Youth and science

International School of Physics
for students from South Africa and Egypt

On 12 - 30 January, the first joint School of Physics for students from the Republic of South Africa and Egypt was held in a hybrid format. For young specialists, this educational event will be an important stage in preparation for JINR's international student practice that will be held in Dubna in summer.

In South Africa, the National Research Foundation (NRF) iThemba LABS Acceleration Centre, located near Cape Town, became the venue for the School. In person, 30 students from 13 universities in South Africa took part in it - from undergraduate to graduate students. The scientific programme covered nuclear physics, particle physics, radiation biology, materials science and radiation safety. In addition to lectures, the participants performed practical tasks and learnt about the research areas of the Joint Institute. The event was funded under the South African JINR programme.

In parallel, in Egypt, with the coordination of the Academy of Scientific Research and Technology (ASRT), more than 100 students from 34 universities in the country participated in the School in a distance format. They connected in real time to lectures and seminars held at NRF iThemba LABS. Of particular value for School students is the ability to obtain educational materials directly from Egyptian and South African specialists that significantly increases the efficiency of mastering topics.

"We are seeing positive dynamics: every day, the number of active participants increases," Head and Coordinator of the School from Egypt Mona Schumann said. "Many of the invited students currently complete the exam session. After that, we expect another burst of activity." According to the first reviews of School participants, its curriculum is characterized by high content and practical benefits.

For JINR, this activity performs two important tasks. First, it promotes the training of qualified personnel in Member and Partner States of the Joint Institute. Secondly, thanks to the School, the most motivated students will be selected to participate in the summer session of the International Student Practice in Dubna. Already in June, students having received invitations will come to Dubna, where for three weeks, they will work on research projects in JINR laboratories under the supervision of leading scientists of the Institute.

JINR Press Office