The DAWN of a New Era: A Future of Innovation in Science, Technology, and Medicine

The South African Isotope Facility (SAIF), an infrastructure of the iThemba Laboratory for Accelerator Based Sciences (NRF-iThemba LABS) geared to increase radioisotope production; research capacity and skills transfer in accelerator-based sciences and technologies, has ushered in a new era of progress.

On 06 September 2024, a significant leap forward was made when the first irradiated Rb-target was dispatched and sent to an external partner for validation testing. This first irradiation marks the beginning of a transformative journey for NRF-iThemba LABS’s Nuclear Medicine Department of testing the full cycle from irradiation to packaging and transport as the research facility positions itself to make an even greater impact on the health sector through the supply of life-saving medical and research radioisotopes.

Prof Makondelele Victor Tshivhase, Managing Director of NRF-iThemba LABS stated, “This is yet another milestone for #TEAMiThemba. We are charting a future of innovation, one that holds immense promise for science, medicine, and the betterment of society.”

This pivotal moment also showcased the resilience of the facility, as the back-up power supply seamlessly took over during an unexpected power outage to ensure an uninterrupted production. “Witnessing this flawless transition from electricity to diesel was truly remarkable,” said Dr Le Roux Strydom, Head of the Accelerator and Technical Support Department.

Dr Deidre Prince, Head of the Nuclear Medicine Department, is equally excited about this new chapter. “This is a beacon of hope and inspiration for South Africa as NRF-iThemba LABS further advances science, technology, and medicine to make the world a healthier, more connected place,” she said.

In addition, the SAIF has completed the transition to the cutting-edge 70-MeV cyclotron for isotope production. This advanced cyclotron, acquired from IBA, forms the core of the SAIF, inaugurated by Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Blade Nzimande on 09 June 2023. The transition to the 70-MeV cyclotron will not only enhance the production yield at SAIF, but also free up the Separate Sector Cyclotron (SCC) for fundamental and applied research. The trusted SCC has served for over 30 years.