Dr Katye Altieri, Associate Professor of Oceanography, is the recipient of the 2025 Oppenheimer Memorial Trust New Frontiers Research Award. Dr Altieri thinks that the key to tackling air pollution could be hidden in the sea and has some fascinating thoughts on the matter!

Cape Town, South Africa (29 May 2025) — Dr Katye Altieri, Associate Professor of Oceanography at the University of Cape Town, is the winner of the Oppenheimer Memorial Trust’s New Frontiers Research Award for 2025. The professor believes that the answer to one of the Earth’s most pressing problems, air pollution, could actually be hidden in the sea!

In the Prof’s words:

The Answer to the Impact of Air Pollution Lies in…the Deep Blue Sea

Imagine for a moment standing on a sun-soaked beach, the surf crashing against the shore, and inhaling the salty, moist sea air. It’s invigorating.

But is it really? Hundreds of years ago, perhaps, but what about now? How do the ocean and the air interact in the presence of human-created air pollution, specifically nitrogen, and how does this relationship impact climate change?

The simple truth is, we don’t know – and I want to find out.

Our oceans are as important to life on Earth as the air we breathe. An enormous carbon sink, they help to remove the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide (CO₂) from the atmosphere, which is of course a good thing.

As a matter of fact, nitrogen helps the oceans to remove CO₂ from the atmosphere. The problem is, too much of it can spur the production and release of nitrous oxide (N₂O), another greenhouse gas that is 300 times as potent as CO₂. That is clearly not a good thing.

As with everything in nature, things work when there’s a balance; invariably, however, we humans throw out that equilibrium through our activities. That’s why we’re struggling so much with the issue of climate change, so much of which has to do with the pollution of our atmosphere.

We have doubled the amount of nitrogen in the atmosphere through activities such as fossil fuel combustion and agriculture. That nitrogen, even from far inland, is swept out to sea and settles in the ocean.

But we don’t know exactly how much pollution-derived nitrogen reaches the open ocean. We don’t know exactly what happens when it settles in the ocean.

And we face a conundrum: does it increase the ocean’s ability to remove greenhouse gases from the atmosphere, or emit more deleterious greenhouse gases into the atmosphere?

The main reason why we don’t know is because climate change science – a large and diverse field of study – is siloed in terms of scientific disciplines and policy frameworks, and the connection between air pollution and the ocean thus isn’t properly assessed. Atmospheric scientists and oceanographers do their own research and even speak their own scientific languages, and governments and their responses mostly don’t consider this aspect.

I intend to help change that, however, by forging new ways of scientific thinking about both our atmosphere and our oceans, helping us to build knowledge in ways we haven’t before. As the recipient of the Oppenheimer Memorial Trust’s 2025 New Frontiers Research Award, my mission is to come up with the evidence that supports (or doesn’t support) various air quality, climate and scientific arguments.

The New Frontiers award affords me the opportunity to lead a world-class research team, including the very best scientists; three exceptional South African women.

Supporting them will be postgraduate students and postdoctoral researchers. Together, we will establish a shared language and methodological approach to the complex interactions between air pollution, nitrogen cycling and oceanic greenhouse gas fluxes.

This is how we will do it:

• We will undertake an ambitious observational campaign to measure how much anthropogenic atmospheric nitrogen deposition reaches the coastal and open ocean off the west coast of South Africa. This approach allows for investigation of a nitrogen deposition gradient, and how much of it is created by us
• On the question of the impact of atmospheric nitrogen deposition on surface ocean biogeochemistry, we will conduct on-ship incubation experiments using atmospheric deposition collected on land and at sea
• To investigate whether atmospheric deposition results in drawdown of CO₂ and/or release of N₂O from the surface ocean, we will conduct a set of model experiments. First an atmospheric chemistry model will generate fields of nitrogen deposition using current emissions as well as simulated increased anthropogenic emissions, then those deposition fields will be used as inputs to the ocean biogeochemistry model, and the ocean’s response will be quantified

In many ways, South Africa – Cape Town in particular – is the ideal place to do this research. As one of the world’s largest coal-burning countries, the country contributes significantly to atmospheric nitrogen emissions.

