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NRF 25 Impact Book
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One NRF
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 * Home
   History
   
   Between 1966 and 1976, South Africa’s nuclear physics community recognized
   the limitations of the country’s aging particle accelerators, which hindered
   internationally competitive research. A consensus was reached during a 1966
   meeting of the South African Institute of Physics (SAIP) that a national
   facility was necessary.
   Read More >
   
   Nuclear Target Development
   Vision
   
   Our vision is for South Africa to lead in science, discovery, and innovation,
   improving lives and building a better world.
   
   Mission (Isizathu Sokuba)
   
   Our mission is to serve as South Africa’s particle accelerator centre. We
   advance isotope science and technology, both fundamental and applied. We
   collaborate across communities and disciplines, from nuclear and particle
   physics to the life and material sciences. We discover and innovate, inspire
   and educate, creating knowledge and opportunity for all.
   
   Values
   
   People-centred
   We believe in our people and in creating a working environment that is
   conducive to good health, well-being, and happiness.
   
   Accountability
   We are consistent, fair and transparent in our actions and decisions and are
   responsible for the public resources we spend. We make commitments, stand for
   evaluation and accept that our actions have consequences.
   
   Respect
   We take responsibility for our actions, our commitments, and our
   contributions to the larger community.
   
   Ethics and Integrity
   We act with honesty and decency.
   
   Passion for Excellence
   We provide exceptional service to society and our stakeholders.
   
   World-Class Service
   We honour our obligation to society and the knowledge enterprise and deliver
   excellence and positive impact in all areas of our work.

 * About Us
   Menu Item
   About Us
   
   About NRF iThemba LABS
   
   
   
   
   iThemba LABS operates the only cyclotron facilities on the African continent,
   and the separated sector cyclotron is the largest accelerator facility in the
   Southern Hemisphere. The k-200 separated sector cyclotron can accelerate
   protons to energies of 200MeV and heavier particles to much higher energies.
   Smaller accelerators at the Western Cape site are two injector cyclotrons,
   one providing intense beams of light ions and the other beams of polarised
   light ions or heavy ions. Read More >
   
   Directorate
   
   Prof. Makondelele Victor Tshivhase
   Director
   
   Dr Rudzani Nemutudi
   Deputy Director
   
   Dr Rudolph Nchodu
   Deputy Director
   
   Executive Committee
   
   Mr. Philip Beukes
   Head: Radiation Safety Health Environment and Quality
   
   Dr Le Roux Strydom
   Head: Accelerator & Engineering Department
   
   Mr Vincent Spannenberg
   Head: Financial Management & Business Administration
   
   Dr Gillian Arendse
   Head: Communications & Stakeholder Relations
   
   Ms Bulelwa Buthelezi
   Head: Human Resources Department
   
   Dr Richard Newman
   Manager: SAINTS
   
   -->
   
   Dr Mlungisi Nkosi
   Head: Materials Research Department
   
   Mr Nieldane Stodart
   Head: Research and Development Technical Support
   
   Mr Nishendra Devanunthan
   Head: General Technical Support
   
   Dr Morgan Madhuku
   Head: Tandem and Accelerator Mass Spectrometry
   
   Dr Deidre Prince
   Head: Nuclear Medicine
   
   Dr Peane Maleka
   Head: SSC Laboratory
   
   Contact Us
   Cape Town Address
   
   Old Faure Rd,
   Eerste River,
   Cape Town,
   7100
   
   Johannesburg
   
   Located in: University of the Witwatersrand,
   1 Jan Smuts Ave,
   Braamfontein,
   Johannesburg,
   2017

 * News & Events
   
   South African Isotope Facility
   
   
   
   
   The Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, Dr Blade Nzimande
   launched the South African Isotope Facility (SAIF) on 09 June 2023.
   “The inauguration of the South African Isotope Facility forms part of my
   Department’s efforts to enhance our existing scientific infrastructure and to
   advance and foster technology development and innovation in nuclear sciences
   and technology for the benefit of society.” – DHET
   
   News & Events
   NRF Latest Updates
   iThemba LABS Gallery
   IASEN 2024
   Information Portal
   One NRF
   
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   Internal
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   Collaboration
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   Open Issue
 * Research
   
   Pillars
   
   SAIF
   
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   SAINTS
   
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   TIP
   
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   iRi-G
   
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   Research Areas
   
   Our research areas at NRF iThemba LABS encompass a broad spectrum of
   scientific fields. In Nuclear Physics, we utilize particle accelerators to
   investigate nuclear reactions, structures, and fundamental interactions. In
   Nuclear Medicine, our focus is on understanding the effects of radiation on
   biological systems, which has direct applications in improving medical
   treatments like cancer therapies. We are also heavily involved in Isotope
   Production, supplying critical medical and industrial isotopes used in
   diagnostic imaging and cancer treatment. Additionally, our Material Science
   Research examines the effects of high-energy particle irradiation on various
   materials, contributing to the development of advanced materials for
   industrial and research applications. Lastly, in Astrophysics, we study
   nuclear reactions in stellar environments, which helps us better understand
   cosmic processes and the origins of the universe.
   
