iThemba LABS (laboratory for accelerator based sciences) is a multidisciplinary facility aiming to become the leading African organisation for research, training and expertise in accelerator based science and technologies.
The infrastructure is based at two sites, namely in the Western Cape, on Old Faure Road, and in Gauteng, on the campus of the University of the Witwatersrand.
The research activities are overseen by the Director of research and comprise experimental nuclear physics, materials research, radiation biophysics, and research and development pertaining to particle accelerators.
iThemba LABS is the only producer of accelerator-based radionuclides in South Africa. Some of the products (so-called short-lived isotopes) are produced to address the needs of the local medical fraternity, whilst the longer-lived isotopes are exported, thereby generating valuable income.
The radiopharmaceuticals produced at iThemba LABS provide roughly 25 000 nuclear medicine diagnostic applications per year.
Training is an integral part of the activities at iThemba LABS as all researchers are expected to participate in the growth and development of skills for the nuclear sector through lecturing and supervision of postgraduate students.
Opportunities are made available to in-service trainees, apprentices and interns to gain hands-on experience on a yearly basis. iThemba LABS also interacts with learners, teachers, undergraduate students and the general public through interventions aimed at promoting an awareness and appreciation of science.
;){kind=small}