Ms Kim Anthony

I started working for the South African Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRF-SARAO) – then the South African SKA Project – in 2004 and have managed its Human Capital Development (HCD) portfolio more or less since then.

In addition, I was part of the team that researched and authored South Africa’s bid to host the SKA radio telescope, and the sole author of South Africa’s bid to NASA to host a Deep Space Network Array, as well as the communications manager for many years.

My primary responsibility within HCD has been to develop, plan and direct relevant strategies to create a significant and transformed community of radio astronomers, engineers, technicians and artisans required for the design, construction and operation of the MeerKAT Radio Telescope, and to derive significant scientific knowledge from its data, as well as to meaningfully contribute to the SKA effort.

When South Africa submitted its expression of interest to host the SKA back in 2003, there were no more than ten radio astronomers in South Africa. Today, mostly as a result of NRF-SARAO’s HCD programme, there are several hundred qualified radio astronomy scientists, engineers, technicians and artisans working for NRF-SARAO, or working in South African and other African universities, and in local industry.

Over the years, the HCD programme has grown and evolved and now consists of undergraduate, postgraduate and postdoctoral programmes, as well as initiatives focused on the support of early-career and high-level researchers; radio astronomy and big data skills development programmes for South African and other African postgraduate students; and student-focused research conferences and workshops.

For the youth in the Northern Cape Province, where the MeerKAT and the SKA are located, HCD supports and trains students studying towards technical and artisanal qualifications, and manages a Mathematics and Science teaching and learning schools programme.

What inspired you to become the leader that you are today?

Leading the NRF-SARAO HCD programme ticked all the right boxes for me; I am happiest working in education and/or science-related environments, and where there is the possibility of making a positive contribution to society.

In addition, I thrive when I genuinely believe in the “why we are doing what we do” aspect of work. Working for NRF-SARAO has, and continues to provide me with, the opportunity to be part of something extraordinary.

What advice would you give to the next generation of women leaders?

Support your fellow women colleagues fearlessly. Leave your ego at the door. Learn to discern whose opinions of your abilities actually matter. Do excellent work, and hold yourself to the highest standard possible.