Featured Research: Science

Story

Big data for big discoveries

The University of Pretoria (UP) is one of three South African universities taking a novel approach to analysing big data, building capacity and research expertise ahead of the deluge of data expected to come streaming in through new telescopes like the South African Radio Astronomy Observatory’s MeerKAT.

Story

Department of Physics represents UP at MeerKAT inauguration

Prof Roger Deane from the Department of Physics represented UP at the launch of the MeerKAT radio telescope, inaugurated by Deputy President David Mabuza in the Northern Cape.

Talking Point

’Life would be tragic if it weren't funny’ – Stephen Hawking (1942–2018)

Stephen Hawking was one of those rare scientists whose communicative approach to theoretical physics helped to shape the popular understanding of the complex theories of relativity and the idea that black holes emit radiation. Hawking’s theories combined the fields of cosmology, general relativity theory and quantum mechanics.

Talking Point

Opinion: The peer review system has flaws. But it's still a barrier to bad science

Democracy and scientific peer review have something in common: it's a "system full of problems but the least worst we have". That's the view of Richard Smith, a medical doctor and former editor of the illustrious British Medical Journal.

Talking Point

Op-Ed: International Day of Women and Girls in Science

A lot has been said over the past several years about the lack of access girls and women have to science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). According to one statistic, only 28 percent of researchers worldwide are female and it is often stated that women have less access to funding, networks and senior positions. Perhaps it is time to place the facts in context.

Talking Point

Opinion: South Africa's research output will be the biggest victim of student protests

It will cost around R600 million to repair the damage caused by student protests across South Africa. That's according to the country's Minister of Higher Education and Training. I'd suggest that this figure is merely the tip of the iceberg. The true cost of these protests is far higher. This cost can't be measured in hard currency – yet. The higher education sector is being held to ransom...