{"id":1053,"date":"2024-09-05T22:03:24","date_gmt":"2024-09-05T22:03:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/saip.org.za\/WIPISA\/?page_id=1053"},"modified":"2026-08-01T11:32:26","modified_gmt":"2026-08-01T11:32:26","slug":"wipisa-saip","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/wipisa.saip.org.za\/index.php\/conferences\/wipisa-saip\/","title":{"rendered":"WiPiSA @ SAIP"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t

WiPiSA @ SAIP Conferences<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
SAIP 2026<\/h5>

Abstract<\/strong><\/p>

Physics Without Boundaries: Reimagining Physics Through Research, Education and Leadership in the Fourth Industrial Revolution<\/em><\/p>

What does a physicist look like in the Fourth Industrial Revolution? While advances in computational modelling, artificial intelligence, advanced materials, sensing technologies, and data-driven discovery are transforming the discipline, the future of physics will be determined not only by technological innovation but also by our ability to connect research, education, industry, and society while building an inclusive and sustainable community of physicists.<\/p>

This plenary explores how physics can transcend traditional disciplinary boundaries through examples drawn from computational materials research for Low Earth Orbit, physics education innovation, and industry-linked student projects investigating cricket ball dynamics and acoustic monitoring systems. Together, these illustrate how authentic, interdisciplinary experiences prepare students for the evolving landscape of the Fourth Industrial Revolution while demonstrating the versatility and societal relevance of physics.<\/p>

Beyond research, the talk reflects on the importance of intentionally creating spaces where people can encounter physics, develop confidence and build professional networks. Through participation in Women in Physics in South Africa (WiPiSA) networking initiatives, contribution to the WiPiSA 20th Anniversary Roundtable, public engagement through radio discussions, and the development of the Meet a Physicist High Tea for female high school learners, I explore how conversations, mentorship, visibility and collaboration can broaden participation in physics and strengthen the
discipline for future generations.<\/p>

Rather than viewing research, teaching, outreach and leadership as separate responsibilities, I argue that they are interconnected components of a single ecosystem. Building a sustainable and inclusive future for physics requires not only scientific excellence, but also intentional mentorship, collaboration and the creation of opportunities for others to contribute. Ultimately, the physicist of the future will be defined not only by the knowledge they generate, but by the communities they cultivate and the pathways they create for those who follow.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

Prof Lynndle Square is an Associate Professor in the Centre for Space Research at North-West University (NWU), South Africa. She holds a PhD in Computational Physics from the University of the Western Cape and conducts research in Computational Materials Physics, Space Materials, Polymer Nanocomposites, and Physics Education Innovation. Her work focuses on the modelling and development of advanced materials for space applications, including radiation-shielding materials for use in the harsh environments of low Earth orbit. She serves as Principal Investigator for Materials for Space Applications at NWU, Work Package Leader for Functional Materials for Space Applications within the National Institute for Theoretical and Computational Sciences (NITheCS), and Subject Group Leader for Physics at NWU.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"\"\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

Prof Square has established a strong record in both research and teaching, with more than ten peer-reviewed and conference publications, supervision of postgraduate students across honours, master’s, and doctoral levels, and leadership of several research initiatives. In recognition of her contributions, she has received numerous awards, including the Innovation in Teaching and Learning Award (2024), the NRF Thuthuka Award (2022), the Research Merit Award (2022), and the Teaching Excellence Award (2020). Her work reflects a commitment to advancing both materials research and innovative approaches to physics education.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
SAIP 2025<\/span><\/h5>

Abstract<\/strong><\/p>

Quantum communication holds the promise of ultra-secure information transfer and lays the foundation for the future quantum internet. At the heart of this vision is the ability to distribute entanglement and quantum keys over long distances, including via satellite. My research focuses on free-space quantum communication, and most recently, on implementing satellite-based quantum links. In a ground-breaking achievement, we implemented South Africa\u2019s first quantum satellite link, and the longest intercontinental quantum satellite secure link of 12900 km between China and South Africa, which was published in a recent Nature (2025) publication. This achievement establishes a critical foundation for Africa\u2019s sustained participation in and contribution to the global quantum research and innovation landscape.<\/span><\/p><\/div><\/div>

