IThemba LABS

30/01/2026

What an awesome way to be welcomed at a school. I am spending the day at Greenwood Primary in Gqeberha where I will be interacting with the educators and the grade-7 learners later. If music be food of life, play on!

29/01/2026

NRF-iThemba LABS and formalize their collaboration on the production of Astatine-211 as the Theranostics World Conference (TWC2026) kicks off in Cape Town. Interestingly, the isotope was already produced in SA in 1972.

29/01/2026

NRF-iThemba LABS hosted the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Science, Technology, and Innovation for a site visit. The Committee was led by Honourable Ms Thembeka Mchunu. The engagement included presentations, discussions, and a guided tour of the isotope production facilities and capabilities.

26/01/2026

The Theranostics World Conference (TWC) will be hosted at the CTICC from 29 January to 1 February. A pre-conference symposium, coordinated by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in partnership with Necsa, NuMeRI, and NRF-iThemba LABS kicked off on Monday, 26 January. The symposium brings together experts in the production of radioisotopes from more than 14 countries to participate in lectures, round-table discussions, and practicals to advance the use of radiopharmaceuticals and radio chemicals for research and clinical applications.

23/01/2026

30 students from 13 universities in SA have gathered at NRF-iThemba LABS for the SAINTS Summer School that runs from 12-30 January. The school is offered under the auspices of the SA-JINR collaboration with remote participation from Egypt.

19/01/2026

On behalf of the Department of Science and Innovation, NRF-SAASTA invites unemployed STEM and Journalism graduates to participate in the DSTI-National Youth Service Programme. Follow this link for more details: https://seims.dsi.gov.za/nys/landing

The DSTI-NYS programme, which aims to instil a culture of community service and volunteerism, offers young people the chance to participate in skill-building opportunities and a way out of long-term unemployment by providing them with practical opportunities that increase their likelihood of accessing the economy.

Although the emphasis is primarily on unemployed graduates in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, there are occasionally a few spots open for graduates in other fields as well, as defined by the relevant recruitment process.

Deadline: 31 January 2026

14/01/2026

Feel free to send a message and let us know what would like to hear from us this year!

We want to hear from YOU! 💬✨
Are there any topics you’d love for IThemba LABS to explore this year? Vote in our poll and let us know – your ideas could shape our content for 2026!

13/01/2026

Day 2: SAINTS Summer school 2026 has officially kicked off! Hosted at NRF-iThemba LABS, Cape Town in Partnership with the Joint Institute for Nuclear Research.

25/11/2025

Due to unforeseen circumstances, the public lecture scheduled for today, November 25th, will now be offered as fully virtual engagement on the ZOOM platform.

PUBLIC LECTURE: Prof Christian Iliadis
"Cosmic furnaces and the origin of the elements"

https://zoom.us/j/97526931267?pwd=8KenJk6ZFsxadjSmWKAqpbvOnli4LD.1
Meeting ID: 975 2693 1267
Passcode: 348991

19/11/2025

Did you know that that there are NINETEEN different elements that are essential to human life: from the iron in your blood to the calcium in your bones? But how were these elements formed?
Join us for a public lecture as Dr Christian Iliadis, distinguished professor at the University of North Carolina, unpacks element synthesis through a journey from stars to atomic nuclei, from fusion to neutrinos, and the weird world of quantum mechanics on Tuesday, 25 November, at 18h00.

Register now: https://forms.gle/EGTHH9tvX7su39FZ8

17/11/2025

Friday, 14 November, we paused to celebrate the incredible dedication and commitment of our team members at our Long Service Awards 2025 ceremony!
It was an honour recognizing those who have been part of our success.

To all the recipients: Your years of service, loyalty, and passion are deeply appreciated.💐

17/11/2025

Join us for a captivating public lecture on Nuclear Astrophysics: exploring the "COSMIC FURNANCES AND THE ORIGIN OF THE ELEMENTS", Tuesday 25 November 2025, 18h00 at NRF-iThemba LABS (Cape Town) Auditorium.

Don't miss this opportunity and secure your seat!
Registration link: https://forms.gle/S2j2TBRXi792Lvp77