Doha:Pretoria South Africa is set to participate in the 12th Annual BRICS Astronomy Working Group (BAWG) Meeting in India, aiming to bolster scientific collaboration and advance joint research priorities among BRICS member countries.
According to South African Government News Agency, the meeting, scheduled from October 26 to 30, 2026, will focus on multi-messenger and multi-wavelength transients. It will explore opportunities for research collaboration, skills development, and public engagement in the field of astronomy.
Leading South Africa's 17-member delegation is the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation’s Chief Director of Astronomy, Takalani Nemaungani. The delegation includes representatives from notable institutions such as the South African Astronomical Observatory, the South African Radio Astronomy Observatory, and several universities including the University of Cape Town and the University of Johannesburg.
The meeting will feature presentations on the state of astronomy in BRICS member countries, emphasizing scientific developments, strategic priorities, and policy perspectives. These discussions are expected to inform collective planning and identify shared challenges and opportunities within the BRICS astronomy community.
The National Research Foundation (NRF) highlighted South Africa’s significant contribution to the Working Group, underscoring the role of national research institutions and universities in advancing collaborative astronomy efforts.
Participants, including researchers, government representatives, educators, and science communicators, will review progress on existing initiatives, strengthen partnerships, and identify new opportunities for cooperation in astronomy research and technology development. The program will also feature the BAWG Data Science Hackathon, organized in collaboration with the Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences and the Indian Space Research Organisation.
Additional activities will involve science communication training, the launch of the BRICS Astronomy Robotics and Coding Training initiative, and a public exhibition showcasing astronomy facilities across BRICS countries. Discussions will cover areas such as research, technology development, education, data science, human capital development, and public engagement.
For South Africa, these engagements are crucial for reinforcing the national astronomy landscape, connecting local expertise with international research networks, and supporting skills development, innovation, and public engagement. The BAWG’s efforts are seen as a way to reinforce astronomy's contribution to scientific advancement and sustainable development across BRICS countries.
The BRICS Astronomy Working Group, established in 2015, aims to promote cooperation among member countries in astronomy research, technology development, and capacity building. Its flagship initiative, the BRICS Intelligent Telescope and Data Network (BITDN), supports long-term collaboration through shared research infrastructure and data capabilities.
