tag:theconversation.com,2011:/institutions/ithemba-labs-2831/articlesiThemba LABS2019-02-07T13:36:32Ztag:theconversation.com,2011:article/1105392019-02-07T13:36:32Z2019-02-07T13:36:32ZWant to be a woman in science? Here’s advice from those who’ve gone before<figure><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/257217/original/file-20190205-86217-tr92l3.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=496&fit=clip" /><figcaption><span class="caption">More must be done to draw women into STEM careers.</span> <span class="attribution"><span class="source">Burlingham/Shutterstock</span></span></figcaption></figure><p>Each year on February 11, the United Nations marks the <a href="http://www.un.org/en/events/women-and-girls-in-science-day/">International Day of Women and Girls in Science</a>. It’s a chance to reflect on how the situation has improved for women working in the fields of science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM), and how much remains to be done. For instance, <a href="http://uis.unesco.org/en/topic/women-science">less than 30%</a> of the world’s researchers in these fields are women._</p>
<p>The Conversation Africa’s Natasha Joseph asked researchers working in fields as varied as physics, technology law, palaeontology and biomathematics to share their lessons and experiences as women in STEM – and what those who want to follow in their footsteps should expect.</p>
<hr>
<p><strong>Mercy Muendo, PhD Student in Climate Change Technology Law University of Nairobi, Lecturer in Information Technology and the Law, Daystar University School of Law</strong></p>
<p>My work is on the legal side of STEM, dealing with technology and the law. For women wanting to get involved in this field passion, innovation, creativity and knowledge are key. Technology is always changing, so you have to keep up to date with those shifts; constant learning is crucial. And, as with any lawyer – no matter your focus – you’ll need deep integrity, a sense of fairness and objectivity.</p>
<p><strong>Dr Ntombizikhona Beaulah Ndlovu, iThemba LABS Post-doctoral Researcher: Department of Subatomic Physics</strong></p>
<p>There’s this idea that clever people, who get the highest grades in school, are those who will go into STEM fields. But cleverness alone isn’t enough to succeed in science. Perseverance, mental strength and toughness as well as being book smart also matter. It can be exhausting to constantly have to try and prove that you are good enough. That’s probably particularly true for <a href="https://theconversation.com/a-personal-journey-sheds-light-on-why-there-are-so-few-black-women-in-science-91165">black women</a> in a country like South Africa, where many sciences are <a href="http://www.statssa.gov.za/publications/Report-03-10-12/Report-03-10-122001.pdf">dominated by white men</a>. </p>
<p>There’s also a perception that STEM academics earn really high salaries. Unfortunately, that’s not true. If you’re heading for a career as an academic scientist, make sure it’s something you really want to do and will enjoy: that’ll keep you motivated to wake up in the morning and look forward to your work, even though you’re not earning six figures.</p>
<p><strong>Professor Amanda Weltman, theoretical physicist, University of Cape Town</strong></p>
<p>My father’s words are helpful here: “Listen to everyone, believe no one.” Take the time to listen to the experience, wisdom and advice of others; read about how others approach science, healthy habits and life – but then work it out for yourself, taking only what you need. </p>
<p>Science can be like a family. This brings a positive sense of wellbeing and togetherness, support, wonderful company and advice, ideally working with people who have your best interests at heart and a common goal. It can also bring about some rivalry and competition, which can be good or harmful. Try to find for yourself good mentors and collaborators and spend your energy on collaborations that feel good. The people you interact with really do matter and they do not need to look or be like you to be good mentors and collaborators. </p>
<p>Surround yourself with excellence. This is especially important for women. Don’t underestimate yourself, aim high and be around people and colleagues who intellectually challenge you. </p>
<p>Since I started with my father’s wisdom, I will end with my mother’s: always stick to your principles, trust your own gut and instincts. If you cannot see a path ahead that you want to follow, make your own.</p>
<p><strong>Judith Koskey, PhD student in Environmental Studies at Egerton University and Mawazo Institute Fellow</strong></p>