Uniquely, we have three diverse ocean systems, allowing for comparative study and measurement, within striking distance:

• The upwelling of nutrient-rich, cold waters from the deep ocean in the Benguela current up the west coast of Africa, teeming with phytoplankton that supports abundant marine life
• The ocean desert of the South Atlantic Ocean, which is comparatively nutrient-poor and has limited marine life
• The time machine that is the Southern Ocean, which boasts as close to the pre-industrial atmosphere as we can get anywhere on Earth – equivalent to the atmosphere up to 200 years ago. (And we have access to the polar research vessel, the R/V S.A. Agulhas II, which allows for research operations in these oceans)

The New Frontiers Research Award offers several benefits: its long-term nature (it is a five-year award) will allow for the building of impactful partnerships; it will promote integrated science, allowing for fieldwork that can be built into models that quantify the big picture for us; and, importantly, it will help scientific observationalists and modellers to connect and network.

Reducing nitrogen emissions may make the oceans’ CO₂ sink smaller, yet we cannot justify stopping nitrogen clean-ups. It’s possible that atmospheric pollution could have little impact on the oceans – or it could be massive. We just don’t know. So this needs to be understood and quantified; only then can we formulate appropriate environmental policy.

The integration between the atmosphere and the ocean is, from a scientific perspective, inherently global. So what we learn from the oceans around South Africa, a country that already punches above its weight in the climate space, will have bearing on our entire planet. This is a very exciting prospect.

Imagine once more that beach, the glare off the sand and the mewing gulls, and the scent of the sea air. It’s at an intersection that could provide us with some of the most fundamental learning ever of how our planet works – and, for better or worse, how we influence it.

Sources: Email Submission 

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A group of passionate Citizen Scientists on the KZN Mid-South Coast have just made a discovery that has the entomology world buzzing: a dragonfly so rare, only about 20 have ever been recorded in South Africa… until now.

KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa (22 April 2025) – It all started with a photograph near the Renishaw Hills Community Centre. What looked like just another insect on a summer’s day turned out to be one of the rarest dragonflies ever seen in South Africa – a Sable Cruiser (Phyllomacromia monoceros), and it was spotted 800 kilometres further south than it’s ever been recorded.

This discovery wasn’t made by a travelling team of biologists or a film crew deep in the bush. It came from a community of around 44 passionate locals, many of whom are residents of Renishaw Hills, who’ve been documenting the return of plant and animal life to the area through the iNaturalist platform for the last three years. And their latest finding? A true showstopper.

Tim McClurg, one of the local nature lovers behind the project, explained just how special the platform is, “Citizen Science opens the door to a hugely advanced system whereby biodiversity observations may be made constantly across the globe and shared instantly via a vast network.”

The group has logged nearly 14,000 observations across 1,796 species. But this one dragonfly caught the eye of experts almost immediately.

“The response was immediate and enthusiastic,” said McClurg, referring to confirmation from dragonfly expert Peter Small and others in the group.

“It was a Sable Cruiser, incredibly rare, localised and vulnerable.”

The first recorded sighting of this species was over a century ago in Barberton, Mpumalanga. To have one now, near Scottburgh, is a massive shift in what we know… and raises some fascinating ecological questions. Has the dragonfly always been here, hiding in plain sight? Was it carried south by changing weather patterns? Or could this be an early sign of climate change’s subtle impact on biodiversity?

Peter Small, part of the local expert network, called it a “phenomenal sighting” and highlighted just how rich the Renishaw Hills area is for dragonfly lovers:

“We’ve recorded 75 of the 165 species of southern African dragonflies and damselflies in our area. It’s fast becoming one of the top dragonfly hunting spots in the country.”

Beyond the thrill of the sighting lies something even more powerful: the value of Citizen Science. Everyday people, with a smartphone and curiosity, are helping map and protect biodiversity. Through platforms like iNaturalist, anyone can contribute data that helps scientists understand our changing natural world and maybe even make a groundbreaking discovery.

McClurg encourages others to give it a go, “By joining and contributing, you may open a path that will enrich your knowledge of wildlife and give you the satisfaction of contributing to an important cause.”

You can find out more, join for free, and start submitting your own sightings at www.inaturalist.org.