As a female physicist navigating the scientific landscape in Africa, I have also been fortunate to benefit from strong mentorship, collaborative networks, and an unwavering belief in the potential of homegrown excellence. These experiences have taught me that developing scientific capacity is dependent on building collaborations.<\/span>In this lecture, I will share my journey, from the early days of navigating local constraints in quantum optics to conducting cutting-edge research. Along the way, I hope to offer a message of encouragement to young women in physics and a vision of what is possible when dedication meets opportunity.<\/span><\/p><\/div><\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
Biography<\/h6>
Dr Yaseera Ismail is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Physics at Stellenbosch University, South Africa, and heads the QuPhotonics Lab.\u00a0 She is an experimentalist who specializes in developing quantum optical tools to advance free-space, long-range secure quantum communication. In 2016, she received the TechWomen Emerging Leader Award, in 2018, she was recognized as an Optica Ambassador, and is an Optica-appointed Vice President on the International Commission for Optics. Dr Ismail is the Chair of Optica\u2019s Theodor W. H\u00e4nsch Prize in Quantum Optics and the Chair of the ICO IUPAP Young Scientists Prize in Optics. She is a fellow of the DHET Future Professor Program, and in 2024, she was inaugurated into the South African Young Academy of Sciences.<\/span><\/h6>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"\"\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
SAIP 2024<\/span><\/h5><\/div><\/div>

Abstract:<\/b><\/p>

Capacity Building as a Driver for Women’s Retention in Physics: Prospects on Mentorship, Advocacy and Support Networks<\/em><\/p>

Capacity building is at the pinnacle of providing the next generation of young scientists with a clear career direction toward becoming physicists. The widespread implementation of universal programs to spark interest in physics-related careers has contributed to an increase in the number of women pursuing STEM-related disciplines in higher education. Narrowing it down to physical sciences presents an even bigger challenge given the intricacy and numerous challenges associated with the subject’s broad classification. Unlike other STEM-related occupations, pursuing an undergraduate degree in physics does not always provide a clear career path. Hence there is a necessity for building capacity to provide a solid foundation for aspiring physicists.<\/p>

This talk will give prospects on the value of mentorship, support networks, and advocacy; all crucial tools for enabling young women to pursue careers in physics and recognize their value to the scientific community. These strategies have been successful as they support balancing work and family responsibilities, enabling women to conduct research in conducive environments, and mostly capitalize on women’s innately collaborative nature rather than individualistic in work environments.<\/p>

Sustainable retention methods have been created by Women in Physics in South Africa (WiPiSA), with support from national funding sources and external sponsors. This talk will highlight some of the continuing human capital retention initiatives in which mentorship, advocacy, and support networks are coordinated and have resulted in the growth of Women in Physics in South Africa.<\/p>

Raesibe Sylvia Ledwaba (1)<\/p>

(1) Materials Modelling Centre, University of Limpopo, Private Bag x 1106, Sovenga, 0727, South Africa<\/p>

\u00a0<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
Biography<\/h6>

Raesibe Sylvia Ledwaba is an Associate Professor of Physics at the University of Limpopo based at the Materials Modelling Centre. She has been a well-rounded young scientist involved in research, teaching, and community engagement programs. She holds a PhD in Physics, which was awarded by the University of Limpopo specializing in computational modelling of materials. Her doctorate in Physics was a joint effort between the University of Kent (United Kingdom) and the University of Limpopo. Her research work spans several components of energy storage materials including; cathodes, anodes, electrolytes, and hydrogen energy. She was a beneficiary of the ESRC-NRF Newton collaborative research fund for her PosDoc vocational training at the University of Southampton.\u00a0<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"\"\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

She was later awarded the NRF Thuthuka Grant for the years 2020\u20132022, based on a novel research concept that was aimed at developing All Solid State Battery Technology (ASSB) by using machine learning and multiscale modelling techniques. As part of her work at the University of Limpopo, she oversees research projects and teaches modules for the Postgraduate Diploma in Science Communication, which is the first program of its kind in Africa and an initiative of the Department of Science and Innovation.<\/p>

