Nuclear Conference Kicks Off in Cape Town

Dr Fulufhelo Nelwamondo, the CEO of the National Research Foundation, opened the 4th African Nuclear Physics Conference (ANPC) on Monday, 24 November 2025 at NRF-iThemba LABS in Cape Town.

“This is a gathering of the storytellers of atoms. We need to continue to sharpen our communication skills in order to contribute to the development of a scientifically literate society,” said Dr Nelwamondo. “But we need to ensure that excellence remains the cornerstone of the research endeavour.” The delegates, who represent more than 15 countries and 50 science institutes, were encouraged to push the frontiers of science in an attempt to address the unanswered questions.

The conference brings together a diverse gathering of established and emerging researchers, as well as students who commit their time to advance knowledge, transform lives, and inspire a nation. NRF-iThemba LABS is located at the tip of Africa and uniquely positioned to advance research that is locally relevant and globally competitive. The conference creates a platform for knowledge and technology exchange, as well as the showcasing of the infrastructure, expertise and competence that is available on the African continent.

In his welcoming remarks, the Managing Director of NRF-iThemba LABS, Dr Victor Tshivhase, said “We take great pride in our nuclear research platforms which include our magnetic spectrometer, a flagship facility with few rivals worldwide; our gamma-ray spectrometry capabilities; and our newly established beamline for low-energy nuclear astrophysics experiments.”

The conference, which will conclude on Friday, 28 November, includes a guided tour of NRF-iThemba LABS’s facilities as well as a public lecture on Tuesday, 25 November.