CISE Newsletter October 31, 2024 CISE Prof Malik Maaza receives IUPAP Award Malik Maaza has been instrumental in shaping the science and technology landscape of Africa while making substantial contributions to the developing world. As the most highly cited nano-physicist in Africa, he has consistently ranked among the top 2% of influential scientists worldwide, according to the annual Stanford University Classification Metric since 2019. These international metrics underscore the quality and impact of his knowledge production in the physical sciences, achieved despite limited resources relative to his peers in the Global North. Throughout his career, Malik has trained over 100 Master's and Doctoral students, as well as approximately 32 postdoctoral fellows. While most of his students have come from Africa, his mentorship extends to students from active or former war zones and countries under embargo, including Libya, the DRC, Yemen, and Iran. Notably, more than 30% of his trainees have been women, reflecting his commitment to advancing gender equity in science. His influence goes well beyond his own scientific production; in particular, Malik has contributed significantly towards the development of scientific infrastructure in Africa. He is the founding chairman of the pan-African NANOsciences African Network (NANOAFNET), which primarily aims to enhance Africa's global visibility and contribution in the field of nano-sciences, as well as to develop cost-effective nanotechnologies to address societal challenges across the continent. Malik holds the UNESCO-UNISA Africa Chair in Nano-sciences and Nanotechnology (U2ACN2), whose mission is to foster capacity building in nano-sciences and nanotechnology across the continent, to promote scientist mobility within Africa in these fields, and to encourage the use of nanotechnologies in tackling challenges primarily related to clean water, energy, and health. He was awarded the Kennedy Reed Medal in recognition of his outstanding contributions to advancing physics in developing countries at the General Assembly of the IUPAP in Hainan, China, on Friday, 11 October. Félicitations, Monsieur! Research and Development “What we see, and what we can create, is dependent on the size of the tools that we use,” says Dr Dou. With a little help from a friend ... T he Centre for Ion Beam Applications (CIBA), a multidisciplinary research centre at the National University of Singapore (NUS) that was designated as an International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Collaborating Centre for Research and Development of Accelerator Science and Multidisciplinary Applications in September 2023, is home to Dr Yanxin Dou. He is a research Fellow working on ion microbeam technologies and applications, and was part of the research team that achieved a 6x10 nm2 spatial resolution using a hydrogen molecular ion beam published in July 2023 (https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ultramic.2023.113812), which has not been achieved anywhere else in the world. Dr Dou was recently invited to the Tandetron Laboratory at NRF-iThemba LABS. He was invited by Dr Nametso Mongwaketsie, and is working with our local scientists and engineers in an attempt to reduce the spot size of our nuclear microprobe to less than 1µm2. An achievement of this goal would be a FIRST for Africa. What we see, and what we can create, is dependent on the size of the tools that we use. Take writing as an example. There is a big difference between the detail that can be achieved with a Koki pen compared to a fine liner, says Yanxin. We also know that it is easier to steer a slow-moving vehicle than one traveling at high speed. So, this is no easy task to reduce the spot size of a fast ion beam as there are many parameters that need to be considered. But, that is the beauty of experimental research. The fact that somebody else achieved something similar elsewhere serves as a motivation and provides guidance. The National University of Singapore’s nuclear microprobe facility has been the trailblazer in the pursuit of improved lateral resolution over many years, and I am grateful for this opportunity to assist the NUS to impact science and development on the African continent. Keep watching this space for progress on our goal of reaching 1µm2! Impact Definitions of impact depend on the context within which that impact is being sought and the types of impact being assessed. Impact, in its various dimensions, is about a change or marked effect. The Science Engagement Team at NRF-iThemba LABS coordinates the iPASS programme that fosters creativity and curiosity amongst grade-7 learners from a number of primary schools in the vicinity of our facility. Learners from Apex PS, Bonga PS, Blackheath PS, Caradale PS, Isiphiwo PS, Sosebenza PS, Spurwing PS, Sigcawu PS, Luzuko PS, and Vuyani PS conducted desktop research on an element of the periodic table and presented their findings as an exhibition poster. The participating schools competed in the iPASS Elements Explored exhibition that was hosted at NRF-iThemba LABS on Saturday, 19 October. “The competition created an opportunity for learners to showcase their communication skills, both visual and oral, as they impressed the judges, and their peers, with their content knowledge,” said Mr Hilton Tobias. The learners were introduced to Ms Esethu Dulungana during the event, who completed her primary education at Spurwing PS and is now studying Medicine at UCT. She specifically reflected on the role that experimentation and participation in expos played in shaping her career aspirations. In addition, Dr Thuthukile Khumalo introduced the audience to her world of research that attempts to answer questions related to the structure and reaction mechanisms that govern nuclei.The adjudication panel, consisting mostly of postgraduate students from the various research groups, awarded 8 gold medal winners, 1 silver medal winner, and 1 bronze medal winner. A special word of thanks goes to all the participants, their educators, parents, and supporters. “It is said that we live by the stories that we tell, and we believe that these experiences have the possibility of shaping the next generation of scientists and technicians,” said Mr Ambrose Yaga. Partnerships How do we establish, maintain and enhance mutually beneficial relationships to advance research, training and expertise? Celebrating World Teacher's DAY World Teachers' Day is an international day held annually on 5 October to celebrate the work of teachers. A good teacher is like a candle—it consumes itself to light the way for others. Two opportunities presented itself during the month of October to celebrate the contributions made by educators on a daily basis, as well as their resilience. Invitations were accepted to interact with educators in the Overberg and Cape Winelands Education Districts, respectively. The event in the Overberg was hosted by De Villiers Graaff High School, with participation from various schools in the area. It was wonderful to have staff from Villiersdorp Secondary School join us, despite recently facing the challenge of a fire that broke out at their school. Issue 10 Volume 5