The Long Range Plan 2017 sets a decade-long vision for iThemba LABS, encompassing scientific, technical, and support goals essential for sustainability and accountability. Dr Azaiez emphasised that this plan results from collaborative efforts across the scientific community and stakeholders.
- Strengthening South Africa’s leadership in isotope research and production.
- Advancing accelerator technologies to drive innovation.
- Enhancing collaboration with world-class universities and fostering talent development.
- Expanding iThemba LABS’ role in addressing global challenges in medicine and the environment.
Dr. Azaiez noted, “The LRP process cannot be done in isolation. It is most successful when the community plays an important and substantive role.”
He expressed heartfelt gratitude to all contributors for their dedication, ensuring the sustainability
and growth of iThemba LABS.
Dr. Azaiez conveyed heartfelt appreciation for the dedication of contributors and users, emphasizing that iThemba LABS’ success is fueled by South African government investment through the NRF and strengthened by collaborations with leading research universities. Concluding with optimism, he affirmed, “The future is bright.”
The Long-Range Plan, drafted in 2017, articulates iThemba LABS’s vision for the next decade. This strategic blueprint is anchored on four foundational pillars:
- Southern African Institute for Nuclear Technology and Sciences (SAINTS): Focused on fostering education and skills development in nuclear technology and sciences.
- South African Isotope Facility (SAIF): Dedicated to producing and researching isotopes for medical, industrial, and research purposes.
- Gateway to International Research Infrastructure (G-iRi): Enhancing access to global research collaborations and cutting-edge infrastructure.
- Technology and Innovation Platform (TIP): Promoting innovation through advanced technologies and their applications.
iThemba LABS aspires to improve the lives of all South Africans and contribute to a better world through basic science and innovation. The organisation is committed to providing a globally recognised, enabling research environment that excels in Accelerator-Based Science, advancing knowledge in the service of society.
This report delivers insights into the progress and milestones achieved under the Long-Range Plan. It highlights advancements in research, education, and the training of future scientists and technicians.
Recent years have seen significant enhancements to research facilities at iThemba LABS, expanding the scope of applications for accelerators. Notable developments include:
- Accelerator Mass Spectrometry (AMS) Facility: A state-of-the-art system for isotope analysis.
- 3-MV Tandetron Accelerator: Dedicated to materials research.
- Refurbished Fast-Neutron Beam Facility: Upgraded for advanced neutron-related studies.
- Radiation Biophysics Beamline: A new dedicated beamline supporting radiation research.
- ALBA and AFRODITE Integration as GAMKA Array: Improved γ-ray detection capabilities.
- Enhanced Detector Configurations: Enabling combined use of gamma-ray arrays and the K=600 magnetic spectrometer for niche research areas.
Through these advancements, iThemba LABS continues to achieve its mission of advancing knowledge, driving innovation, and making meaningful contributions to society.
NRF-iThemba LABS is a multidisciplinary research facility integral to Programme 4, supporting South Africa’s National Research Foundation (NRF) mandate. Its purpose is to provide state-of-the-art research infrastructure platforms that enable world-class scientific discovery, human capacity development, and public engagement in science. This facility exemplifies the goals of Programme 4 by fostering innovation, advancing research, and contributing to societal, environmental, and economic development.
NRF-iThemba LABS develops and operates particle accelerators and related equipment to facilitate cutting-edge research. The Separated Sector Cyclotron (SSC) is a central resource used for:
- Basic nuclear and hadron physics research.
- Development and supply of radioisotopes for the medical sector.
- Radiobiology research focusing on particle therapy.
- Radiation hardness testing for satellite electronic components.
- Detector calibrations for scientific applications.
NRF-iThemba LABS trains the next generation of researchers and technicians through its unique infrastructure. This includes designated student support programs to build specialised skills unavailable in conventional educational institutions.
The facility’s capabilities extend to several applied and basic science fields, including:
- Ion beam analysis for material characterization.
- Nanotechnology studies.
- Atomic mass spectroscopy for dating ancient artefacts.
- Nuclear medicine and radiobiology.
- Environmental studies critical to sustainable development.
iThemba LABS promotes public engagement with science, fostering awareness and understanding of the critical role research plays in societal development. This aligns with Programme 4’s objective to enhance science engagement nationwide.
As a national research facility under the NRF, NRF-iThemba LABS enables South Africa to leverage geographic and knowledge advantages in strategic research areas. Its infrastructure provides local and international researchers with access to “big science” platforms, ensuring the country remains competitive and collaborative on the global stage.
