Unisa Science, Engineering and Technology

26/10/2026

[UNISA–BRAZIL SYMPOSIUM] Closing the day’s proceedings was Prof Marcelo T. Yamash*ta from the Institute of Theoretical Physics at São Paulo State University, Brazil, who delivered an insightful presentation titled “An Overview of Efimov Physics from Three to Two Dimensions.”
A huge thank you to all our local and international presenters for sharing their expertise, insights and knowledge. Your contributions made Day 1 an enriching and engaging experience.
Stay tuned for more highlights from the symposium.

26/10/2026

[UNISA–BRAZIL SYMPOSIUM] Our international guests from Brazil are bringing fascinating insights to the world of nuclear and atomic physics!
The plenary sessions featured two thought-provoking presentations. Prof Tobias Frederico kicked things off with “Universality in a Few-Body Nuclear and Atomic Physics”, followed by Prof Leandro Gasques, who presented “Nuclear Reaction Dynamics with Weakly Bound Nuclei: Recent Results and Experimental Opportunities at LAFNA.”
Both presentations offered valuable scientific insights, sparking engaging discussions and highlighting exciting research opportunities in nuclear and atomic physics.
Stay tuned to our socials as we continue bringing you highlights from our international guests at the Unisa–Brazil Symposium.

26/10/2026

[UNISA–BRAZIL SYMPOSIUM] Proceedings are underway! We caught up with Prof Bahati Mukeru, Associate Professor of Physics and Chair of the Unisa–Brazil Symposium, taking place under the theme “Recent Advances and Methods in Nuclear and Atomic Physics.”

The symposium has brought together guests from Brazil and South Africa to bridge the gap between theoretical and experimental physics, fostering knowledge-sharing, scientific discovery and international collaboration.

This initiative also supports Unisa - The University of South Africa’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4: Quality Education and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, advancing quality education and strengthening global academic partnerships.

26/10/2026

[UNISA–BRAZIL SYMPOSIUM] In her opening remarks, Prof Simi Dube of the University of South Africa’s (Unisa) College of Science, Engineering and Technology (CSET) has emphasised the importance of strengthening international research partnerships in nuclear and atomic physics.

She highlighted the interconnectedness of scientific disciplines, noting that nuclear physics contributes to advances in fields such as energy and medicine.

She also called for greater collaboration across theoretical, experimental and computational physics to advance scientific innovation and strengthen its contribution to Unisa’s Catalytic Niche Areas.

This week, is hosting the Unisa–Brazil Symposium on Recent Advances and Methods in Nuclear and Atomic Physics, under the theme of strengthening research collaborations and creating opportunities for emerging researchers.

26/10/2026

23/10/2026

[SASAS 2026] Dr Patience Gwaze, Chief Director: Air Quality Management and the National Air Quality at the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, delivered an insightful keynote on “Policy and Air Quality.”
She highlighted the crucial role of air quality in atmospheric sciences, drawing attention to pollution hotspots across South Africa that require urgent attention to help prevent future environmental and public health challenges.

Her message reinforced the importance of effective policies, proactive air quality management and collaborative action in building a healthier, more sustainable future.

23/10/2026

[SASAS2026] “Improving medium-range forecasts requires more than observing weather patterns. It requires understanding the underlying atmospheric dynamics that shape and drive those patterns.” – Prof Thando Ndarana, Professor of Meteorology, Department of Geography, Geoinformatics and Meteorology, University of Pretoria.

In his presentation, “Enhancing Medium-Range Extreme Weather Predictability Through Dynamic Meteorology,” Prof Ndarana explored how potential vorticity and other diagnostic tools can help researchers better understand atmospheric processes and improve the predictability of extreme weather events, including those that can lead to flooding.

His presentation highlighted the importance of advancing our understanding of atmospheric dynamics to strengthen medium-range forecasting and contribute to improved preparedness for extreme weather events.

22/10/2026

[SASAS 2026] Today, Prof. Simon Driscoll from the University of Cambridge, delivered an International Keynote Address on “Application of AI in Weather and Climate Science.”
In his insightful talk explored the theoretical foundations of trustworthy AI for physical prediction, including dynamical systems, response theory and the emerging field of agentic discovery. He also highlighted the practical applications of hybrid physics-AI modelling and AI forecasting, with a particular focus on extreme weather events, including those affecting Africa. His session showcased the role of AI in advancing weather and climate science aligned with Sustainable Development Goal 13- Climate Action.

22/10/2026

[SASAS2026] on Day 2 of , Mr Thabiso Rulashe - Head: Strategy and Investor Relations at Santam, emphasised that the cost of delaying climate adaptation continues to rise, with extreme weather events placing increasing pressure on households, businesses, infrastructure and the economy.

He highlighted the critical relationship that exists between atmospheric science and the insurance industry, explaining that every insurance policy involving risks such as flooding, hail and wildfires depends on reliable weather observations, hazard data and predictive models.

“When science is good, we can price accurately, keep cover available and keep it affordable,” was the key message underpinning his call for stronger collaboration between the scientific community and the insurance sector.

Aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 13: Climate Action, conference highlights the important role of atmospheric science in strengthening climate resilience, improving early-warning systems and reducing disaster risks, helping us build safer, more resilient and sustainable communities.

21/10/2026

[SASAS 2026]DAY 1 RECAP.
What a powerful start to the 40th Annual Conference of the South African Society for Atmospheric Sciences (SASAS)!

Day 1 brought together atmospheric science experts, researchers and students for engaging discussions, knowledge sharing and collaboration around atmospheric science.

Take a look at the highlights and proceedings from Day 1, including reflections shared by Prof Mary-Jane Bopape, co-chair of , on insights into this exciting gathering of atmospheric science experts.

Stay tuned to our social media pages for more highlights, insights and updates from the next two days of the conference.