<p>Pursuing a STEM degree is an opportunity to do stimulating and meaningful work. To rise as a young woman in this space, it’s crucial to build up your confidence and stand up for yourself. Find a support system which could be made up of peers or other women in the STEM space. Also, networking is key if you’re to get past the walls that stand between you and hiring managers who aren’t used to seeing women in such spaces.</p>
<p>It is also important not to shy away from owning how important your contributions are: that is essential to your personal brand and reputation as a scientist. It’s also nurturing.</p>
<p><strong>Amélie Beaudet, research fellow in palaeontology, University of the Witwatersrand</strong></p>
<p>There is a long-standing tradition of maintaining a purely subjective classification between “male-like” and “female-like” jobs. Unfortunately, science is one of the most prejudiced disciplines in this binary world. Women need to know that science is for everyone, and that not being a man shouldn’t be considered an obstacle to their ambitions and aspirations.</p>
<p>This is particularly critical and relevant given that women’s achievements in science are often discarded from history, a phenomenon known as the “<a href="http://www.openculture.com/2018/08/the-matilda-effect.html">Matilda effect</a>” that sees women scientists being effectively written out of history. </p>
<p>Palaeontology suffers from substantial conventional sex-related bias. Yet, women are part of the discipline’s history and have made major discoveries – from <a href="http://www.ucmp.berkeley.edu/history/anning.html">Mary Anning</a> and the Jurassic fossil beds in England to <a href="https://www.notablebiographies.com/Ki-Lo/Leakey-Mary.html">Mary Leakey</a> and sites in East Africa that held evidence of human ancestors. More people, especially women, should know these stories so they realise there’s plenty of space for them in the sciences.</p>
<p><strong>Melisa Achoko Allela, PhD student in animation and Interactive Systems at Technical University of Kenya and 2018 Mawazo Institute Scholar</strong></p>
<p>Women scientists embarking on their research journeys may not realise how many opportunities exist at the convergence of art and design, science, technology, engineering and mathematics. </p>
<p>Practical examples include enriching how we communicate scientific research outputs; how, aesthetically, can it be made more accessible and inclusive? </p>
<p>This kind of diversity of approaches fuels – even forces – innovation and creativity. And those qualities could help to support the economic growth envisioned by the <a href="https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/sustainable-development-goals/">Sustainable Development Goals</a>. </p>
<p><strong>Marilyn Ronoh, PhD Student in Biomathematics, University of Nairobi and Mawazo Institute Fellow</strong></p>
<p>Planning for a PhD is an exciting, confusing time. You need a clear road map for your topic, your mentor or mentors, and funding opportunities. So it’s imperative for those who want to take this journey to participate in as many local and international conferences as possible that are relevant to their field of study. There you’ll learn about current research problems, methodology, possible supervision and opportunities for research grants. </p>
<p>When it comes to finding a mentor, make sure you choose someone who’s well versed in your area of research. Narrow your choices down, then use the Google Scholar search engine to assess their research impact before making your final decision.</p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/110539/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Ntombizikhona Beaulah Ndlovu receives funding from National Research Foundation.. </span></em></p><p class="fine-print"><em><span>Amanda Weltman is funded by the NRF/DST South African Research Chairs Initiative. </span></em></p><p class="fine-print"><em><span>Amélie Beaudet receives funding from the Centre of Excellence in Palaeosciences.</span></em></p><p class="fine-print"><em><span>Judith Koskey is a Mawazo Institute Scholar.</span></em></p><p class="fine-print"><em><span>Marilyn Ronoh is a Mawazo Institute Scholar.</span></em></p><p class="fine-print"><em><span>Melisa Achoko Allela is a Mawazo Institute Scholar.</span></em></p><p class="fine-print"><em><span>Mercy Muendo does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.