To date, she has published 20 research articles and her research work has been read at over 100 international and local conferences. She has supervised three (3) doctoral, seven (7) M.Sc., and five B.Sc. (Honours)\/PGDip students to completion. She currently supervises three PhD (3) and three (3) M.Sc. students. In addition, she has assessed several postgraduate theses, served as a peer reviewer for journals, chaired sessions, and adjudicated for student prizes at conferences.<\/p>

Prof Ledwaba is a recipient of several accolades including being honoured as one of the Inspiring Top 50 Women in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (2019) by the Embassy of Netherlands and listed amongst the Mail and Guardian 200 Young South Africans, in the Science and Technology Category (2017). One of her outstanding professional achievements was being selected as one of the users to assist in the commissioning of the Petascale supercomputer at the Centre for High Performance Computing (CHPC) in June 2016. In July 2017, she represented South Africa at the BRICS Young Scientist Forum in China, having been nominated as one of the top 10 young scientists by the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) and the Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf).<\/p>

During the same year, she was also nominated to represent South Africa as the country’s team leader at the International Conference for Women in Physics (ICWIP) in Birmingham, United Kingdom. In 2018- 2021, I was the Chairperson for Women in Physics in South Africa (WiPiSA), Chairperson of the University of Limpopo Womens Academic Solidarity Association (ULWASA) in 2018, and a founding member of Women in High-Performance Computing (WHPC-SA). She continues to engage in public awareness initiatives of STEM-related careers working to promote science engagement through several programs, which include facilitating workshops, planning school visits, and showcasing careers.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
SAIP2023<\/h5>

Abstract<\/strong><\/p>

\u201cWhat is like to be a woman in Physics: Life-Experiences, Success,\u00a0 and Challenges.\u201d<\/em><\/p>

(DSI\/CSIR National Centre for Nanostructures and Advanced Materials, Council for Scientific\u00a0 and Industrial Research, Pretoria, 0001)<\/p>

In general, physics, math, and science are regarded as foundational subjects, and hence studying\u00a0 them opens doors to a wide range of opportunities, including scientific research while stimulating your mind. Often time, many physicists care about improving the success of women in physics,\u00a0 however, research on effective intervention strategies has been insufficient. In fact, reports have\u00a0 revealed that the percentage of women in post-graduate physics positions has stalled at just\u00a0 below 20% internationally and this is one of the most pressing concerns around the world [1].<\/p>

Global surveys conducted by The American Institute of Physics where they tracked down\u00a0 participation and representation of women in physics revealed unequal resource distribution and\u00a0 parenting to have long-term effects on women\u2019s careers [2]. Despite, women have made\u00a0 significant contributions to applied physics research and development, hence their participation\u00a0 is of significance to continued progress [3].\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

Furthermore, as a woman working in the discipline of Physics for the past 17 years, there has\u00a0 been a slight change in attitudes towards women. For instance, the research institutes as well as\u00a0 universities are very aware of the need to support and promote women pursuing their careers in\u00a0 this discipline. Various programs to support women with a mentoring and leadership focus are\u00a0 implemented and their impact is being recognized. This do help shift attitudes otherwise the\u00a0 numbers of women in STEM would have dropped even more over the last decade. On another\u00a0 note, even though our mindset is changing, we are hitting a wall considering that we are mostly\u00a0 working in our confined spaces and yet one of the keys to progress and breakthroughs is\u00a0 collaboration. In fact, the greatest scientific outcome and impact is done when we incorporate\u00a0 people with many different passions and perspectives.<\/span><\/p>

References<\/p>

1. B. Abad et al.; The 2022 applied physics by pioneering women: a roadmap, J. Phys. D:\u00a0 Appl. Phys. 56 (2023) 0730001<\/p>

2. R. Ivie and C.L. Tesfaye; Women in physics: a tale of limits, Phys. Today 65 (2012) 47\u2013 50<\/p>

3. R. Skibba; Women in physics, Nat. Rev. Phys. 1 (2019) 298\u2013300<\/p>

\u00a0<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
Biography<\/strong><\/h6>

Prof. Gugu Mhlongo joined the CSIR_ Centre for Nanostructures and Advanced Materials (CeNAM) in 2007 under CSIR PhD studentship programme in collaboration with the University of the Free State (UFS). She completed her PhD degree in record time and was the first black female to graduate with PhD in Physics department at UFS in 2011. At present, Prof. Gugu Mhlongo is employed as a principal researcher appointed as an acting research group leader for gas sensor group and a project leader for gas nanosensors for food safety platform existing within the gas sensor group.\u00a0<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"\"\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

