ACTIVITIES
Departmental Lunches
The purpose of departmental lunches is to foster connections among women in physics, including academics, leaders, and students (undergraduate and postgraduate). These events offer opportunities for interaction, mentoring, inspiration, networking, and discussions about the challenges women face in physics. WiPiSA will provide funding of up to R6,000 per institution to facilitate the organization of the lunches.
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WiPiSA Plenary and Lunch @ SAIP 2026
The 2026 Plenary Speaker was Professor Lynndle Square.
Professor Square is an Associate Professor in the Centre for Space Research at North-West University, where her work sits at the intersection of computational physics, advanced materials, space science, and physics education. She earned her PhD in Computational Physics from the University of the Western Cape and has built an impressive research programme focused on developing advanced materials for space applications, including radiation-shielding materials designed to withstand the harsh environment of low Earth orbit.
Beyond her research, Professor Square is a leader in the South African physics community. She serves as the Principal Investigator for Materials for Space Applications at North-West University, leads the Functional Materials for Space Applications work package within the National Institute for Theoretical and Computational Sciences also known as NiTheCS, and is the Subject Group Leader for Physics at NWU.
Her commitment to excellence extends well beyond the laboratory. She has supervised students across honours, master’s, and doctoral levels, led numerous research initiatives, and has been recognised with several prestigious awards, including the Innovation in Teaching and Learning Award, the NRF Thuthuka Award, the Research Merit Award, and the Teaching Excellence Award.
During the plenary, Professor Square invited us to think beyond what physicists do and to consider who physicists are becoming in the era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Through examples spanning computational materials research, industry-linked projects, education innovation, and community engagement, she will explore how physics can transcend disciplinary boundaries while highlighting the importance of mentorship, collaboration, and creating opportunities that make our discipline stronger, more inclusive, and more impactful.
This message resonates deeply with the mission of Women in Physics in South Africa. As we celebrate and strengthen our community, Professor Square reminds us that the future of physics is shaped not only by the discoveries we make, but also by the people we inspire, the communities we build, and the pathways we create for those who will follow.
WiPiSA Lunch
The WiPiSA Lunch was one of the best-attended lunches in the history of WiPiSA at the annual South African Institute of Physics (SAIP) Conference. With 170 delegates registered, an impressive 149 participants joined us for the event.
The lunch served as a powerful reminder that building a strong scientific community is not only about advancing research – it is also about taking the time to celebrate one another. This year’s gathering brought together both women and men attending the conference for an afternoon filled with laughter, meaningful connections, engaging conversations, and exciting prizes.
While WiPiSA continues to champion the advancement of women in physics and promote greater representation within the discipline, the lunch provided an opportunity to simply enjoy one another’s company, strengthen professional and personal relationships, and celebrate the vibrant, supportive community we are building together.
The occasion was made even more special by the presence of the many leaders who have championed WiPiSA since its inception, including Prof Mmantsae Diale, Prof Igle Gledhill, and Prof Christine Steenkamp, among others. The SAIP Council was also well represented, with Past President Prof Rudolph Erasmus, President Prof Eric Maluta, Council Members Dr Rosinah Modiba and Dr Livhuwani Masevhe, and SAIP CEO Dr Brian Masara in attendance.
Most importantly, we extend our heartfelt thanks to every delegate who attended the lunch. Your enthusiasm, warmth, and willingness to connect with colleagues made the event truly memorable. The incredible turnout and vibrant atmosphere were a testament to the strength of our physics community and the shared commitment to supporting one another. It is because of each of you that this year’s WiPiSA Lunch was such a resounding success.
Together, we continue to build a more connected, diverse, and inclusive physics community – one where everyone has the opportunity to thrive and where celebrating each other’s achievements is just as important as pursuing scientific excellence.
