The forum “RSA-JINR: 5 years together” started on 8 February 2011. A delegation of 14 leading scientists and JINR directors headed by JINR Acting Director M.Itkis flew to Pretoria to participate in the forum.

All JINR laboratories and JINR University Center were represented in the delegation. On the RSA side there were delegations of the Department of Science and Technology (DST) and the National Research Fund (NRF), representatives of universities of Pretoria and Capetown, the iThemba Laboratory for Accelerator Based Sciences and the South African Nuclear Energy Corporation (NECSA). Discussions of the results of 5 years of cooperation and prospects for development of further cooperation were in the forum programme. Development of educational programmes was in the focus of attention; it is planned to devote to this issue a special round table. Expected participation of the RSA in the NICA project and development of other fundamental and applied projects were discussed in the frames of a round table meeting.

The session was opened by DST Director General Phil Mjwara. DST Deputy Director General Molapo Qhobela, who was appointed observer from the RSA at the Committee of Plenipotentiaries of the JINR Member States, welcomed delegates. The programme for the first day consisted of complementary presentations in all directions of cooperation made by JINR and RSA colleagues. The sufficient time for discussions was stipulated. The forum will last till 10 February.