Speaker
Dr
Ntsoane Tshepo
(Necsa Limited SOC)
Description
Synchrotron radiation has revolutionized basic and applied research in many fields of science and technology. South African, like many countries, has seen an ever increasing number of scientists accessing such facilities around the world. Despite spiralling cost and long distance travel, South African synchrotron usage has therefore increased steadily over the last decade.
This talk aims to give an overview of synchrotron-based activities currently undertaken by South Africans, provide some examples of successes achieved thus far including government support and commitment for accessing international synchrotron facilities, highlight some challenges experienced by the community and outline the long-term goals for the country for the use of synchrotron radiation. An overview of SA’s association with the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility, its usage by SA scientists as well as successes and challenges will also be presented. The possibility of political support from the DST and the NRF to create multi-African country partnerships that could jointly participate at the ESRF along with South Africa will be explored.
Primary author
Dr
Ntsoane Tshepo
(Necsa Limited SOC)