“South Africa is participating in the 12th Annual BRICS Astronomy Working Group meeting in India, with a 17-member delegation led by the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation’s Chief Director of Astronomy, Takalani Nemaungani. The meeting aims to strengthen collaborative astronomical research, data science, technology development, skills training and public engagement among BRICS countries.”
South Africa Strengthens Its Space Science Ambitions Through BRICS Astronomy Cooperation
PUNE, INDIA — 26 October 2026
South Africa is strengthening its position in international space science and astronomical research through its participation in the 12th Annual BRICS Astronomy Working Group (BAWG) meeting in Pune, India. Running from 26 to 30 October 2026, the meeting brings together scientific institutions, researchers, government representatives, educators and science communicators to explore collaborative research, technological innovation and skills development.
The participation represents an important opportunity for South Africa to deepen its scientific relationships with other BRICS countries while advancing its national astronomy priorities. According to an announcement published by SAnews on 25 October, South Africa has assembled a 17-member delegation led by Takalani Nemaungani, Chief Director of Astronomy at the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI).
The delegation includes representatives from the South African Astronomical Observatory (SAAO), the South African Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO), the University of Cape Town, the University of the Western Cape, the Inter-University Institute for Data Intensive Astronomy and the University of Johannesburg.
The meeting will focus on multi-messenger and multi-wavelength transients, alongside broader discussions about scientific collaboration, data science, technology development, education and public engagement. These priorities demonstrate how modern astronomy increasingly depends on international partnerships, advanced computing, sophisticated instruments and skilled researchers.
International Cooperation Takes Centre Stage
The BRICS Astronomy Working Group was established in 2015 to promote cooperation in astronomy research, technology development and capacity building among participating countries. Its work provides a framework for researchers and institutions to share expertise, identify common scientific challenges and explore opportunities for collaborative projects.
For South Africa, participation offers a platform to present its research achievements, discuss future priorities and build relationships with international scientific organisations. The delegation is expected to participate in presentations covering the state of astronomy in BRICS countries, including scientific developments, strategic priorities and policy perspectives.
According to the National Research Foundation, the participation highlights the contribution of South African research institutions and universities to international astronomy cooperation.
The importance of such engagement extends beyond scientific meetings. International partnerships can create opportunities for researchers to work with colleagues who possess complementary expertise, access specialised research infrastructure and develop methods for analysing increasingly complex astronomical observations.
However, participation alone does not guarantee new discoveries or funding. The long-term value of the meeting will depend on whether discussions lead to sustained research programmes, effective institutional partnerships, opportunities for students and measurable scientific outcomes.
Understanding Multi-Messenger and Multi-Wavelength Astronomy
One of the central themes of the meeting is the study of multi-messenger and multi-wavelength transients.
Astronomical transients are events that change in brightness or produce detectable signals over relatively short periods. Examples include certain stellar explosions, sudden high-energy emissions and other energetic cosmic phenomena.
Multi-wavelength astronomy investigates celestial objects using different portions of the electromagnetic spectrum, including radio waves, visible light, infrared radiation, ultraviolet light, X-rays and gamma rays. Different wavelengths reveal different physical properties of astronomical objects, allowing researchers to develop a more complete understanding of the universe.
Multi-messenger astronomy combines different types of information about cosmic events. Depending on the event, researchers may examine electromagnetic radiation alongside gravitational waves, neutrinos or other detectable signals.
These approaches require sophisticated observation systems, reliable data processing and cooperation between scientific teams. A transient event may be detected by one instrument, while other observatories are needed to investigate its location, origin and physical characteristics.
South Africa has relevant expertise in radio astronomy, including the work undertaken through SARAO and the MeerKAT radio telescope. Its scientific institutions can contribute observations, analytical expertise and research capacity to international investigations.
Nevertheless, the precise research projects or new agreements that may emerge from the October meeting have not yet been established in the announcement. Their development will depend on subsequent discussions and decisions by participating institutions.
South Africa’s Radio Astronomy Capabilities
South Africa has developed an important role in international astronomy through investments in radio astronomy infrastructure, research and specialist training.
SARAO leads South Africa’s involvement in the Square Kilometre Array programme on behalf of the DSTI. Its activities contribute to the development of scientific infrastructure and research expertise that support the country’s participation in international astronomy.
The MeerKAT radio telescope is one of the country’s significant scientific assets. It enables researchers to investigate radio emissions from objects and structures across the universe, contributing to research into galaxies, pulsars, cosmic magnetic fields and other astronomical phenomena.
Such infrastructure also creates opportunities to develop skills in engineering, software, signal processing and scientific data analysis.
The participation of SARAO and university representatives in the BRICS meeting provides a channel through which South African researchers can exchange ideas with international colleagues and identify areas of shared interest.
It is important, however, to distinguish existing capabilities from future possibilities. The meeting announcement does not confirm a new telescope, a new satellite launch, a dedicated funding allocation or a specific joint mission. Its stated purpose is to advance cooperation and identify opportunities for research and technology development.
Data Science and the Future of Astronomical Research
Data science is another major component of the meeting’s programme. Modern observatories generate substantial volumes of information, requiring specialised software and analytical methods to identify meaningful patterns and scientific signals.
The BAWG Data Science Hackathon, organised in collaboration with the Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences and the Indian Space Research Organisation, is intended to provide a practical setting for collaborative problem-solving.
