MeerKAT@5 Conference celebrates transformational science, engineering and human capacity development
The recently held MeerKAT@5 Conference took place at STIAS in Stellenbosch, Cape Town from Tuesday, 20 to Friday, 23 February 2024, bringing together key stakeholders who have contributed to the development of the MeerKAT telescope.
The event was also graced by local and international academics from across the globe.
The South African Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO), led by Managing Director Ms. Pontsho Maruping, not only celebrated five years since the launch of the MeerKAT radio telescope, but also SARAO’s recognition through several prestigious awards in the field of science and technology.
Maruping presented the awards to Dr Blade Nzimande, Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation; Dr Phil Mjwara, Director General of the Department of Science and Innovation; and Prof. Fulufhelo Nelwamondo, CEO of the National Research Foundation.
From left: Prof. Fulufhelo Nelwamondo, CEO of the National Research Foundation; Dr. Blade Nzimande, Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation; Ms Pontsho Maruping, Managing Director of the South African Radio Astronomy Observatory; and Dr. Phil Mjwara, Director General of the Department of Science and Innovation.
In his keynote address delivered at the opening ceremony, Nzimande hailed the excellent work that has been achieved in Africa through science and technology. “As we commemorate five years since the completion of the MeerKAT telescope, we are not only celebrating a technological marvel but also reflecting on the profound scientific discoveries and advancements it has enabled,” said Nzimande. “Furthermore, the establishment of MeerKAT has led to the development of necessary infrastructure in Carnarvon. This includes the construction of roads, power supply networks, and telecommunication facilities to support the telescope’s operations. These activities have encouraged community involvement, sparked interest in science among residents, and fostered a sense of pride in their local scientific achievements. The presence of MeerKAT has attracted visitors from around the world, including scientists, researchers, and tourists interested in astronomy,” Nzimande continued.
The Minister encouraged delegates to continue to participate in science tourism as the country is able to witness how this strategic choice is beginning to yield significant scientific returns for astronomy. “MeerKAT is a realisation of this long-term strategic commitment. South Africa is increasingly becoming an attractive and reliable global science partner,” said Nzimande.
The first discussion at the conference kicked off with a panel consisting of Dr Bernie Fanaroff, former Director of the Square Kilometre Array; Dr George Nicolson, former Director of HARTRAO; Prof. Patricia Whitlock, former Director of the South African Astronomical Observatory; Dr Rob Adam, former Managing Director at SARAO; Dr Phil Mjwara, Director General of the Department of Science and Innovation; Prof. Phillip Diamond, Director General at SKAO; and Professor Justin Jonas, Chief Technologist at SARAO. The discussion, entitled How it all began was led by Dr Daan Du Toit, Deputy Director-General: International Cooperation and Resources at the Department of Science and Innovation.
From left: Dr Bernie Fanaroff, former Director of the Square Kilometre Array; Dr George Nicolson, former Director of HARTRAO; Prof. Patricia Whitlock, former Director of the South African Astronomical Observatory; Dr Daan Du Toit, Deputy Director-General: International Cooperation and Resources at the Department of Science and Innovation; Dr Rob Adam, former Managing Director at SARAO; Dr Phil Mjwara, Director General of the Department of Science and Innovation; Prof. Phillip Diamond, Director General at SKAO; and Professor Justin Jonas, Chief Technologist at SARAO.
The South African Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO), a facility of the National Research Foundation, is responsible for managing all radio astronomy initiatives and facilities in South Africa, including the MeerKAT Radio Telescope in the Karoo, and the Geodesy and VLBI activities at the HartRAO facility. SARAO continues to support and actively engage with the local community through various outreach initiatives in the Northern Cape.
Group photo of the MeerKAT@5 conference attendees
Tyrone van Balla from SARAO, presenting on the MeerKAT Signal Chain at the MeerKAT@5 Conference.
Art and crafts by local artists from Carnarvon, Northern Cape.
Poster presentations at the MeerKAT@5 Conference.
The MeerKAT@5 Conference is celebrating transformational science, engineering, and human capacity development. The conference includes presentations and posters covering the following topics:
- High-impact MeerKAT science results
- The innovative engineering required to deliver the instrument
- The history of the project and its broader impact
- The outlook of the future of radio astronomy on the African continent
The conference is held under the theme Celebrating transformational science, engineering and human capacity development, to share and celebrate the achievements, milestones and contributions of MeerKAT to astronomy, science, technology and international collaboration.
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