</span></em></p>Women are drastically under-represented in the science, technology, engineering and maths fields.Ntombizikhona Beaulah Ndlovu, Postdoctoral research fellow, iThemba LABSAmanda Weltman, South African Research Chair in Physical Cosmology, Department of Mathematics and Applied Mathematics, University of Cape TownAmélie Beaudet, Postdoctoral fellow, University of the WitwatersrandJudith Koskey, Part time lecturer and PhD student, Environmental Science, Egerton UniversityMarilyn Ronoh, PhD student and part-time lecturer in Mathematics, University of NairobiMelisa Achoko Allela, Assistant Lecturer in Animation and Interactive Media Design, Technical University of KenyaMercy Muendo, Lecturer, Information Technology and the Law, Daystar UniversityLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/1072872018-12-03T10:07:22Z2018-12-03T10:07:22ZHow African researchers are adding to deeper knowledge about neutrons<figure><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/246993/original/file-20181123-149317-wz6cty.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&rect=7%2C159%2C961%2C566&q=45&auto=format&w=496&fit=clip" /><figcaption><span class="caption">iThemba LABS provides support for research and training to all universities.</span> <span class="attribution"><span class="source">iThemba LABS</span></span></figcaption></figure><p>Matter is all around us. As <a href="https://www.independent.co.uk/news/science/what-the-human-body-is-made-of-a7173301.html">human beings</a>, we’re made of it. Matter is the “stuff” that makes up the physical world as we know it; a collection of atoms made up of particles called protons, electrons and neutrons.</p>
<p>Part of <a href="https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Ntombizikhona_Beaulah_Ndlovu">my work</a>, as a post-doctoral researcher at <a href="http://tlabs.ac.za">iThemba LABS</a> (Laboratory for Accelerator Based Sciences) in Cape Town, South Africa, focuses on neutrons. These are subatomic particles that can penetrate through matter, which means they can be harnessed for all sorts of important work. </p>
<p>For example, high-energy neutrons may be used <a href="https://radiationoncology.uw.edu/radiation-treatment/treatment-options/neutron-beam-therapy/">to destroy tough tumours</a> that can’t be killed by the usual x-rays that are available in hospitals.</p>
<p>Neutrons can have negative effects, too. People who work with nuclear fission reactors, particle accelerators and fast neutron generators, for instance, get exposed to high-energy neutrons. Research has shown that this <a href="http://www.who.int/topics/radiation_ionizing/en/">can be harmful</a>: when neutrons interact with human beings, chromosomes in the blood can be damaged. In <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK218707/">really severe cases</a>, cells can become deformed; this can cause cancer and impair organ function.</p>
<p>There are facilities around the world where scientists can access neutrons for their work. But these are either slow neutrons or neutrons that come with a combination of all possible energies. In those cases, scientists can’t tell exactly which neutrons – slow or fast – had an effect on their samples.</p>
<p>There are only two facilities in the world where researchers can access fast neutrons of almost a single energy, which are necessary to develop and test new theories. One is Osaka University’s <a href="https://www.rcnp.osaka-u.ac.jp/index_en.html">Centre for Nuclear Physics</a> in Japan. The other is iThemba LABS. Researchers from around the world, and from the rest of Africa, use the Cape Town facility to conduct research that has global implications.</p>
<p>It’s important to keep studying neutrons to understand both their harmful properties and the ways they can be used for good. </p>
<h2>What we’ve learned</h2>
<p>Some of the most crucial work that’s being done to fill in our knowledge gaps and find new uses for neutrons is happening on the African continent.</p>
<p>For example, some of this research is being used in outer space. Neutrons are found naturally in outer space, so satellites are installed with devices called detectors to track how many neutrons they’re being exposed to. And also to figure out at what point that exposure becomes dangerous. These detectors can be adjusted and tested at iThemba LABS to ensure they’re accurate.</p>
<p>And next time you board a flight, it’s possible that your plane’s electronic components were also tested in our labs. By exposing such components to neutrons before they are installed and put to use in the real world, scientists are able to ensure that aircraft can safely withstand the amount of neutrons that will bombard them in the atmosphere.</p>
<p>It’s also at facilities like ours and Osaka University’s that research has started slowly unpacking the effect of neutrons on human health. </p>
<p>Scientists at these labs are also responsible for figuring out what kind of materials efficiently shield people from neutron radiation. </p>
<h2>Room to grow</h2>
