Outreach
HIRAX Team Engages Learners at Nelson Mandela Youth Centre Career Day
The HIRAX team recently participated in a Career Day hosted at the Nelson Mandela Youth Centre in Chatsworth. The event brought together high school learners from Chatsworth and surrounding communities, providing them with valuable insights into a range of career opportunities and educational pathways.
Representing the HIRAX project were postgraduate students Mr Keshav Bechoo and Ms Tasmiya Papiah, alongside postdoctoral fellow Dr Warren Naidoo. The team engaged with learners throughout the event, sharing information about astronomy research in South Africa and the exciting developments taking place within the field of astrophysics and cosmology.
The team further highlighted the importance of Mathematics and Physical Sciences as foundations for careers in scientific research and discussed the many opportunities available to students who wish to pursue studies in Astrophysics and Cosmology. Learners were also introduced to academic programmes and research opportunities available at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN), where they can contribute to cutting-edge scientific projects and research initiatives.
The Career Day provided an important platform for learners to interact directly with young researchers and scientists, helping them gain a better understanding of what a career in science entails.
Joint Astronomy Outreach Initiative Inspires Learners at Curro Waterfall
The HIRAX project, in partnership with the Wits Digital Dome and the Wits Centre for Astrophysics, recently hosted an engaging astronomy outreach event at the Curro Waterfall School in Johannesburg. The initiative aimed to spark curiosity about the Universe and inspire learners of all ages to explore the wonders of science and astronomy.
The event featured a lively and interactive presentation by Dr Nikhita Ramkilowan from the Wits Centre for Astrophysics, who delivered an exciting talk on popular astronomy to learners from the foundation, intermediate, and senior phases. Throughout the presentation, learners were encouraged to participate by answering questions, sharing their ideas, and engaging in discussions about space, planets, stars, and the broader Universe.
The interactive nature of the talk created an enthusiastic learning environment, allowing learners to experience astronomy in a fun and accessible way. By exposing learners to scientific concepts from an early age, the outreach programme aims to nurture an interest in science and encourage future participation in STEM-related fields.
Adding to the excitement of the day, the Wits Digital Dome generously sponsored 18 tickets for learners and their parents to visit the facility. The tickets were awarded through a series of astronomy-themed competitions held during the presentation, with learners eagerly participating for the chance to win.
The collaboration between the HIRAX project, the Wits Digital Dome, and the Wits Centre for Astrophysics highlights the importance of partnerships in science outreach. Through initiatives such as these, the organisations continue to make astronomy accessible to young audiences while inspiring the next generation of scientists and researchers.
HIRAX Alumni Programme Inspires Future Scientists at Greenbury Secondary
The HIRAX project continues to play an active role in astronomy outreach through its ongoing efforts to inspire and educate young people about the exciting opportunities available in science. A key focus of the HIRAX outreach programme is to spread awareness of astronomy across South Africa while encouraging learners to consider careers in Astrophysics, Cosmology, and related scientific fields.
As part of this commitment, HIRAX recently launched an alumni outreach initiative that saw postgraduate students return to their former high schools to share their academic journeys and experiences in research. The programme aims to provide learners with relatable role models who can demonstrate the opportunities that exist for those who pursue Mathematics and Physical Sciences.
One such visit was conducted by Ms Tasmiya Papiah, a PhD student involved in the HIRAX project, who returned to her alma mater, Greenbury Secondary School. During her visit, she addressed a group of high-achieving Mathematics and Physics learners, sharing insights into her current work in academic research and discussing the pathways available to students interested in pursuing studies in Astrophysics and Cosmology.
Ms Papiah also highlighted the opportunities available at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN), encouraging learners to consider careers in scientific research and to continue striving for excellence in their studies. Through initiatives such as the HIRAX alumni programme, the project continues to inspire the next generation of scientists and contribute to the growth of astronomy and astrophysics in South Africa.
Summit Primary School Visit
HIRAX PhD student Keshav Bechoo recently visited Summit Primary in Chatsworth, to introduce learners to the exciting world of astronomy and space science.
During the visit, Keshav engaged with learners on the importance of Mathematics and Physics as key subjects for understanding the universe and pursuing careers in Astronomy. Learners were encouraged to remain curious, ask questions, and recognise the many opportunities available within the fields of astronomy and astrophysics.
The outreach visit also formed part of the HIRAX Lab’s broader mission to spread awareness of astronomy among young learners and inspire the next generation of scientists. By visiting schools and interacting directly with learners, the team hopes to ignite interest in science and encourage more young people to consider careers in research and innovation.
UKZN Open Day 2026
The University of KwaZulu-Natal recently hosted its Annual Open Day at the Westville Campus, welcoming Grade 10 to 12 learners eager to explore future study opportunities. The HIRAX Project proudly participated in the event, engaging with prospective students and showcasing the exciting possibilities within the field of astronomy.
Represented by a dynamic team of Postdoctoral Fellows and Postgraduate students, the HIRAX stand provided learners with the opportunity to interact one-on-one with young researchers actively working in the field. Through these conversations, learners gained valuable insight into academic pathways at UKZN and the wide range of opportunities available to those interested in pursuing careers in research—particularly in the rapidly growing field of radio astronomy.
The engagement sparked curiosity and enthusiasm among many learners, highlighting how initiatives like HIRAX are not only advancing cutting-edge science but also inspiring the next generation of scientists to explore the universe through research and innovation.
