (American Physical Society - Forum for International Physics) Colloquia series

SAVE THE DATE: August 28: “Astronomy for a Better World: From Stars to Sustainable Solutions” by Joyful Mdhluli

At 16:00 CEST (10:00 EDT), REGISTER HERE

Abstract:
Physics is more than a science, it is a powerful driver of innovation, education, and sustainable development. Astronomy, one of the many fields within physics, demonstrates how fundamental research can directly contribute to addressing global challenges. One of the goals of the International Astronomical Union’s (IAU) Strategic Plan 2020–2030 states: “The IAU promotes the use of astronomy as a tool for development in every country.”
To realise this, the IAU Office of Astronomy for Development (OAD)  harnesses astronomy’s scientific, technological, and cultural connections  to advance the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Since its establishment, the OAD has supported more than 230 projects across 112 countries and built a global network through 11 regional and  language offices. Its work ranges from fostering economic growth  through astrotourism, to exploring astronomy’s role in mental health and  well-being, and applying astronomy’s data skills and infrastructure to broader development challenges. Through these initiatives, astronomy has shown how a discipline deeply rooted in curiosity and discovery can impactfully contribute to society.
These efforts within Astronomy provide an example of how physics can shape society beyond the laboratory. The same curiosity, problem-solving, and technological advances that drive discovery in other areas such as optics, quantum technologies, or materials science, hold immense  potential to create similar pathways for impact. Reflecting on its ~15 years of experience, the OAD invites a broader consideration of how the diverse fields of physics might collectively contribute to global development, inspire new collaborations, and expand the role of our science in addressing society’s most pressing needs.
 
Visit here for more info
Biography:
Dr. Joyful Elma Mdhluli is a Postdoctoral Researcher at the International Astronomical Union’s Office of Astronomy for Development (OAD), hosted at the National Research Foundation’s South African Astronomical Observatory (NRF|SAAO) in Cape Town. She coordinates the flagship projects of the OAD that harness astronomy to drive economic  development, promote mental health and wellbeing, and build skills for  sustainable livelihoods.
She earned her PhD in Physics from the University of the Witwatersrand, contributing to the ALICE experiment at CERN’s Large Hadron Collider. 
Additionally, Dr. Mdhluli is deeply engaged in science communication, education, and policy. She serves as Executive Secretary of Women in Physics in South Africa (WiPiSA), is a member of the Executive Committee  of the African Astronomical Society (AfAS), and sits on the editorial boards of the African Physics Newsletter (APN) and the Communicating Astronomy with the Public (CAP) Journal of the IAU Office for Astronomy Outreach, promoting accessible and inclusive science communication.
Joyful Mdhluli
Dr Joyful Mdhluli – IAU-NRF (South Africa)

The fourth African Conference of Fundamental and Applied Physics, ACP2025

The fourth African Conference of Fundamental and Applied Physics, ACP2025, will be a hybrid event, jointly organized by ASP and the University of Lomé, Togo, from September 14 to 20, 2025.

For more information, please visit: https://indico.cern.ch/event/1458227/overview

Past Events

69th Annual Conference of the South African Institute of Physics (SAIP) 2025

The 69th Annual Conference of the South African Institute of Physics (SAIP) will be hosted at the University of the Witwatersrand recognising in part the “International Year of Quantum Science and Technology, 2025 (IYQ2025)”.  The conference will take place 7-11 July 2025.
 

Join us for our annual WiPiSA Plenary and Lunch sessions during the conference.

Looking forward to seeing you there!

Conference website here.

 

WiPiSA Youth Month 

In celebration of Youth Month, we are delighted to invite you to a special WiPiSA webinar that will take place on:

Date: Thursday, 26 June 2025

Time: 11:00 – 12:30 SAST

 Platform: Online/Zoom (link to follow upon RSVP)

We will be joined by a panel of inspiring young professionals and emerging voices in our field who will share their aspirations and challenges as they navigate through the physical sciences space .

Whether you are early in your career or an established professional, we believe this will be a valuable space for reflection, connection, and celebration.

Please RSVP by using the registration link: Registration link

We look forward to seeing you there and celebrating the incredible energy and impact of youth in science!

WiPiSA June Webinar Invitation

WiPiSA International Womens Day Webinar

In April, WiPiSA hosted a pilot international webinar on mentorship for women in physics, bringing together speakers and participants from South Africa, Kenya, and Botswana. This collaborative initiative aimed to foster cross-border dialogue, share lived experiences, and explore effective strategies for supporting women in science.
The event featured panelists from academic and research institutions across Africa, including:
● Dr. Pamella Kageliza Kilavi – Kenya
● Ms. Tlamelo Makati – Botswana
● Dr. Beauty Shibiri – South Africa
Discussions centered on themes such as mentorship, curriculum development, institutional bias, work-life balance, and systemic challenges faced by women in physics. Over 30 participants attended and actively engaged in the dialogue, reinforcing the relevance and urgency of these
conversations across the African continent.

The African Institute of Mathematical Sciences (AIMS) will be hosting a workshop titled “Advancing Women inMathematical Sciences”. It is open to those in the Physics field.

This is an opportunity for those based in the Western Cape. 

If you are interested, register here.

Deadline: 31 January 2025

A NOBEL LECTURE

Generating high-intensity ultrashort optical pulses by 2018 Nobel Laureate Prof. Donna Strickland (University of Waterloo, Canada) — Followed by an inspirational fireside chat unpacking the life of a Nobel Laureate —

  • Date: 22 October 2024
  • Time: 17:00 for 17:30-19:30 SAST
  • Venue:  Endler Hall, Stellenbosch University, and online

See document below for more information

Nobel Lecture – Donna Strickland Invitation

Soapbox Science Cape Town

Soapbox Science is a public outreach platform that explores the subjects of underrepresentation of women and non-binary scientists and current contribution to science from those cohorts.

The Cape Town event will be taking place on October 6, 2024 at the V&A Waterfront, Cape Town

Available Posititions

Postdoc Position available at Nelson Mandela University

Application Deadline: 20 September 2024

Q2CAfrica-Postdoc-Application-2025