NITheCS Headquarters Officially Launched at Stellenbosch University, Strengthening SA's Role in Global Computational Science

The National Institute for Theoretical and Computational Sciences (NITheCS), a Centre of Excellence under the National Research Foundation (NRF), marked a significant milestone with the official opening of its headquarters at Stellenbosch University on Wednesday, 10 September 2025.

The launch formed part of a three-day programme running from 9 to 11 September, aimed at showcasing the institute’s vision and advancing South Africa’s footprint in theoretical and computational research.

NITheCS is a multidisciplinary and multi-themed research institute focused on building human and research capacity in the theoretical and computational sciences. The institute plays a key role in driving scientific innovation, transformation, and socio-economic development, not only in South Africa but across the African continent. It is funded by the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) and managed by the NRF.

The formal establishment of NITheCS in April 2021 followed the transformation of the National Institute for Theoretical Physics (NITheP) through a structured, four-phase process.

The headquarters launch event included a tour of the new facilities, presentations by leading local and international scholars, a stakeholders’ meeting, and a three-part workshop on machine learning. The programme also features a public lecture on “The Quantum Future of Computing”, reflecting NITheCS’s forward-looking commitment to emerging technologies.

Professor Francesco Petruccione, Director of NITheCS and Professor of Quantum Computing at Stellenbosch University, described the occasion as a major achievement for South African science. “It’s been a long journey to get here. It was wonderful to see the support we’ve received from all stakeholders — DSTI, NRF, our university partners, and others in the public and private sectors. Now that we’ve officially launched, our focus turns to delivering on our promises. We aim to do impactful science,” he said.

Looking ahead, Prof Petruccione shared NITheCS’s vision of expanding its reach beyond South Africa. “Starting next year, we plan to open up more broadly to the African continent, developing a network of African associates to collaborate with us. This will allow us to share knowledge and resources, helping to build a stronger, interconnected scientific community across Africa,” he added.