25 April 2025 | Story: Staff Reporter | Photo: Supplied.
3 minutes read time.
The Vaal University of Technology (VUT) recently welcomed a high-level delegation from the Joint Institute for Nuclear Research (JINR), an international intergovernmental research centre based in Dubna, Russia. The visit marked a significant step towards international collaboration aimed at addressing real-world challenges through science and innovation.
The preliminary collaboration meeting, held under the leadership of Professor Khaled Abou El Hossein, Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Teaching and Learning at VUT, brought together academics and postgraduate researchers to explore joint research opportunities between South Africa and JINR. A key highlight was a compelling presentation by Professor Grzegorz Kaminski, Deputy Director of the prestigious Flerov Laboratory of Nuclear Reactions (FLNR) at JINR. The institute is renowned for its pioneering work in nuclear physics, particularly the synthesis of superheavy elements. Professor Kaminski outlined possible avenues for strategic partnership that align with VUT’s areas of expertise.
FLNR is one of JINR’s foremost research divisions, named after Soviet physicist Georgy Flerov. It specialises in advanced heavy ion physics, focusing on the synthesis and study of superheavy elements and nuclear reactions. With world-class cyclotron facilities such as the U400 and U400M, FLNR accelerates charged particles, typically heavy ions, to high energies before colliding with target nuclei. These collisions allow scientists to investigate nuclear reactions and synthesise new elements that do not occur naturally. FLNR has been instrumental in discovering elements such as flerovium (element 114) and oganesson (element 118). Through the South Africa and JINR partnership, FLNR offers South African researchers and students’ valuable opportunities to participate in international nuclear science projects.
Discussions centred on developing collaborative projects to advance scientific knowledge and equip South African students, especially those at VUT, with practical research experience during their Master’s and Doctoral studies. Areas of mutual interest span engineering and physics, with a strong focus on research projects that can create tangible local and global impact.
One of the beneficiaries of this evolving partnership is Ms Vhahangwele Sigonde, a PhD candidate at VUT who is already participating in a collaborative research project under the broader South Africa and JINR agreement. Her involvement reflects the opportunities this international alliance presents for emerging researchers.
Although a long-standing national partnership exists between South Africa and JINR, current discussions are focused on formalising an institutional Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between VUT and JINR. Professor Abou El Hossein has played a leading role in initiating and advancing these discussions. His aim is to deepen collaboration through structured student exchanges, joint postgraduate supervision, and improved access to global research infrastructure.
The meeting was attended by Ms Vhahangwele Sigonde and Mr Prince Chikamhi (both PhD candidates), Mr Relebogile Abram Masetle and Mr Israel Kazadi (Master’s candidates), along with a guest from FLNR, Dr Bakytbek Mauyey, a PhD collaborator affiliated with both JINR and Kazakhstan.
The atmosphere was one of optimism and shared purpose, as participants reaffirmed the importance of international collaboration in developing the next generation of researchers. With promising projects and formal agreements on the horizon, this partnership has the potential to position VUT students at the forefront of cutting-edge scientific discovery and enhance the university’s global research profile.
Although the timeline for finalising the institutional MoU remains open, discussions are actively progressing. Professor Abou El Hossein continues to champion the process, advocating for long-term cooperation that includes co-supervised research, structured exchanges, and meaningful collaborative initiatives. In the interim, Ms Sigonde’s active participation under the South Africa and JINR framework sets the foundation for broader involvement and deeper engagement among other VUT students.
