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STAFF REPORTER
SOUTH Africa takes a giant leap towards becoming a global leader in astronomy and astrophysics as Professor Sunil Maharaj of the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) has received the esteemed Annual Harry Oppenheimer Fellowship Award.
The accolade recognises Professor Maharaj’s exceptional work in gravitational processes within evolving stars, a key area bridging science, mathematics, and astronomy.
Under the creative partnership with the Square Kilometre Array (SKA), South Africa’s strategic vision of advancing astrophysics is being realised through this groundbreaking project. Professor Maharaj’s research explores the intricate workings of gravitational processes within stars, offering crucial insights into our understanding of the universe. This pursuit has been a fundamental scientific challenge since the early days of gravity research.
With a focus on collaborative efforts, this transformative project has brought together a dedicated team from South Africa, Tanzania, and India. Their collective expertise and contributions play an instrumental role in unravelling the mysteries of the cosmos. By fostering international collaboration, this initiative showcases the power of uniting diverse minds and resources towards a common goal.
“Professor Maharaj’s achievement not only highlights the exceptional talent within South Africa but also underscores the nation’s commitment to fostering scientific excellence and becoming a leader in the field of astrophysics. The collaborative nature of this project serves as a testament to the power of international cooperation and knowledge sharing”, said Jonathan Oppenheimer, Chairman of the Trust.
The award comes at a time when South Africa is making huge strides in astronomy, as SKA, the world’s largest radio telescope, is currently being constructed by South Africa jointly with Australia. Professor Maharaj adds that although South Africa is still catching up to developed countries in astronomy, the SKA is to the country’s advantage.
Upon winning the award, an elated Professor Maharaj said: “It has been a very humbling experience to be shortlisted for the award and to receive it. It surprised me as I thought it would go to something more observational and practical like a product or a cure for COVID”.
UKZN Vice-Chancellor and Principal Professor Nana Poku expressed immense pride. They congratulated Professor Maharaj on receiving this award, “His exceptional research in gravitational processes within evolving stars is a beacon of scientific excellence, demonstrating South Africa’s progress in astrophysics. This monumental achievement is a testament to Professor Maharaj’s unrivalled dedication and expertise and a clear demonstration of South Africa’s capability to be a global leader in astronomy. As we celebrate this momentous occasion, we look forward to further pioneering breakthroughs in astrophysics and other fields from our esteemed academic community.”
The Harry Oppenheimer Fellowship Award is granted to scholars of the highest calibre who are engaged in cutting-edge and internationally significant work that has particular application to advancing knowledge, teaching, research and development in South Africa and beyond.
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