   Research Laboratory
   Separated Sector Cyclotron
   Material Research (Tandetron)
   Tandem & AMS Laboratory
   Nuclear Medicine
   Medical Radiation Biophysics
   Technical Support
   Research & Development (RDTS)
   Accelerator (ATS)
   General (GTS)
   
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   Users & Researchers | Beam Schedules
   
   SSC LaboratoryNot Available
   
   Tandetron Laboratory (MRD)Available
   
   Tandem Laboratory (TAMS)Not Available
   
   
   >
 * Programmes
   About
   
   
   
   The student training activities at iThemba LABS have been unified under the
   SAINTS to strengthen human capacity development. iThemba LABS is dedicated to
   advancing science by fostering the next generation of scientists and
   technicians. We aim to build a scientifically literate society by raising
   awareness of science’s contributions and ensuring access to essential
   infrastructure and opportunities. Read More >
   
   Courses
   RSHEQ Online
   SAINTS Student Projects
   Ion-beam analysis techniques
   Accelerator mass spectrometry
   Workshops & Conferences
   
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   NRF
   Bursaries & Scholarships
   Application Outcomes
   Funding
   Student Practice at JINR Dubna
   SA-JINR
   ProgrammesOpen Calls
   
   
   
   SAINTS
   SA-JINR
   SA-CERN
   
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   Schools & Workshops
   IASEN 2024
 * Isotope Facility
   Isotope Products
   
   What is an isotope?
   
   An isotope is a variant of a chemical element that shares the same number of
   protons but differs in neutron count, giving it unique nuclear properties
   without altering its chemical behavior. At NRF-iThemba LABS, isotopes are at
   the heart of cutting-edge research and applications, from revolutionizing
   cancer treatment with targeted radioisotopes to advancing environmental
   monitoring and industrial quality control. Whether stable or radioactive,
   isotopes are powerful tools that fuel innovation, enable precision in
   science, and drive impactful solutions in medical, industrial, and research
   sectors worldwide.
   
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   Radioisotope Production Past & Present
   Nuclear Medicine
   Isotope Products
   Nuclear Medicine
   Medical Radiation Biophysics
   South African Isotope Facility
   About SAIF
   SAIF Gallery
 * Engagement
   Science Engagement
   School Engagement Gallery
   School Visit
   Meet Our Scientists
   Meet Our Alumni
   
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   Map of the facility
   Promoting STEM
   school science toursPromoting STEM
   Careers
   Vacancies
   Early Talent Opportunities
   Digital iThemba LABS
   Virtual LABSComing soon
   Virtual Facility TourComing soon
 * Procurement
   NRF Wide Procurement
   Procurement Invitations
   Received Bids
   Awards & Contracts
   Open and Transparent Procurement
   
   The NRF communicates transparently the request for procurement through NRF
   websites, Government Tender Bulletin if applicable, e-Tender, email, and
   other public platforms to suppliers in the market treating each bidder
   equally including providing the same information. Where the quotation method
   is made use of, the NRF communicates the request for quotation transparently
   to the selected third parties showing no favour to any party and ensuring all
   receive the same information.

Work at NRF iThemba






LEADING SOUTH AFRICA IN SCIENCE, DISCOVERY, AND INNOVATION TO IMPROVE LIVES AND
BUILD A BETTER WORLD.


PEOPLE-CENTRED ACCOUNTABILITY RESPECT ETHICS AND INTEGRITY PASSION FOR
EXCELLENCE WORLD-CLASS SERVICE .

SA-JINR Applicantion Closing: 4 November 2024
SA-JINR
SA-CERN Applicantion Call
SA-CERN


LEADING SOUTH AFRICA IN SCIENCE, DISCOVERY, AND INNOVATION TO IMPROVE LIVES AND
BUILD A BETTER WORLD.

ADVANCING ISOTOPE SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY FOR KNOWLEDGE AND OPPORTUNITY.

EMPOWERING PEOPLE AND FOSTERING INCLUSION FOR A STRONGER COMMUNITY.







