International Research Infrastructure Gateway

iRi-G

Global Scientific Collaboration Partnerships Synergies

At NRF-iThemba LABS, we pride ourselves on building a vast network of global scientific alliances and partnerships. These collaborations span a wide array of research areas, enabling South African scientists, engineers, and technicians to engage in world-class projects and cutting-edge technologies. Together with our international affiliates, we are committed to fostering innovation, advancing scientific knowledge, and developing expertise that drives progress in accelerator-based sciences.

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iRi-G

At NRF-iThemba LABS, we are driven by our commitment to cutting-edge research and global scientific excellence. As a leading institution in accelerator-based sciences, our collaborations extend far beyond South Africa, forming integral partnerships with some of the world's most prestigious research laboratories. Our international collaborations provide local researchers access to large-scale research infrastructure, contributing to the growth of scientific knowledge and technological expertise.

Key Collaborations:
CERN
As part of our decade-long collaboration with CERN, South African researchers gain access to the Large Hadron Collider (LHC), the world’s most powerful particle accelerator. This partnership fosters expertise in high-energy physics and allows for active participation in major upgrade projects at CERN.
FAIR-GSI
The collaboration with FAIR-GSI strengthens South Africa’s involvement in cutting-edge antiproton and ion research, while also providing training opportunities for local scientists and engineers.
Brookhaven National Laboratory
NRF-iThemba LABS works closely with BNL through its South African Institutional Consortium. BNL’s world-class facilities such as the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider (RHIC) and the National Synchrotron Light Source II (NSLS-II) present unique opportunities for research in nuclear physics and materials science.
JINR
Our partnership with Joint Institute for Nuclear Research (JINR) focuses on student training programs and equipment development for nuclear physics projects, enhancing the skill sets of young South African scientists.

Our IRI-G partnerships extend beyond training and research. They serve as a foundation for technology transfer, allowing South African technicians and engineers to participate in upgrade projects at these international laboratories. These initiatives enable the acquisition of new expertise in the fields of particle accelerator technologies, scientific computing, and advanced instrumentation.

Memoranda of Agreements (MoA) with International Partners

We have formal agreements with several international research laboratories and academic institutions. These partnerships facilitate collaboration in a wide range of research areas, from subatomic physics to nuclear science and materials research.

IAEA Collaborating Centre

Since 2021, iThemba LABS has proudly held the designation of an International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Collaborating Centre, a status we will maintain through 2025. This recognition has significantly elevated our global profile, allowing us to contribute directly to the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals. Our cutting-edge expertise in nuclear physics, accelerator technologies, and isotope research positions us as a central figure in the IAEA's initiatives, promoting the use of nuclear techniques for impactful research, development, and international training.

Our commitment

Our international collaborations are a testament to iThemba LABS' dedication to advancing global science. We firmly believe that by fostering partnerships with leading research institutions, we can not only enhance South Africa's scientific capabilities but also contribute meaningfully to the global research community. Through access to major research facilities and participation in high-impact projects, NRF-iThemba LABS continues to lead in the development of new technologies and scientific breakthroughs that have the potential to change the world.