This isn’t just a story about a dragonfly, it’s a reminder of what can happen when curiosity meets community. It’s about rediscovering the wild right on our doorsteps and realising that you don’t need a lab coat or a degree to make a real difference… just a sharp eye, a bit of patience and a willingness to share what you see.

Renishaw Hills isn’t just the backdrop to this rare sighting either. It’s a thriving community where purpose and passion meet. Home to over 20 active clubs, scenic forest trails, Blue Flag beaches and a lifestyle that champions connection with nature. From bowls greens to biodiversity, they’re creating something truly special.

And the Sable Cruiser? Elusive for more than a century, now soaring through the lens of everyday South Africans, reminding us that even the rarest things can find their way home.

Sources: Renishaw Hills 

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Gold and silver wins from China meet bronze and honours from Tunisia. These young South Africans from across the country have been busy wowing the science world. The kids aren’t just alright, they’re shooting the lights out!

Global (09 April 2025) — Several young South African learners from across the country represented their home as champions recently, wowing the science world in the process.

With major STEM events happening across the globe in recent times, it was in China and Tunisia that South African science projects made people say, ‘These kids are onto something’.

Beijing, China

In China, at the Beijing Youth Science Creation Competition, matrics Adam Gibbon and Christopher Collier-Reed had people thinking about food waste in a whole new way.

The Pinelands High pair came up with a clever project dubbed ‘Flies to the Rescue: Innovating Food Waste Management Using Black Soldier Fly Larvae’. Yes, fly larvae.

In short, their project looked at how the larvae could help organic waste decompose. But the real kicker was that while the waste decomposed, it was also able to leave behind valuable bi-products—creating an eco-positive return on organic waste.

In Beijing, the duo ended up winning the First Prize (or what we’d consider gold in South Africa) at the competition—one that’s notorious for uniting the brightest young minds in the world.

But Adam and Christopher weren’t alone in their Beijing Victory. Cady De Koker, a Grade 11 at Northern Cape High School, also shot the lights out; earning a second-place ‘silver’ for a project that’ll make you wonder what these kids are eating for breakfast (and where we can get some of it too).

Cady’s science project is called “A Mathematician’s Guide to Neuroscience: Classifying and Diagnosing Brain Tumours Using Fractal-Analysis Morphometrics”. Needless to say, the brain-rot bug doesn’t know Cady.

And if that wasn’t enough, Samiya Waza, a matric from Umtata High School, also claimed Second Prize for her project ‘Med—Net: A Comprehensive and Robust Information Management System for Healthcare Facilities.” Future Minister of Health? We certainly see it.

Mahdia, Tunisia

Meanwhile, in Tunisia, St Dominics Newcastle School Grade 12s Hamzah Ismail and Vibhav Ramdas earned bronze and Honourable Award at I-FEST² ( International Festival of Engineering, Science and Technology).

Hamzah bagged the bronze for his project ‘Developing eco-friendly, fire-retardant plastic bricks as an alternative in modern construction’, while Vibhav earned his Honourable Award for the project ‘Using object detection to improve road maintenance’.

All of these young minds are South African, and all have come up with ideas that our country sorely needs across a spectrum of departments.

To this point, we’re not just impressed by the teenagers, we’re inspired and hopeful because of them.

Sources: Various (Linked Above)

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Pinelands High School matrics Adam Gibbon and Christopher Collier-Reed are off to China, where they will be representing South Africa at the Beijing Youth Science Creation Competition, thanks to their waste-innovation project.

Cape Town, South Africa (26 March 2025) — Two matric learners from Pinelands High School in Cape Town are jetting off to make South Africa proud at a prestigious science competition in China. This is thanks to a clever project devised by the two who took an innovative approach to food waste.

Adam Gibbon and Christopher Collier-Reed are representing both their school and their country at the Beijing Youth Science Creation Competition (BYSCC) this week—a huge deal hosted by the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences.

A reflection of Pinelands High School’s status as The Most Sustainable School in South Africa (the school recently won this title following years of hard work and dedication to environmentally positive efforts), Adam and Christopher’s selection was to do with a stellar take on sustainable solutions.