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LEADING SOUTH AFRICA IN SCIENCE, DISCOVERY, AND INNOVATION TO IMPROVE LIVES AND
BUILD A BETTER WORLD.



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+1300 PUBLICATIONS

ON ISI LISTED JOURNALS

+300

USERS / YEAR

+120

STUDENTS/YEAR

~280

STAFF MEMBERS

Home of Accelerator-Based Science

ITHEMBA LABS AND THE FUTURE OF ACCELERATOR-BASED RESEARCH IN SOUTH AFRICA

iThemba Laboratories for Accelerator-Based Science (LABS) is a business unit of
the National Research Foundation (NRF), dedicated to investing in the growth and
development of scientific and technical expertise in accelerator-based science,
with a particular focus on women and underrepresented communities. iThemba LABS
provides access to state-of-the-art research infrastructure, both locally and
globally, enabling research into the nature, structure, and properties of matter
and materials, as well as the production of radioisotopes for use in nuclear
medicine diagnostics, imaging, and therapy.

As the largest facility of its kind in Africa, iThemba LABS is home to several
particle accelerators located in Cape Town and Johannesburg. The centerpiece of
the facility is the 200-MeV Separated Sector Cyclotron (SSC), which is powered
by two solid-pole injector cyclotrons. Since its inception in the 1980s, the SSC
has supplied particle beams to two primary user communities: nuclear medicine
and nuclear physics research (both fundamental and applied).

The establishment of the South African Isotope Facility (SAIF) in 2023 marks a
significant milestone, ushering in a new era where all beam time from the SSC
will be allocated exclusively to nuclear physics research. Inaugurated by the
Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Innovation, Dr. Blade Nzimande, on
June 9, 2023, SAIF not only enhances radiopharmaceutical production but also
supports research and development in isotope production. "The inauguration of
SAIF is part of my department's efforts to enhance our existing scientific
infrastructure and promote technology development and innovation in nuclear
sciences and technology for societal benefit," said Dr. Nzimande.

In addition, iThemba LABS hosts two laboratories focused on atomic-scale
research using particle beams from a 3-MV Tandetron and a 6-MV Tandem
accelerator. The 6-MV Tandem accelerator, located in Johannesburg, is equipped
with an Accelerator Mass Spectrometer (AMS) for applications in fields such as
climate change, archaeology, and cultural heritage.

The National Research Foundation's Vision2030 emphasizes Transformation,
Innovation, Impact, Excellence, and Sustainability as key pillars of its
national research agenda. In alignment with this vision, iThemba LABS is
committed to prioritizing education and training to nurture the next generation
of researchers and technicians. Science Engagement initiatives play a crucial
role not only in attracting talent but also in disseminating information to
various stakeholders, including educators, students at all levels, and the
general public.



Discover NRF iThemba LABS

CORE BUSINESS OF NRF ITHEMBA LABS

Research and Development-Oriented Innovation and Human Capacity Development

ACCELERATOR TECHNOLOGY

Focused on managing and advancing particle accelerators used in research and
isotope production. This department plays a crucial role in enabling nuclear
physics experiments and medical applications.

R&D ELECTRONICS & INSTRUMENTATION

Responsible for the development and maintenance of electronic systems that
support accelerator operations and other research infrastructures.

R&D SOFTWARE ENGINEERING AND AI-ML

Provides cutting-edge software solutions and implements artificial intelligence
and machine learning models to enhance data analysis, system automation, and
research outcomes.

NUCLEAR MEDICINE AND ISOTOPE PRODUCTION

Produces medical radioisotopes used in diagnostics, imaging, and therapy. This
department plays a crucial role in the healthcare industry by supplying
life-saving radiopharmaceuticals and supporting research in nuclear medicine.
Check all Departments



MEET THE MINDS POWERING INNOVATION AT ITHEMBA LABS

Join our team of passionate scientists and experts as they take you behind the
scenes of the groundbreaking research in nuclear physics, accelerator
technology, isotope production, and nuclear medicine. Discover how their work is
shaping the future of science and healthcare at NRF iThemba LABS.


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Articles

U-MATTER

October 12, 2024
80
Read more
Workshop

5TH ADVANCED NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY TECHNIQUES (ANSTT5) WORKSHOP

April 15, 2024
80
Read more
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CELEBRATING 25 YEARS OF RESEARCH, INNOVATION, IMPACT AND PARTNERSHIPS

Read the book here...




iThemba LABS is Africa’s premier facility for accelerator-based science,
specializing in nuclear physics, isotope production, and nuclear medicine. As a
division of the NRF, it provides cutting-edge research infrastructure, fostering
innovation in science, technology, and education.

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