Researchers, academics, and students gathered at the Midlands State University Main Campus on October 25th, 2023 for an informative seminar on Synchrotron Physics and X-ray imaging techniques organised by the Department of Applied Physics and Telecommunications.
The seminar, conducted by the Physics without Frontiers Initiative under the Abdul Salam International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP)/UNESCO-Italy, aimed to promote scientific understanding and create awareness of the significant contributions that physics and X-rays make to various industries and research disciplines.
Delivering her welcome remarks and keynote address, Pro-Vice Chancellor-Research, Innovation and Industrialisation- Professor Grace Mugumbate, said that the seminar was meant to address the disparity in access to quality physics education and resources.
“It aims to promote the advancement of physics education and research in developing countries.
“The program also facilitates the exchange of expertise and resources between institutions and promotes the development of sustainable physics education and research network,” remarked Professor Mugumbate.
This seminar covered fundamental concepts of synchrotron physics, with a specific focus on X-rays, their properties, generation, and various applications in different fields such as medical imaging, material science, and industrial inspections.
The panel of speakers, introduced by the Executive Dean-Faculty of Science and Technology, Dr. Action Nechibvute, included Dr. Kudawashe Jakata-Senior Support Specialist, Diamond Light Source, UK, Dr. Hillary Masenda -Senior Lecturer, School of Physics, University of the Witwatersrand and Mr. Gideon Chinamatira, a PHD Student at Evolutionary Studies Institute and School of Physics, University of the Witwatersrand.
Presentations were not the only order of the day, as the seminar featured question and answer sessions and exploring potential collaborations.
Applied Physics students present were awarded Certificates of Attendance handed over by the Assistant to the Vice Chancellor Professor Hazel Tafadzwa Ngoshi.