<p>But there’s much more to be done in understanding neutrons, and particularly creating more space for Africa’s neutron science community to come and conduct research that’s relevant for the continent. More and more countries in Africa are investing in nuclear technology, and so having a facility relatively close to them is really important.</p>
<p>As a national facility of South Africa’s National Research Foundation, one of the mandates of iThemba LABS is also to provide support for research and training to all universities. Scientists working at iThemba LABS provide supervision to MSc and PhD postgraduate students, as well as providing in-service training. Postgraduates from countries outside South Africa can also come and learn more, then go back to their own countries and share that knowledge.</p>
<p>All of this has prompted iThemba LABS to develop and grow its neutron beam facility. To do this, it is working with the University of Cape Town in South Africa, Germany’s Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt, the Institute de Radioprotection et Sûreté Nucléaire in France and the National Physical Laboratory (from the United Kingdom). Over the next two or three years, there will be big changes – and this will allow for even more neutron research to emerge from the African continent.</p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/107287/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Ntombizikhona Beaulah Ndlovu works for iThemba LABS (Laboratory for Accelerator Based Sciences - NRF (National Research Foundation). </span></em></p>Neutrons can penetrate through matter, which means they can be harnessed for all sorts of important work.Ntombizikhona Beaulah Ndlovu, Postdoctoral research fellow, iThemba LABSLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/672512016-11-10T15:34:50Z2016-11-10T15:34:50ZYoung scientists seek solutions to South Africa’s higher education crisis<figure><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/142337/original/image-20161019-20324-1scs0hs.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=496&fit=clip" /><figcaption><span class="caption">More leadership is needed to tackle universities' crises.</span> <span class="attribution"><span class="source">Siphiwe Sibeko/Reuters</span></span></figcaption></figure><p><em>The <a href="http://www.sayas.org.za/">South African Young Academy of Science</a> (SAYAS) has decided it is time to speak out about the country’s higher education <a href="http://mg.co.za/article/2016-08-25-professor-jonathan-jansens-roadmap-to-saving-south-africas-higher-education-system">crisis</a>. The academy constitutes 50 young academics and 20 alumni from multiple disciplines – including health sciences, natural and social sciences, engineering and the humanities. They are selected on academic merit from institutions of higher education and research.</em></p>
<p><em>This is a summary of <a href="http://www.sayas.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/GADeclaration-on-HEI-2016.pdf">a statement</a> formulated at the organisation’s 2016 general assembly in October. In it, the academy warns of “catastrophic” consequences if <a href="http://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-34615004">university protests</a> continue and no long-term solutions to the sector’s complex, multi-tiered problems are implemented.</em></p>
<p>We are acutely aware of the challenges that students face. We teach and supervise undergraduate and postgraduate students. These are South Africa’s future young academics.</p>
<p>We financed the completion of our own higher education. A number of us are now burdened with high levels of debt that – as young academics employed in varied temporary, permanent, funded and self-funded positions –- we struggle to repay. </p>
<p>As a group of young academics committed to the South African academic project, we can no longer avoid engaging with these crucial issues at this complicated moment. If this situation remains unresolved, the implications will be catastrophic. This is true for undergraduate and postgraduate students, including both South African and international students. Those who are on time-limited bursaries and fellowships are also at risk. </p>
<p>As an example, if any academic year is compromised, the country could experience a shortage of medical doctors and allied health professionals. Internship placements in those fields will be vacant without graduates. This will place further stress on an <a href="http://www.hst.org.za/news/hospitals-crisis">overburdened</a> public health system upon which <a href="http://www.hst.org.za/news/hospitals-crisis">most South Africans rely</a>.</p>
<p>There has so far been a lack of constructive leadership at the national level and lack of effective engagement between staff and student leaders. This has triggered escalating tensions. It has also led to the development of unproductive, often confrontational and personalised debates. These run counter to the principles of scholarly engagement. They hinder the possibility of finding collective solutions to this crisis. </p>