Before she resumed this role, from 2017 to 2019 she was acting as the characterization facility manager at CeNAM which is mainly focused at providing characterization support to the nanotechnology community, and others including researchers from universities and other public research institutions, as well as industry. Prof. Gugu Mhlongo is also appointed as an Affiliated Associate Professor at the University of the Free State at the Physics department.<\/p>

She has conducted tremendous work on novel advanced and functionalized nanostructured materials for nanosensor development. This is an important area in the nanomaterials sciences considering the high demand for gas sensors for food safety, environmental monitoring as well as disease diagnosis. Although she has wide interests, thus far, her main focus has been on magnetic, defect\u00a0 structure control and luminescence properties i.e., down-conversion and up-conversion studies of nanomaterials for energy applications, in which she has developed expertise over the past few years of research. For the past two years, the impact on knowledge generation on her field of research that she has made has been noticed at an international level. She has published more than 50 papers and 5 conference proceedings (as a first, corresponding and co-author), co-authored 2 book chapters. Currently having h-index of 26. She has presented some of her research work as a guest, invited and keynote speaker in more than 20 local and international conferences.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
SAIP2022<\/span><\/h5>

Abstract:\u00a0<\/b><\/p>

Women in STEM: a perspective from the Global South\u00a0<\/b><\/p>

Almost everywhere in the world, women constitute a minority in the STEM workforce. A frequently misconception is that the number of women in STEM is particularly low in the Global South. In fact, on plotting the percentage of women in the STEM workforce of a nation versus its per capita income PPP, one obtains an inverted U: as a country becomes richer, the percentage of women in STEM rises sharply, then falls slowly. Economically richer and poorer countries also tend to show differ patterns of retention in STEM ; in economically developed countries, the main problem seems to be in attracting girls to studying science, whereas in developing countries, one sees a big dropout among women studying science after the tertiary level. Of course, women in STEM in developing countries have to deal with a lack of infrastructure and resources, and also frequently face societal challenges and biases, both within and outside their countries. One effort to address the problems faced by women physicists in the developing world is the Career Development Workshops for Women in Physics that have been held since 2013 at the ICTP in Trieste, Italy, and also at the new ICTP-EAIFR in Kigali, Rwanda. I will briefly describe the structure of these workshops, and some of their success stories.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
Biography<\/strong><\/h6>

Shobhana Narasimhan grew up on the campus of a scientific institute in Bombay (now called Mumbai).\u00a0 She obtained her BSc from St. Xavier’s College, Bombay, and her MSc from IIT Bombay. She obtained her PhD in physics from Harvard University. After holding postdoctoral positions at Brookhaven National Laboratory, USA, and the Fritz Haber Institut, Berlin, Germany, she returned to India and joined the faculty of the Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, Bangalore, where she is currently heads the Computational Nanoscience group, and is a Professor in the Theoretical Sciences Unit.<\/p>

She has always has a strong interest in promoting women in science: as a student at Harvard, she\u00a0 helped to found the group ‘Women in the Mathematical and Physical Sciences’, and while she was a postdoc at Brookhaven she made the suggestion to the American Physical Society that resulted in the setting up of the “WIPHYS” bulletin board.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"\"\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

She was a member of the IUPAP Working Group for Women in Physics. She has been a member of several national committees set up by the Government of India to help women in science, including the National Task Force on Women in Science and the Standing Committee on Women in Science. She is currently chair of the Indian Academy of Science’s Panel on Women in Science. She is also currently an Anna Boyksen Fellow at the IAS, Technical University of Munich; this fellowship is intended for scientists with an interest in gender issues.<\/p>

She is an International Honorary Member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, and a Fellow of the National Academy of Sciences, India, and the Indian Academy of Sciences.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
SAIP2021<\/h5>

Abstract<\/strong><\/p>

Women in STEM: Improving representation of women in engineering and physics HK Chikwanda, Graduate School of Technology and Management, EBIT, University of Pretoria<\/em><\/p>

