On 26 September, a meeting took place between the heads of mutual projects of the Joint Institute and scientific organizations and universities of the Republic of South Africa. The round table discussed the training of young South African personnel based on the existing projects of the RSA–JINR cooperation programme and plans.

Currently, the RSA–JINR cooperation programme includes more than 20 projects that cover most of the JINR research topics.

RSA–JINR Cooperation Coordinator, Deputy Director of the iThemba LABS Cyclotron Laboratory Rudolf Nchodu stressed that South African scientists are willing to further strengthen ties with the Joint Institute and spoke about the next steps to facilitate cooperation development. In order to systematically involve students and postgraduates in project implementation, work is underway to align the interests of the RSA universities. For this purpose, it is planned to create consortia for joint participation in major JINR projects and personnel training in nuclear technology, radiobiology, accelerator technology, and a number of other areas. Extensive participation of RSA students in international student internships contributes to increasing the involvement of RSA students and postgraduates in joint research with JINR. This year, South African students took part in two international student internships of the JINR University Centre.

Rudolf Nchodu noted that in December, iThemba LABS and JINR are planning to hold the International African Symposium on Exotic Nuclei (IASEN-2024). Alongside the event, the annual meeting of the RSA–JINR Joint Coordinating Committee will take place. In addition, a JINR Information Centre is set to open at iThemba LABS, and work is underway for a group of South African leaders and coordinators to take part in the JEMS Programme.

JINR was represented by Chief Scientific Secretary Sergey Nedelko and University Centre Director Dmitry Kamanin. Sergey Nedelko summed up the meeting, highlighting the overall effectiveness of the implementation of joint projects and wishing the leaders further success.