Adam and Christopher teamed up to create project ‘Flies to the Rescue: Innovating Food Waste Management Using Black Soldier Fly Larvae’, which made waves in the science scene for all the right reasons.

At the Eskom Expo International Science Fair (ISF), the duo lent clever thinking to food waste by using Black Soldier Fly larvae to help organic waste decompose. The kicker? While the waste decomposed, it was also able to leave behind ‘valuable by-products’, as noted by their school. Not only is their work said to be great for the planet through an eco-positive return on organic waste, but it also has the potential to boost the green economy.

“Their research demonstrates a scalable and eco-friendly solution that can be applied in both small-scale urban settings and large-scale industrial waste management operations,” Pinelands High shared.

The two won gold medals for their efforts at the ISF.

The BYSCC is set to take place from 26-30 March, and the pair will be joined by other young South African innovators, including Samiya Waze (Umtata High School), Cady De Koker (Hoërskool Noord Kaap) and Sagwadi Maluleke (Delegation Leader).

“At Pinelands High School, we are exceptionally proud of Adam and Christopher’s dedication and passion for science. Their success serves as an inspiration to their peers, reinforcing the importance of STEM education and encouraging younger students to pursue scientific excellence.”—Pinelands High School.

Sources: Pinelands High School

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The Kruger National Park is set to play host to leading scientists from around the world, with 230 delegates representing over 20 countries!

Kruger National Park, South Africa (04 March 2025) — The Kruger National Park is gearing up to play host to scientists from around the world in early March under the banner of the 22nd Savanna Science Networking Meeting!

230 Delegates representing 21 countries and 91 different scientific and conservation groups will travel to the heart of South African wildlife from 3 to 6 March.

Here, specialists in different niches of science, from conservation to researchers, will gather under this year’s theme, ‘Re-imagining Conservation: Healthy, Sustainable, Climate-resilient Savannas that Benefit People’.

The idea for a gathering like this largely originated in Kruger National Park, thanks to scientists who were working on river-related issues there decades ago.

“This meeting is now considered the premier international savanna science conference covering socio-ecological research taking place in savannas across the globe,” issued Spokesperson JP Louw on behalf of SANParks.

“The conference format allows for dialogue and discussion on ecological science and conservation matters, both formally and informally in a spectacular venue, shaping our collective understanding and seeding future research collaborations and projects to address key knowledge gaps.”

Topics of discussion will include matters like ‘savannah conservation in the age of artificial intelligence’ and ‘building sustainable connections to natural and cultural heritage inside parks’.

Sources: South African National Parks

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‘Ghost species’ De Winton’s golden mole was thought to be extinct. Then, teams did some digging that led them to discover that, actually, this golden mole was still kicking! Now, the story of this golden mole’s ‘resurfacing’ and the science behind its fascinating rediscovery is accessible to future scientists who might just make super discoveries in their lifetimes.

South Africa (13 February 2025) – Like a character in a film discovered to be alive despite even the most critical viewer thinking their story had ended, De Winton’s golden mole ‘came back’ from extinction a few years back.

To put it accurately, De Winton’s golden mole wasn’t actually extinct at all, though this was believed to be the case (for over 80 years) until eventually proven wrong by a major rediscovery in 2023.

The team who made the rediscovery were from the Endangered Wildlife Trust, Stellenbosch University and the University of Pretoria. In case you missed the story back then, it was a very big deal because it proved that environmental DNA testing could achieve pretty exciting things on land for ecologists and conservationists.

Now, the story of how the mole was rediscovered has been translated into a format that future scientists can understand, with the potential to set the foundation for other fascinating discoveries that these youngsters might make in their own lifetimes!

Said resource is an explainer that’s free for access in the Environmental Science Journal For Kids. It tells the story (in an easy-to-digest way) of how environmental DNA (eDNA) tracking and testing helped find De Winton’s golden mole, and succinctly breaks down the science behind it all.

What is eDNA and How Did It Find the Mole?

In a nutshell, eDNA (DNA left behind by organisms in specific environments) was typically used in marine research. However, the team behind the successful rediscovery wanted to test it out on land; collecting soil samples from sandy habitats which contained eDNA from different golden mole species.

