Africa is becoming the focus of the world of radio astronomy. Construction is underway on the mid-frequency dishes of the Square Kilometre Array (SKA), the next–generation global radio astronomy facility in South Africa. Further dishes are to be deployed in the eight SKA African Partner Countries (Ghana, Kenya, Zambia, Namibia, Botswana, Madagascar, Mozambique, and Mauritius).
To support the development of astronomy in Africa and ensure that opportunities in this area are open to African citizens, the Development in Africa with Radio Astronomy project (DARA) is running a basic training programme, which offers the opportunity to become familiar with the basics of astrophysics and radio astronomy. Trainees will gain theoretical and practical experience in these skills and advice on the industrial opportunities afforded by these new skills. The basic training programme in radio astronomy is active in Botswana, Ghana, Kenya, Madagascar, Mozambique, Namibia, Zambia, and South Africa.
Training Programme
The University of Leeds fully funds the basic training programme, so trainees will not have to pay a fee or any costs. The training package includes accommodation, meals, and travel to the training venues in South Africa and Kenya. An out-of-pocket allowance will also be included to cover other incidental expenses.
The training will be delivered by experts from the UK, South Africa and the African Partner Countries (see above). Hands-on training in optical astronomy will take place at the Turkana Basin Institute in northern Kenya. Practical training in radio astronomy will take place at the Hartebeesthoek Radio Astronomy Observatory in South Africa. Computer skills training in Linux and Python will also be provided, as well as training in data analysis and reduction. The training will culminate in the DARA Annual Network Meeting, where trainees will get the opportunity to network with Astronomy researchers, as well as entrepreneurs from the commercial space sector. On completion, trainees will receive a certificate of completion and will then be in a position to apply for advanced training places in astronomy at Master’s or PhD level, or use their new skills to aid the development of related high-tech industries.
Eligibility
The programme is open to any suitably qualified person who is a citizen of the countries listed above and wants to undertake the training or be re-trained in astronomy. No prior experience in astrophysics is required. Applicants would normally be expected to be graduates in physics or a related subject. Applicants from South Africa should be current/recent Honours students from an HDI. Please see the relevant brochure, linked below, for exact training dates and details of the programme in your country.
Application deadline: 21st May 2025 @ 23:59 (BST)
How to Apply
You can apply online here. Please make sure you have the following documents ready before you begin your application:
- Degree certificate and transcripts
- Curriculum vitae (CV)
- Optional: letter granting leave – if you will be employed, or enrolled at a University, during the DARA Training period
- Optional: Photo of passport ID page – if you have one.
Further information about each country’s application and contact person, please visit here.
Contact Information
If you have any issues with the online application form or require a paper application form, please contact;
Name: Emma Smith (e.c.smith1@leeds.ac.uk)
Role: DARA Project Manager
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