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UKZN's Prof Sunil Maharaj Wins Harry Oppenheimer Fellowship Award

UKZN's Prof Sunil Maharaj Wins Harry Oppenheimer Fellowship Award

Date: 2023-08-17

SouthAfrica takes a giant leap towards becoming a global leader in astronomy andastrophysics as Professor Sunil Maharaj of the University of KwaZulu-Natal(UKZN) receives the esteemed Annual Harry Oppenheimer Fellowship Award. Theaccolade recognises Professor Maharaj's exceptional work in the field ofgravitational processes within evolving stars, a pivotal area bridging science,mathematics, and astronomy.

Underthe visionary partnership with the Square Kilometre Array (SKA), South Africa'sstrategic vision of advancing astrophysics is being realised through thisgroundbreaking project. Professor Maharaj's research explores the intricateworkings of gravitational processes within stars, offering crucial insightsinto our understanding of the universe. This pursuit has been a fundamentalscientific challenge since the early days of gravity research.

Witha focus on collaborative efforts, this transformative project has broughttogether a dedicated team, not only from South Africa but also from Tanzaniaand India. Their collective expertise and contributions play an instrumentalrole in unravelling the mysteries of the cosmos. By fostering internationalcollaboration, this initiative showcases the power of uniting diverse minds andresources towards a common goal.

"ProfessorMaharaj's achievement not only highlights the exceptional talent within SouthAfrica but also underscores the nation's commitment to fostering scientificexcellence and becoming a leader in the field of astrophysics. Thecollaborative nature of this project serves as a testament to the power ofinternational cooperation and knowledge sharing", said Jonathan Oppenheimer,Chairman of the Trust.

Theaward comes at a time when South Africa is making huge strides in the field ofastronomy, as SKA, the world's largest radio telescope, is currently beingconstructed by South Africa jointly with Australia. Professor Maharaj adds thatalthough South Africa is still catching up to developed countries in astronomy,the SKA is to the advantage of the country.

ProfessorMaharaj will be collaborating with leading experts in gravity theories andrelative astrophysics, including Professor Megan Govender from DurbanUniversity of Technology and Professor Aroon Beesham from the MangosuthuUniversity of Technology, amongst others from South African universities.

AsSouth Africa continues to make significant strides in astrophysical research,this groundbreaking project stands as a testament to the country's unwaveringdedication to scientific advancement. By nurturing talent, fosteringcollaboration, and pushing the boundaries of knowledge, South Africa's impactin the fields of science and physics is poised to create a brighter future forall.