Not only is eDNA tracking useful for identifying species that live underground or are hard to spot, it also helps conservation efforts by giving researchers a good estimate numbers of populations in certain regions. This in turn helps the researchers figure out a myriad of important things; like where species might be moving to following habitat loss or degradation, and how many breeding pairs there might be in an area.

But we won’t spoil the full scoop. Whether you have a future scientist at home who might enjoy the story of the mole’s epic comeback and simple scientific explanations or are simply curious yourself, you can check out the by-the-by breakdown of De Winton’s golden mole rediscovery here.

Sources: Various (Linked Above)

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A powerhouse research team led by the University of Pretoria have helped astronomers on their journey to explore the fascinating formation of giant radio galaxies, the ‘cosmic fountains’ of the universe!

Pretoria, South Africa (13 February 2025) — Thanks to the power of supercomputing and super minds, a research team led by the University of Pretoria have helped astronomers on their a quest to gain deeper insight into the formation of giant radio galaxies; the universe’s ‘cosmic fountains’!

What are Giant Radio Galaxies?

These are jets of superheated gas that are ejected into near-empty space from their spinning, supermassive black holes referred to as ‘cosmic fountains’ due to their fountain-like resemblance.

A structure that’s long-held a fascination, the research aimed to understand the entire life cycle (birth, growth and death) of these ‘cosmic fountains’, with findings published in the journal ‘Astronomy & Astrophysics’.

Additionally, the study challenged theoretical models by explaining how extragalactic cosmic fountains grow to cover such colossal distances, raising new important questions.

The Team

A breakthrough study, the research team was led by astrophysicist Dr Gourab Giri, who holds a postdoctoral fellowship from the South African Radio Astronomy Observatory at UP and consisted of Associate Professor Kshitij Thorat and Extraordinary Professor Roger Deane of UP’s Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences; Prof Joydeep Bagchi of Christ University in India; Prof DJ Sailkia of the Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics, also in India; and Dr Jacinta Delhaize of the University of Cape Town (UCT).

New Insight

Importantly, a key question in modern astrophysics was tackled in the work. This question pertains to how these structures (which are larger than galaxies and are made up black hole jets) interact over cosmological timescales with their very thin, gaseous surroundings.

As Dr Giri explains:

“We mimicked the flow of the jets of the fountains in the universe to observe how they propagate themselves over hundreds of millions of years – a process that is, of course, impossible to track directly in the real cosmos.

“These sophisticated simulations enable a clearer understanding of the likely life cycle of radio galaxies by revealing the differences between their smaller, early stages and giant, mature stages. Understanding the evolution of radio galaxies is vital for deepening our knowledge of the formation and development of the universe.”

As for the tech required, the South African MeerKAT telescope is said to have been instrumental to the task.

Professor Thorat explains:

“While such studies are computationally expensive, the team embarked on this adventure informed by the exciting, cutting-edge observations carried out by new-generation radio telescopes, such as the South African MeerKAT telescope, which has been instrumental in providing us with the details of the structure of these cosmic fountains.”

Fascinating Finds

Dr Giri reflects on some of the fascinating findings the work presented:

“One of the most amazing things to see is when a supermassive black hole at the centre of a galaxy, which is relatively tiny in size compared to the galaxies they grow in, ‘wakes up’ and starts eating up lots of nearby gas and dust. This isn’t a calm, slow or passive process. As the black hole pulls in material, the material gets superheated and is ejected from the galaxy at near-light speeds, creating powerful jets that look like cosmic fountains.

“These fountains emit radio signals as the accelerated high-speed plasma matter generates radio waves. These signals are detected by very powerful radio telescopes, built through the collaborative efforts of multiple countries working together.”

Decades of Curiosity

Since the discovery of these high-speed fountains in the 1970s, astronomers have been curious about how far the ejected matter travels before eventually fading out. The answer was astounding as they began to discover that cosmic jets actually travel vast distances – some reaching nearly 16 million light-years (nearly six times the distance between the Milky Way and Andromeda)!

