From 3 to 21 June 2024, the Joint Institute for Nuclear Research is hosting the International Student Practice organized by the JINR University Centre. 19 students from Stellenbosch University, Tshwane University of Technology, University of Johannesburg, University of Zululand, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, University of Pretoria, University of Fort Hare, North-West University, and the University of Venda were selected for participation.

JINR UC Director Dmitry Kamanin and iThemba LABS Deputy Director Rudolf Nchodu greeted the students, wishing them success in completing projects and in further scientific careers.

“The weather was beautiful in Dubna on the first day of the internship, so we started our meeting with taking a photo by the Mendeleev Periodic Table on the Volga embankment. We have already met some of the students during the winter school at iThemba LABS. For some of them, coming to Dubna is the first trip abroad, some have already firmly decided to be scientists in the future. The students have different experiences, but they all share a strong enthusiasm for getting to know our Institute, Dubna, and Moscow, diving into the world of nuclear studies and cutting-edge research areas. This internship stands out for its emphasis on exploring further cooperation between South Africa and JINR. iThemba LABS Deputy Director, Coordinator for Cooperation with JINR Rudolf Nchodu arrived together with the students and will personally participate in all events. This is a great opportunity to strengthen ties in terms of all joint projects, including personnel training,” JINR UC Director Dmitry Kamanin commented on the start of the internship.

For three weeks, students will be working on scientific projects under the supervision of JINR experts, visit laboratories, get acquainted with the main fields of JINR research. The topics of the projects include nuclear physics, neutron physics, life sciences, computing, and detector physics.

The programme of the event includes cultural activities, informal meetings with JINR employees from the Member States, and visits to the Dubna University. Student reports on the project results will mark the conclusion of the event.

This is the 15th practice for students from South Africa, the first one dating back to 2007, with 372 young people having participated since.