NRF Youth Month 2025: Dr Joyful Elma Mdhluli

The NRF supports the growth of the next generation of researchers and scholars to sustain South Africa’s knowledge enterprise. June is Youth Month, and this year the NRF is celebrating the youth who are shaping tomorrow through research today. We thank all participants for sharing their stories with us.

Dr Joyful Elma Mdhluli is a postdoctoral researcher at the IAU Office of Astronomy for Development, South African Astronomical Observatory (NRF-SAAO). She received funding from the NRF for her Master’s and Doctoral studies.

How did your journey start?

My academic journey has been shaped by a mix of curiosity, resilience, and a deep love for learning, even in the face of uncertainty. Growing up, I didn’t have a clear vision of becoming a physicist. Like many others, I was initially drawn to the medical field and engineering. It wasn’t until I was exposed to physics during my undergraduate studies that I truly began to appreciate its power to explain the world around us and challenge the way we think.

When I started university, I had only a vague idea of what I wanted to study. I had been accepted into a Bachelor of Science in Nuclear Physics at the University of the Witwatersrand. However, on registration day, I unexpectedly found myself enrolling in a general Bachelor of Science instead. When I called home to share this change, the first question my family asked was, “What job will you do with that degree?” To this day, I still struggle to fully explain what I do to them, but I’m deeply grateful for the unwavering support they’ve given me throughout the years.

I completed both my undergraduate and postgraduate studies at the University of the Witwatersrand. I arrived at the university as a young and uncertain 17-year-old and left with a Doctor of Philosophy in Physics.

How has your affiliation with the NRF impacted your studies/career?

My Master’s degree was generously funded by the DSTI-NRF Centre of Excellence in Strong Materials (CoE-SM), a distinguished institution recognised for its dedication to advancing research in material science. With their support, I had the remarkable opportunity to undertake my first international trip, during which I collaborated with esteemed global partners and participated in critical experimental work.

Throughout my MSc journey, the CoE-SM continued to support my academic development by sponsoring my attendance at leading international conferences. These events provided invaluable platforms to present my research to a global audience and engage with prominent experts in the field, fostering meaningful academic and professional connections. I am proud to have completed my MSc with distinction — an achievement that reflects both my personal dedication and the outstanding academic environment nurtured by CoE-SM.

I am also sincerely grateful to the National Research Foundation (NRF) for funding my doctoral studies through the NRF Freestanding, Innovation, and Scarce Skills Scholarship. Their support, which spanned three years and included a well-timed extension, enabled me to fully dedicate myself to my research and successfully complete my PhD.

During my postgraduate studies, I conducted experimental work at NRF-iThemba LABS in both Johannesburg and Cape Town. In the latter stages of my PhD, I was based at NRF-iThemba LABS Cape Town, working on the ALICE Experiment, which forms part of the SA-CERN Consortium, supported by the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) and the NRF.

I am pleased to share that my journey with the NRF continues, as I currently serve as a postdoctoral researcher at the International Astronomical Union Office of Astronomy for Development (IAU OAD), hosted by the NRF’s South African Astronomical Observatory.

In summary, the NRF has played a pivotal role in shaping my academic and professional journey. Through the DSTI-NRF Centre of Excellence in Strong Materials and Freestanding, Innovation and Scarce Skills Scholarship, I was able to pursue my postgraduate studies – an opportunity that opened doors I never imagined possible. Their support enabled me to fully dedicate myself to my research, which not only led to the successful completion of my PhD but also positioned me to engage in high-impact scientific work.

Thanks to this foundation, I became part of major international research collaborations and had the privilege of presenting my work to global audiences. These experiences significantly broadened my academic network, strengthened my research capabilities, and boosted my confidence as a scientist. On a personal level, the NRF’s support gave me the freedom and stability to grow, explore, and ultimately shape a career that aligns with both my passions and the needs of society.

What is your research focus/area of expertise?

Our work at the Office of Astronomy for Development (OAD) focuses on leveraging astronomy as a tool for sustainable development, particularly in areas such as education, health, environmental awareness, and community empowerment.

At the OAD, we work at the unique intersection of science and social development, using astronomy’s universal appeal and multidisciplinary nature to address challenges faced by communities around the world. My role involves designing, implementing, and evaluating projects that apply astronomy to real-world problems — such as promoting mental well-being through stargazing, improving STEM education in underserved areas, and supporting capacity-building initiatives in developing countries.

This work allows me to contribute to global development goals while engaging with diverse partners across academia, civil society, and government. It also reflects my passion for science communication and for ensuring that scientific knowledge and tools are accessible, inclusive, and impactful beyond the boundaries of traditional research.

How is your research helping to shape a better future?

The work of the OAD aims to contribute to a better future by exploring how astronomy can be used as a powerful tool for sustainable development. At the OAD, we aim to bridge the gap between cutting-edge science and real-world societal needs. Our work focuses on designing and supporting initiatives that use astronomy to address pressing global challenges such as poor access to quality education, limited scientific literacy, mental health issues, and inequality in STEM opportunities.

One of the key challenges we aim to address is the underutilisation of science—especially astronomy—in solving community-level problems. Astronomy has a unique ability to inspire curiosity and wonder, transcend cultural and geographic boundaries, and foster critical thinking. Through my research and project work, I aim to harness this potential to support education in marginalised communities, promote well-being through connection to the cosmos, and build scientific capacity in countries where such resources are limited.

By helping to integrate science into development efforts in meaningful and inclusive ways, my work supports the broader vision of a world where scientific knowledge and innovation contribute directly to social progress, equity, and global sustainability.

One of the key ways through which we amplify our global impact is the OAD’s annual Call for Proposals, which invites individuals and organisations worldwide to submit project ideas that use astronomy to address local and global development challenges. This open, inclusive approach empowers communities to take ownership of science-driven change. To date, we have funded 236 projects across 112 countries, collectively reaching more than two million people. These projects span a wide range of focus areas—from education and gender equality to environmental awareness and mental health—demonstrating the transformative potential of astronomy when applied with creativity and purpose.

Astronomy is more than a window to the universe — it is a bridge between knowledge and impact, capable of inspiring change across cultures, disciplines, and generations.

Being a young researcher often means juggling numerous responsibilities and expectations. How do you stay motivated and/or balanced?

What motivates me most is the incredible team I work with. I’m fortunate to be surrounded by passionate, purpose-driven individuals who are genuinely committed to using astronomy to shape a better future for all. Their energy, dedication, and vision inspire me daily and remind me of the broader impact of our work. Being part of such a collaborative and mission-focused environment keeps me motivated and excited to contribute, knowing that even small efforts can help drive meaningful change.

What has been your proudest achievement to date?

I used to think that pride stemmed from one defining moment or a single major achievement. But over time, I’ve come to appreciate that true accomplishment lies in the small, consistent steps we take every day. It’s the quiet persistence, the daily progress, and the seemingly minor wins that shape who we become. My proudest achievement, therefore, is not a single event, but the journey itself. Embracing growth, learning through challenges, and staying committed to making a meaningful impact, one step at a time, is what I’m most proud of.

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