“I took on the challenge of developing theoretical models for these sources, rigorously testing the models with the advanced capabilities of modern supercomputers,” Dr Giri says. “This computer-driven study aimed to simulate the behaviour of giant cosmic jets within a mock universe, constructed according to known physical laws governing the cosmos. Our primary focus was to answer two questions: Is the enormous size of these jets due to their exceptionally high speeds; or is it because they travel through regions of space that are nearly empty of surrounding matter, offering minimal resistance to the jets’ free propagation?”

The UP-led study presents evidence that a combination of these considerations is a key aspect in the formation of these giant jets!

With the help of the supercomputing power of the Inter-University Institute for Data Astronomy (a collaborative network consisting of UP, UCT and the University of Western Cape), the international research team was able to analyse the vast quantities of simulated data, effectively spanning millions of years.

“These computer-based models, which simulate jet evolution in a mock universe, do more than explain the origin of most giant radio galaxies,” Dr Giri says. “They’re also powerful enough to address puzzling exceptions that have confused astronomers in this field.

“For example, they help explain how some cosmic fountains bend sharply, forming the shape of an X in radio waves instead of following a straight path, and clarify the conditions under which giant fountains can still grow in dense cosmic environments.” These findings can be tested further by radio astronomers using advanced telescopes.

Adds Prof Thorat:

“Studies like this lead the way in formulating our understanding of these wonderful objects from a theoretical perspective.

“This provides a complementary picture to deep-sky observations by telescopes like MeerKAT and the upcoming SKA, making simulations a key tool along with artificial intelligence techniques and high-performance computing to maximise the discovery space and optimise the scientific understanding of these and other ‘exotic’ objects.”

Sources: Supplied 

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Rorisang Mahomo has officially been credited with a provisional asteroid discovery, something she describes as “a different kind of good news”!

Pretoria, South Africa (06 December 2024) — You’d be forgiven for thinking that third-year University of Pretoria student Rorisang Mahomo is an astronomy student or at least involved in one of the scientific fields of study. After all, she just got credited for provisional asteroid detection thanks to her discovery of ‘Main Belt Asteroid 2023 QY50’. But Rorisang isn’t a student of astronomy. She’s a business management student who just so happens to be quite good at doing what astronomers do.

Passionate about the stars ever since she took a school trip to a planetarium in Bloemfontein, the University of Pretoria student couldn’t help but be intrigued when she saw a gazebo during Campaign Week glittered with space art and a telescope.

“I knew that’s where I have to be,” she recalls.

When she discovered that someone from the EMS faculty could join the Blue Crane Space society, she wasted no time in joining.

The society helps foster innovative ideas and gives non-BSc students the chance to learn more about astronomy, amongst other scientific topics. It was here that Rorisang would begin her path to one of her greatest achievements—the discovery of a celestial body provisionally recognised as an asteroid. 

In 2023, the Blue Crane Society participated in the International Astronomical Search Collaboration’s (IASC) Asteroid Search, which is an initiative from NASA’s Planetary Defence programme.

Here, citizen scientists around the world use special software to go on an asteroid hunt; analysing the provided images in search of the celestial bodies.

Rorisang downloaded the datasets and immediately got to searching using the Astrometrica programme.

“I identified a movement that matched the description provided by the IASC, and that was the first thing that gave me a bit of certainty that it might be [an asteroid], even before going deeper into the technical process.”

She submitted her report to the IASC via the Minor Planet Centre the same night.

A week later, the IASC shared all the preliminary discoveries of the search campaign. To Rorisang’s great surprise and joy, her discovery was there!

“The excitement was immeasurable,” she said.

A year later, she got the official confirmatory certificate from the IASC that included the provisional name for her asteroid: 2023 QY50.

“It took a whole minute for me to process the news; thinking about how big of a deal this was and that I actually contributed to space science and created new research for scientists. I am truly honoured and overwhelmed. Not only have I made myself and my family proud, but the nation of Lesotho, too.”

She said: “Knowing that you discovered a celestial body is a different kind of good news.”

Professor Chris Theron of the Physics Department applauded the student and all those behind the collaborative effort, including BCS and its Chairperson, Keketso Qhomane, who made the discovery possible. 

He shared that the collaboration and success will hopefully inspire students across the country to take part in initiatives like the asteroid search programmes.

“Every contribution of time and effort can lead to discoveries that expand the boundaries of our collective knowledge.”

