Event
Second webinar on physics for society
About
This webinar is organized as part of the UNESCO/International Union of Pure and Applied Physics (IUPAP) physics for society colloquium series.
Synchrotrons are powerful tools at the intersection of quantum physics and real-world innovation, underpinning advances in areas from clean energy to nanotechnology and biomedical imaging.
While Africa does not yet host a synchrotron facility, the establishment of such infrastructure would mark a transformative step toward strengthening the continent’s scientific and technological ecosystem.
In the spirit of science diplomacy and under the umbrella of the International Decade of Sciences for Sustainable Development (IDSSD), this colloquium will highlight the vital role of synchrotrons in advancing research, supporting the development of quantum science ecosystems, and fostering regional and international collaboration.
The webinar will highlight international collaborations such as SESAME in the Middle East, the advocacy efforts of the African Light Source Foundation, and the strategic role of science diplomacy in mobilizing support for African participation in global research infrastructures.
Registration
Agenda
- Mr Philemon Mjwara, Permanent Delegate of the Republic of South Africa to UNESCO
- Ms. Lidia Brito, Assistant Director-General for Natural Sciences, UNESCO
- Ms. Amal Kasry, Chief, Basic sciences section, UNESCO
- Dr. Christine Darve, IUPAP
- Prof. Simon Connell (University of Johannesburg / African Light Source Foundation), "The African light source vision: A path forward"
- Dr. Andrea Lausi (Scientific Director, SESAME), "Synchrotrons and quantum science: Bridging tools for frontier research"
Moderator: Ms. Ana Persic, Programme Specialist, Open Science and Science Diplomacy
Panelists:
- Prof. Simon Connell, African Light Source Foundation (AflS)
- Prof. Andrea Lausi, SESAME
- Dr. Edward Mitchell, Head of Business Development and staff scientist, ESRF
- Prof. Sekazi Mtingwa, Light Sources for Africa, the Americas, Asia, Middle East and Pacific LAAAMP
- Ms. Aya Ali Mohamed
Discussion themes:
- Why Africa needs synchrotron access now,
- The synergy between quantum science and synchrotrons,
- SESAME as a model for science diplomacy,
- How African Member States can act and engage,
- Vision for a sustainable, pan-African research ecosystem
Q&A with audience
- Mr. Shaofeng Hu, Director of the Division of Science Policy and Basic Sciences
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