We are very pleased to welcome Prof. Lerothodi Leeuw as the new Head of the Department of Physics from September 1st, 2025.

Before joining UP, Prof. Leeuw was a Professor of Physics and Astronomy at the University of the Western Cape (until 31st August 2025).

With his collaborators, Prof Leeuw has published over 300 international journal articles. Lerothodi’s research interests include astrophysical studies of galaxy evolution using multi-wavelength observational data and in high energy physics searches of particles responsible for dark matter.

He holds a BSc in Physics from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Boston, an MFA in Creative Writing from Columbia University in New York City, a MSc in Astronomy from the University of Cape Town, and a PhD in Astrophysics from the University of Central Lancashire in the United Kingdom.

Beyond supervising and mentoring postdoctoral fellows and postgraduate students, and now heading the Department of Physics, Prof Leeuw is passionate about teaching and communicating complex ideas to students, learners and members of the public, in accessible ways using multiple platforms.

Lerothodi Leeuw also writes and publishes fiction, essays, poetry and enjoys art.