Sources: University of Pretoria—Supplied 

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According to Stanford University and other authorities, seven scientists from the University of Johannesburg are among the world’s best!

Global (10 October 2024) — Seven scientists from the University of Johannesburg have been praised among the world’s best thanks to a new list compiled by the likes of Stanford University in collaboration with information and analytics authority Elsevier.

The 2024 list recognises scientists’ reputations and capabilities, evaluating their ranking points based on different factors, including matters like total citations.

These scientists were evaluated across 22 fields and 176 subfields, recognising a myriad of efforts, both career-long and those achieved in a single year.

More than names on paper, the ranking is a powerful door-opener to many opportunities for future endeavours for the scientists, something imperative to South Africa’s growth in the field.

The seven scientists from UJ are:

• Prof Samuel Oluwatobi Oluwafemi
• Prof Reinout Meijboom
• Prof Philiswa Nomngongo
• Prof Omotayo Arotiba
• Prof Kriveshini Pillay
• Prof Friedrich Bickelhaupt (Distinguished Visiting Professor)
• Prof Suprakas Sinha Ray (Distinguished Visiting Professor)

“I am delighted to have learned that seven of our researchers in the Department of Chemical Sciences, including two Distinguished Visiting Professors are among the top 2% globally,” said Executive Dean of the Faculty of Science at UJ, Prof Annah Moteetee.

“This prestigious recognition highlights the world-class research being conducted at UJ and underscores the significant contributions our faculty members are making to the global scientific community. Their impact not only elevates the reputation of our faculty but also strengthens our position as leaders in scientific advancement on the global stage.”

Meanwhile, in other STEM news from younger great minds, a Robotics team from Gauteng has been offered the shot to compete at the World Robot Olympiad finals thanks to their winning robot, the Green Guardian, which could be a game-changer in the face of climate change! Read all about it here.

Sources: University of Johannesburg 

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Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook & Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes & hear their incredible stories:

Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

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A mini picture book called ‘Tuning into our Universe’ is being offered freely across South Africa to help starry-eyed kids (and even adults) enjoy a glimpse of life beyond our world!

South Africa (09 October 2024) – When the sky is clear, and the crisp sensation of curiosity is rife, there’s nothing quite like gazing up at the stars. No matter what you believe is out there, ‘Tuning into our Universe’ is an experience we’ve all been left in awe of at one point or many.

For little ones, too, wondering about life ‘out there’ is often a big space of interest that calls for many questions. However, as it is with many complex matters, the answer is either pretty confusing or simply left unanswered—unless, of course, someone takes the time to break it all down.

In an effort to break down the stars, galaxies, and their friends, Scie-Enza and SARO (South African Radio Astronomy Observatory) have helped create a special mini picture book dubbed ‘Tuning into our Universe’!

The free resource (with illustrations done by Illustrations by Gabby Correia and Benoît Knox) is aimed at igniting inspiration for the next generations of astronomers and astronauts with hopes that it will help youngsters learn more about life beyond our world.

“The booklet is aimed at children in Grade 4 to 6, but all children—older and younger—even adults, can enjoy it,” shares Puleng Tsie, Sci-Enza manager.

‘Tuning into our Universe’ also shines the starlight on South Africa’s powerhouse mega telescopes, SALT and MeerKAT—each of which have been imperative in important discoveries.

SALT (The Southern African Large Telescope) is so powerful it can see a candle on the moon, and it helped astronomers discover a rare white dwarf binary star system that sheds new light on the colossal explosion that happens when a star is dying—a supernova.

MeerKAT, on the other hand, recently helped produce an incredible image that showed a whopping 49 galaxies that were previously unknown.

“In this way, learners can see astronomy and all its fields as careers they could pursue in the future, whether as an astronomer, technician, researcher or science communicator,” Tsie adds.

The resource is freely downloadable so that learners can access it on their phones or schools can print it. The team behind ‘Tuning into our Universe’ are also in the midst of printing copies to be distributed at different science centres across the country.

Tsie shares that the goal is to reach millions of children.

You can find ‘Tuning into our Universe’ here.

Sources: Supplied 

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Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook & Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes & hear their incredible stories:

Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

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