Emerging astrophysicists gather at Jodrell Bank for Leeds-led DARA symposium
Master’s students from across the UK gathered at Jodrell Bank for a research symposium organised by the Leeds-led Development in Africa with Radio Astronomy (DARA) project.
The event brought together students undertaking DARA’s Advanced Training Programme, which funds master’s by research degrees in astrophysics and related disciplines. Participants travelled from four UK universities to present their work to fellow students, academic supervisors and representatives from the SKA Observatory (SKAO) Global Headquarters.
Following their arrival, the group received welcome addresses from Thijs Geurts, Head of International Relations at SKAO, and Jessica Dempsey, the organisation’s newly appointed Director General. Students then delivered presentations on their research in the SKAO Council Chamber, gaining experience in communicating their findings in a professional environment.
DARA Principal Investigator Professor Melvin Hoare said: “While not officially assessed as part of their MRes qualification, the talks are a fantastic opportunity for the students to practise presenting their work in front of an audience in a formal setting.”
Those taking part were Mbatshi Mbulawa, Paul Chitembwa, and Herwins Gangaram from the University of Manchester; Jane Busienei from the University of the Highlands & Islands; Koloina Rambeloson and Hima Ramrooch from the University of Edinburgh; and Gabriel Paul, Eucrencia Moniz, and Patrick Mwaniki from the University of Leeds.
The symposium also offered an insight into work taking place at one of the world’s leading radio astronomy organisations. SKAO representatives provided live demonstrations and discussed ongoing research and development activities before students toured the Jodrell Bank Observatory site.
DARA programmes are open to nationals in a number of African partner countries, including Botswana, Ghana, Kenya, Madagascar, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, and Zambia. The project, funded by the UK’s International Science Partnerships Fund through STFC, aims to develop advanced STEM skills and support the growth of expertise in radio astronomy and related sectors across Africa. The current phase of DARA runs until March 2027.
