In this South African Institute of Physics (SAIP) webinar, Prof Simon Connell makes the case that an African Light Source is one of the most transformative large-scale infrastructures for knowledge- and innovation-based, sustainable socioeconomic development of the African continent.
- Event
- SAIP Webinar
- Date
- 20 November 2020, 13:00 South Africa Time
- Speaker
- Prof Simon Connell, University of Johannesburg
- Role
- Chairperson, African Light Source Foundation
AbstractOne infrastructure, a continent-wide footprint
An Advanced Light Source (ALS) is one of the most transformative large-scale infrastructures for knowledge- and innovation-based sustainable socioeconomic development of the African continent. Its reach is unusually broad, touching disciplines that include physics, chemistry, bioscience, materials science, nanoscience, geoscience, heritage science, environmental science, medical science, and all fields of engineering and industrial manufacturing.
A few examples illustrate that breadth. The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has emphasised the crucial role of light sources in elucidating viral structure and identifying drug and vaccine targets, and in the subsequent development of medical interventions — as was also true for HIV/AIDS. A light source is likewise seen as a most crucial contribution for African scientists seeking solutions to the disease burden specific to the African continent.
The technology has also revolutionised Heritage Sciences. Africa is the cradle of both humankind and human culture, so it is crucial that the continent can play a leading role in heritage research. Beyond this, a light source has a crucial role in the beneficiation of Africa’s mineral wealth and in the development of new energy materials — areas that deserve special attention from African geologists and materials scientists.
Africa is the cradle of both humankind and human culture. It is crucial that Africa can play a leading role in Heritage Research.
The presentation highlights the 4th-generation Advanced Light Source and the African Light Source Foundation, with its mandated Roadmap to realise this goal for Africa.
The SpeakerProf Simon Connell
Prof Simon Connell
Professor of Physics, University of Johannesburg · Chairperson, African Light Source Foundation
Prof Connell’s research interests span particle physics, nuclear physics, nuclear energy, materials science, quantum physics, high-performance computing and applied (innovation) physics. His rating by the South African National Research Foundation (NRF) cites him as having “considerable international recognition”, and he is a past president of the South African Institute of Physics.
He is the founding member of South African participation in High Energy Physics at the ATLAS Experiment at CERN, where, with his group, he participates in a Beyond Standard Model search as well as engineering and technical activities. He has published over 150 papers in international journals and is an ATLAS author, and has worked for many years at the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility (ESRF).
Prof Connell is interested in technology for competitive industry and in innovation, including a project on the intelligent, sensor-based sorting of diamond in kimberlite, which is now being commercialised. A current major activity in service of the discipline is the development of the South African user base for light sources — premier international, multi-disciplinary research tools — and the implementation of the roadmap towards the African Light Source.
About this webinar
This talk was delivered as part of the South African Institute of Physics (SAIP) webinar series on 20 November 2020. A recording and presentation slides were made available to attendees through the SAIP and African Light Source channels.
