Renowned nuclear physicist Prof. Siyabonga Majola has joined the North-West University (NWU) as the new head of the Centre for Applied Radiation Science and Technology (CARST). His appointment means one of South Africa’s emerging leaders in nuclear science is at the helm of a centre positioned at the intersection of research, industry and national development.
Prof. Majola joins NWU with a track record in experimental nuclear physics, radiation detection and postgraduate supervision from the University of Johannesburg, iThemba LABS and the University of Cape Town, where he completed his PhD in physics.
With a C2 rating from the National Research Foundation (NRF), Prof. Majola has authored and co-authored more than 70 peer-reviewed publications and built collaborations with researchers and laboratories across the world. His work focuses on the structure of atomic nuclei and the advancement of radiation detection techniques with applications in medicine, energy, environmental monitoring and industry.
Building on strong foundations
For Prof. Majola, the move to the NWU represents more than a career step.
“The NWU provides an enabling environment that aligns strongly with my academic and research vision,” he says. “The university’s strategic focus on research excellence, internationalisation, industry engagement and societal impact aligns closely with my commitment to advancing globally competitive research and contributing meaningfully to national and continental development initiatives.”
He says CARST already has a strong foundation built on sound research programmes, advanced scientific instrumentation and established postgraduate training systems.
“The immediate priority is not to redefine CARST, but rather to build strategically on its existing strengths while engaging the team and broader stakeholders through a consultative process.”
In the short term, Prof. Majola plans to strengthen the postgraduate pipeline through outreach programmes aimed at attracting graduates into applied radiation sciences. He also wants to expand interdisciplinary collaborations across faculties and secure external funding through national and international partnerships.
Collaboration is key
Among the funding streams he has identified are collaborations linked to the National Research Foundation, the European Organisation for Nuclear Research and sector education initiatives.
His long-term vision is to position CARST as a leading centre of excellence in applied radiation sciences in Africa and beyond. That includes expanding research infrastructure, developing high-level human capital and strengthening global partnerships rooted in shared research and co-creation.
Prof. Majola also sees CARST contributing to several major national nuclear initiatives, including South Africa’s approved Nuclear Build Programme, the planned Multipurpose Research Reactor of the South African Nuclear Energy Corporation and the South African Isotope Facility at iThemba LABS.
Mentorship will be central to his leadership approach.
“I am passionate about mentoring and nurturing the next cohort of young scientists and future leaders,” he says. “I want to help foster an environment that advances African scholarship and positions the continent as a global hub for scientific innovation and discoveries that address real-life challenges facing Africa.”
Prof. Siyabonga Majola.”
