About Us
What is SAPhysNet?
The Southern Africa Physics Network – SAPhysNet – is a collaborative network initiated by the South African Institute of Physics (SAIP), in partnership with the International Union of Pure and Applied Physic (IUPAP), to unify physics efforts across Southern Africa. The initiative builds on the first consultative forum held on 5 July 2024 at the Annual SAIP Conference at Rhodes University in Makhanda. Its core aims are to strengthen human capital development and research capacity in physics across the region, and to serve as a collaborative platform through which physics can help address developmental challenges facing the SADC.
Why we need SAPhysNet
Physics in Southern Africa faces challenges that are too often addressed in isolation, even though the region’s countries share similar constraints in research capacity, funding, and infrastructure. A coordinated, regional approach allows physicists to pool resources, harness shared opportunities, and apply physics more effectively to pressing regional needs such as renewable energy and quantum technology development. This work cannot be done by physics alone: it requires collaboration with other scientific disciplines, the social sciences, civil society, policymakers, and industry. A sustainable, well-coordinated physics network gives physicists across the region a stronger collective voice in shaping physics on the continent, and enables easier mobility for physicists working across Southern African borders.
Guiding Principles
- Diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of the network’s work.
- Ethical conduct and democratic decision-making.
- Transparency in how the network operates and is governed.
Core Objectives:
- Strengthen research capacity through shared resources.
- Promote physics education and human capital development.
- Address SADC challenges via applied physics (e.g., renewable energy, quantum technologies).
- Foster international partnerships, as highlighted in “NRF Africa Cooperation flyer.pdf“.
Governance:
Interim structure includes a Task Team with Working Groups. The Network currently has five working groups that were established to guide the development and launch of the network. The working groups are:
- Working Group 1: Governance and Constitution Drafting
- Working Group 2: White Paper on Shaping Physics in SADC
- Working Group 3: Resource Mobilisation
- Working Group 4: Organising Committee to IUPAP GA & WG21 Conference 2027
- Working Group 5: Marketing and Publicity