The science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) is essential for the improvement of any country\u2019s innovative capacity and global competitiveness. Thus, STEM workforce is important for national development. Women hold an oddly low share of STEM qualifications, particularly in engineering and physics. Globally, women are underrepresented in STEM professions and more so in Engineering and Physics, leaving a gender gap to innovation and untapped opportunity to expand STEM employment in South Africa. There are numerous likely factors contributing to the discrepancy of women and men in STEM careers, including: a lack of female role models, gender stereotyping, and less family-friendly flexibility in the STEM fields. Irrespective of the reasons, there is a definite need to encourage and support women in STEM.<\/p>

\u00a0<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
Biography<\/h6>

Hilda received her BEng and MEng degrees in Metallurgical Engineering from the Donestk University of Technology.\u00a0 She earned her Ph.D. in Engineering from Imperial College of the University of London.<\/p>

Her exposure in this field extends to over 30 years.\u00a0 She is an Associate Professor of Engineering and Technology Management in the Graduate School of Technology Management (GSTM) in the Faculty of Engineering Built Environment and Information Technology (EBIT) at the University of Pretoria.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"\"\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

Hilda teaches operations management in the honours programme for engineering and technology management (ETM) and engineering management (MEM) and technology and innovation management (TIM) at the master\u2019s level.<\/p>

She is active in continuous education and has successfully supervised postgraduate students.\u00a0 Her current main area of research is operations management, with a specific focus on continuous improvement and the sustainability of operations, and her research interests include lean thinking, theory of constraints, supply chain, operations strategy and improvement.\u00a0Hilda has published extensively.\u00a0 She is a chartered engineer and a fellow of the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining (IMO3) as well as a member of the Minerals, Metals and Materials Society (TMS).\u00a0 Professor Chikwanda is C2 rate researcher (NRF).<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
SAIP2019<\/h5>

Abstract<\/strong><\/p>

PHYSICS FOR ALL: REBUILDING OUR COMMUNITY FOR EVERYONE<\/em><\/p>

Physics is an objective and precise science. We are careful to not allow our or anyone else’s personal biases, emotions, or cultural influences to effect interpretations of data, characterising the scientific method. However, in the past, and it could be argued still today, we do allow these vices to affect the way we think about the people doing science, be them ourselves or others. This can cause problems for minority groups in physics, such as women, by not only encountering prejudice, and from lack of confidence, but also due to systems that were designed to suit a specific type of scientist, traditionally who are male. There are many other factors that cross-correlate, such as economic background, geographic location, and ethnicity, that have similar battles but manifested in different ways. This talk will explore these issues, with some focus on South Africa, and look to how we can become more scientific, in our approach to people, as we are to our data.<\/p>

\u00a0<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

Dr. Kate Shaw is an experimental particle physicist working on the ATLAS experiment at CERN, where her research interests are focused on the physics of the top quark and luminosity determination and calibration. She is lecturer at the University of Sussex, UK, working in the Sussex ATLAS group, and she is a staff scientist at the International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP), Trieste, Italy, where she coordinates the Physics Without Frontiers programme which inspires, trains and educates physics and mathematics students worldwide. Shaw is passionate about physics outreach and public engagement, for which she won the 2015 EPS outreach prize for outstanding achievement, and works to promote diversity in physic<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"\"\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

WiPiSA @ SAIP Conferences SAIP 2026 Abstract Physics Without Boundaries: Reimagining Physics Through Research, Education and Leadership in the Fourth Industrial Revolution What does a physicist look like in the Fourth Industrial Revolution? While advances in computational modelling, artificial intelligence, advanced materials, sensing technologies, and data-driven discovery are transforming the discipline, the future of physics …<\/p>\n

WiPiSA @ SAIP<\/span> Read More »<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":1027,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-1053","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/wipisa.saip.org.za\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1053","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/wipisa.saip.org.za\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/wipisa.saip.org.za\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wipisa.saip.org.za\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wipisa.saip.org.za\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1053"}],"version-history":[{"count":24,"href":"https:\/\/wipisa.saip.org.za\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1053\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1517,"href":"https:\/\/wipisa.saip.org.za\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1053\/revisions\/1517"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wipisa.saip.org.za\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1027"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/wipisa.saip.org.za\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1053"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}