“South African scientists are working on all of these challenges [developing quantum technologies, creating new materials, understanding complex systems, unifying the forces of nature, exploring the universe and applying physics to biology] to a greater or lesser extent, and are also finding ways of collaborating nationally, regionally and internationally.

On a national level, my department is working closely with physicists from a number of South African institutions to set up the National Institute of Theoretical Physics. South Africa has some world-class theoretical physicists, but they are scattered around the country. The new institute will allow them to interact more easily, and to host international scholars. It will also provide a platform for the training of students in theoretical physics. At a first glance, theoretical physics might seem far removed from development, but this is not so. Apart from the contributions it can make to all branches of physics, the mathematical, analytical and computational skills used in theoretical physics have wide-ranging applications, from bioinformatics to global information systems to financial management.”

ADDRESS BY THE HONOURABLE MINISTER OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY,

 MR MOSIBUDI MANGENA, AT THE WORLD CONFERENCE ON PHYSICS AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT, DURBAN, 31 OCTOBER 2005

The Director-General of the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Dr Phil Mjwara, has confirmed his Department’s support for the establishment of a National Institute for Theoretical Physics in South Africa. The establishment of such an Institute was first announced by the Minister of Science and Technology, Mr Mosibudi Mangena, in October 2005 at the opening of the World Conference on Physics and Sustainable Development held in Durban.

The National Institute of Theoretical Physics (NITheP) will be modelled on similar institutes in the world, like the USA Kavli Institute for Theoretical Physics in Santa Barbara and the Perimeter Institute in Canada, which are leading international research institutes. Apart from forefront research, NITheP will be intimately involved in human resource development at the graduate student level. …NITheP will be managed as a national facility in cooperation with the NRF.

EXTRACT FROM DST PRESS RELEASE, 30 MAY 2006

Vision

The National Institute for Theoretical Physics leads and coordinates research programmes and fosters education in Theoretical Physics which allows South Africa to play its rightful international role in a truly fundamental scientific field.

                  Mission

To provide a stimulating national and African user facility for Theoretical Physics and linking South Africa and the continent to an international family of Institutes for Theoretical Physics and similar institutions where its programmes are recognised for their excellence in research and innovative role in the education of Theoretical Physics, especially in underrepresented communities.

Strategic goals

·        To identify and pursue high-level research projects and expand existing expertise  in current and emerging fields covered by Theoretical Physics in South Africa;

·        To act as a national and African user facility for Theoretical Physics which optimises communication and collaboration between the existing centers of expertise and  stimulates joint initiatives in line with regional and international developments;

·        To promote equitable participation from all university and industrial communities in South Africa in Theoretical Physics programmes and to strengthen ties with similar communities on the rest of the African continent in line with the NEPAD vision;

·        To provide a source of expertise which can feed into broad national science and technology policies and goals.