Cape Town, 25-26 January 2023

NASSP @ 20

A reason to celebrate

Over the last 20 years the National Astrophysics and Space Science Programme (NASSP) has touched countless students, providing world-class education and research opportunities. It has been integral in creating the next generation of astronomers and space scientists, as well as preparing students for a range of interesting careers outside of academia. The NASSP graduate community in South Africa, across the African continent and around the world is full of diversity, vibrance and excellence. Testimonials by former NASSP students illustrate the impact it has had.

This is reason to celebrate. But it also a good moment to stop and reflect. What kinds of careers do NASSP graduates have, and how does NASSP prepare it’s students for these diverse options? How has NASSP contributed to the scientific community in South Africa and across the world? What cutting-edge science have our alumni produced? And how can we ensure an even brighter future?

The NASSP @ 20 Symposium will bring together current NASSP students, alumni, supervisors, lecturers and supporters to have two days of celebration, science and reflection. It will be held on 25 and 26 January 2024 at the University of Cape Town.

Thank you

The organizers are grateful to the following donors who have made this celebration possible:

Department of Science and Innovation.
National Research Foundation, particularly SAAO and SARAO
University of Cape Town
South African National Space Agency
University of KwaZulu-Natal
North-West University

ORGANISING COMMITTEE

Saalih Allie (UCT)
Sarah Blyth (UCT)
Roelf Botha (SARAO)
Andrew Chen (Wits)
Peter Dunsby (UCT)
Ed Elson (UWC)
Stefan Ferreira (NWU)
Mike Kosch (SANSA)
Justin Jonas (SKAO)
Yunus Majoo (AfAS)
Thebe Medupe (NWU)
Nazli Mohamed (SAAO)
Ros Skelton (SAAO, co-chair)
Sivakumar Venkataraman (UKZN)
Nicky Walker (UCT)
Patricia Whitelock (SAAO/UCT, co-chair)

Join us in Cape TOWN

If you are – or have been – involved with NASSP, we invite you to take part in the NASSP @ 20 Symposium. Thanks to generous sponsorship (see the Thank You section above) there will be no costs for attending the symposium or the dinner, but if you want to attend in person you must register asap and before 17 December, because space is limited. Registration for remote attendance will be possible up to 19 January.