International science conference underway at NMU
Scores of physics scholars from around Africa and the world have descended on George where the Nelson Mandela University (NMU) George Campus is co-hosting the third biennial African Conference on Fundamental and Applied Physics (ACP2023) from 25 to 30 September.
"The ACP2023 is a gathering of physics scholars, collaborators and policy influencers who, through a series of talks, panel discussions and lectures, highlight the importance of science in efforts to address some of the grand challenges of our time," said Zandile Mbabela, NMU media manager. "It is aimed at building capacity in physics in Africa, towards sustainable development within the continent."
NMU is hosting the conference at the Protea Hotel King George jointly with the South African Institute of Physics
(SAIP) and the African School of Physics (ASP). The NMU executive dean of the Faculty of Science, Professor Azwinndini Muronga, said scientists are looking at the future through science and are contributing positively to the protection of the complex natural environment and physical systems for the benefit of all life. "It gives us hope for a better world, and what we can achieve."
In his welcome message to delegates, vice chancellor Prof Sibongile Muthwa said the NMU was pleased to be hosting the conference in George as the campus here is known for its sustainability academic programmes such as nature conservation, forestry and agriculture. The science faculty's vision is to become a 21st century African faculty that responds to the socio-economic and environmental changes facing society and communities across the continent.
The conference will see a host of topics being unpacked, ranging from medical and radiation physics; diversity, equity and inclusion in physics; physics for sustainable development; and 100 years of physics in Africa for the future. Highlights on the programme include a "Beauty of physics" panel discussion organised by early career physicists (held on Monday evening), and the European Council for Nuclear Research's (Cern) Atlas Experiment masterclass for high school learners from the George area, presented at the Inkcubeko Youth and Science Centre in Thembalethu.