Hackathons bring participants together to develop, test or improve solutions within a defined period. In an astronomical context, such activities can encourage researchers and technical specialists to explore data-processing techniques, computational tools and methods for managing complex observations.
For South Africa, participation in these activities could support the development of interdisciplinary skills among astronomers, computer scientists, engineers and students.
The broader significance is that astronomy increasingly depends on more than the physical construction of telescopes. Researchers also need the ability to process data, maintain software systems, interpret observations and coordinate information from different facilities.
Building these capabilities can support both scientific research and wider technological development. Skills developed through astronomy may also have applications in computing, engineering, telecommunications and other data-intensive sectors.
The extent to which the hackathon generates lasting benefits will depend on follow-up projects, continued collaboration and opportunities for participants to apply what they learn.
Training, Robotics and Public Engagement
The meeting’s programme also includes science communication training, a public exhibition of astronomy facilities across BRICS countries and the launch of the BRICS Astronomy Robotics and Coding Training initiative.
These activities broaden the meeting’s scope beyond professional research. They recognise that long-term scientific progress depends on developing talent, communicating discoveries and helping communities understand the value of science.
Robotics and coding programmes can introduce learners to practical engineering concepts, logical reasoning and computational problem-solving. When supported by suitable teaching resources and experienced mentors, such initiatives may help young people explore pathways into science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
Science communication is equally important. Astronomy can be a powerful entry point for public interest in scientific discovery, but research institutions must explain their work in accessible language and demonstrate how public investment supports education, innovation and knowledge creation.
For South Africa, continued engagement with schools, universities and local communities can help expand awareness of astronomy careers and the technical skills needed to support the country’s scientific infrastructure.
The exhibition planned for the meeting offers another opportunity to showcase participating countries’ facilities and research capabilities. Such exchanges can help scientists and the public understand the diversity of instruments and institutions involved in modern astronomy.
Although these initiatives are part of the published programme, their eventual reach and impact will depend on implementation, participation and the availability of resources after the meeting concludes.
The Role of Shared Infrastructure and Research Networks
The BRICS Astronomy Working Group’s flagship initiative, the BRICS Intelligent Telescope and Data Network, is intended to support long-term cooperation through shared research infrastructure and data capabilities.
Collaborative networks can help participating institutions coordinate research activities, exchange relevant information and develop common approaches to scientific challenges.
Astronomical events do not follow national borders, and observations made at different locations can complement one another. A network of facilities operating across geographical regions may improve researchers’ ability to study time-sensitive events and gather observations under different conditions.
Nevertheless, effective collaboration requires more than access to instruments. Researchers need agreed procedures for sharing data, compatible technical systems, clear research responsibilities and appropriate arrangements for acknowledging scientific contributions.
Institutions must also consider training, operational costs and the continuity of funding. These factors can determine whether promising international initiatives develop into productive long-term partnerships.
For South Africa, the meeting offers an opportunity to examine where its existing infrastructure and scientific expertise can complement the capabilities of other participating countries.
Challenges and Strategic Priorities
South Africa’s participation also raises broader questions about how the country can translate scientific cooperation into lasting national benefits.
Research infrastructure requires sustained investment in equipment, maintenance, computing resources and specialist personnel. Universities and observatories must also attract and retain researchers with the expertise needed to operate advanced facilities and conduct internationally competitive research.
Another challenge is ensuring that opportunities reach a broad range of institutions and emerging scientists. International collaboration is most effective when it supports meaningful participation, knowledge transfer and the development of future research leaders.
Public engagement is important because space science competes for resources with other public priorities. Clear communication about research objectives, costs, achievements and practical benefits can help decision-makers and communities understand why scientific capacity matters.
The meeting’s emphasis on research, education, technology development and human capital provides a framework for addressing some of these issues. However, tangible results will require institutions to convert discussions into funded programmes, training opportunities, joint publications and measurable outcomes.
South Africa will also need to maintain transparent planning and assess the effectiveness of collaborative activities over time.
Outlook for South Africa’s Space Science Sector
The 12th BRICS Astronomy Working Group meeting provides South Africa with an opportunity to strengthen its international scientific relationships and contribute to discussions about the future of astronomy.
Its programme combines research cooperation with data science, robotics, coding, public communication and skills development. This approach reflects the interconnected nature of modern astronomy, where scientific discoveries depend on advanced infrastructure, computing expertise and collaboration across institutions.
For South African researchers, the potential benefits include stronger professional networks, opportunities to exchange technical knowledge and the identification of shared research priorities. For students and early-career scientists, training and international engagement may help build the skills required for future scientific work.
The important next step will be translating these opportunities into practical results. Follow-up announcements, research agreements, training programmes and published scientific outputs will provide a clearer indication of the meeting’s impact.
As the meeting begins on 26 October, South Africa’s participation highlights the country’s continued engagement in international astronomy and its interest in strengthening scientific capacity through cooperation.
The event does not, by itself, establish a new space mission or guarantee a specific technological breakthrough. Instead, it represents a forum in which researchers and institutions can build relationships, share expertise and identify opportunities to advance astronomical research.
The lasting significance of the meeting will ultimately be measured by what participating institutions accomplish after the discussions conclude: stronger research partnerships, improved scientific capabilities, more opportunities for emerging researchers and a sustained contribution to the international understanding of the universe.