<p>We call for urgent and peaceful resolutions across our campuses that will result in the removal of <a href="https://theconversation.com/responding-to-student-protests-should-the-law-be-a-tool-of-justice-or-violence-66295">police and private security</a>. We want to avoid confrontations between police and private security with students and staff. We acknowledge the presence of diverse experiences of structural and direct violence, and the threat these forms of violence pose across our campuses. </p>
<p>We also acknowledge that the presence of police and security is experienced differently. It creates contexts in which teaching, learning, research and innovation cannot take place. </p>
<p>Universities need to recognise the anxiety and psychological trauma experienced by many staff and students during this period. Institutions must commit to addressing this trauma and anxiety. Doing so will help facilitate the resumption of high-quality teaching and learning when institutions reopen. </p>
<h2>Recommendations</h2>
<p>It’s crucial to develop spaces for respectful engagement that acknowledges and supports continued debate and differences of opinion. We offer our members as a resource to support constructive national dialogue on this crisis.</p>
<p>Fee-free higher education could be financed in different ways, guided through the development of evidence-informed financing models. But it is not academics alone who ought to be involved in this process. </p>
<p>We call on the President of South Africa to:</p>
<ul>
<li><p>urgently address the root cause and not just the symptoms of the crisis being experienced across institutes of higher education;</p></li>
<li><p>commit to increased funding streams for the sector, which will improve equity in access to quality higher education;</p></li>
<li><p>immediately convene a national dialogue. It needs to include student, parent and academic representatives. University administrators, the private sector and industry must also be included. This will be a safe space to discuss approaches and develop a consensus statement committing to realising the goal of fee-free quality higher education for poor and “<a href="https://theconversation.com/in-south-africa-university-is-open-to-rich-and-poor-but-what-about-the-missing-middle-36801">missing middle</a>” students. The missing middle are those whose parents earn too much money to qualify for government loans but not enough to afford tuition;</p></li>
<li><p>urgently reformulate the <a href="https://www.enca.com/south-africa/zuma-establishes-up-ministerial-task-team-to-address-student-protests">emergency task team</a> he established around this crisis to include the National Treasury. This is necessary to move away from reducing the crisis to one associated only with security concerns. The National Treasury is a key player in realising funding goals. </p></li>
</ul>
<p>It’s also important that the President work with the <a href="http://www.justice.gov.za/commissions/FeesHET/">fees commission</a> he established to complete its inquiry into different financing models. The commission needs to release an approved model for implementing fee-free quality higher education for poor and “missing middle” students. </p>
<p>We offer the President our academy’s expertise to support the development of sustainable solutions. </p>
<h2>Dire consequences</h2>
<p>South Africa will struggle to maintain and grow its internationally respected research-intensive environment if academic programmes are suspended and university campuses closed.</p>
<p>The country’s academy and science innovation needs room to transform and grow. We are very concerned that this crisis will negate the gains made to date – and will have dire consequences moving forward.</p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/67251/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Sahal Yacoob works for the University of Cape Town. He receives funding from the National Research Foundation of South Africa. He is co-Chair of the South African Young Academy of Science. </span></em></p><p class="fine-print"><em><span>Karen Jacqueline Cloete does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.</span></em></p>South Africa must address the root factors contributing to nationwide protests in the higher education sector or face dire consequencesSahal Yacoob, Experimental Particle Physics, University of Cape TownKaren Jacqueline Cloete, Postdoctoral researcher in the biological applications of ion beam analysis techniques, iThemba LABSLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.