What this life looks like
You investigate the structure and behaviour of atomic nuclei — the incredibly dense cores of atoms that contain enormous amounts of energy. Nuclear Physicists conduct fundamental research into matter at the nuclear scale and work on applications including energy, medicine, and national security.
What she actually does
You design and conduct experiments using particle accelerators and nuclear detectors, analyse data from nuclear reactions, develop theoretical models of nuclear structure, investigate radioactive decay processes, work on nuclear fusion and fission research, apply nuclear physics to medical imaging and cancer treatment through radioisotope production, and contribute to nuclear non-proliferation science.
Where you can work
| Sector | Places in Africa |
|---|---|
| iThemba LABS | South Africa's national nuclear physics and radioisotope production facility in Cape Town |
| NECSA | Nuclear Energy Corporation of South Africa — research reactors and nuclear science |
| Nuclear Medicine Departments | Major teaching hospitals in South Africa, Egypt, Kenya using radioisotopes |
| International Labs | CERN collaborations with African researchers, IAEA nuclear research programmes |
Why it matters in Africa
South Africa's iThemba LABS is one of Africa's leading nuclear physics research facilities, producing medical radioisotopes used in cancer diagnostics across the continent. As African nations explore nuclear energy and nuclear medicine expands in African hospitals, nuclear physicists are increasingly needed to develop and sustain these capabilities.
Your pathway in
- Excel in Physics and Mathematics at school
- Study Physics at university, choosing a department with nuclear physics research
- Pursue a Master's and PhD in Nuclear Physics or Nuclear Engineering
- Engage with iThemba LABS in South Africa, which offers research opportunities for African physicists
- Access international research networks through the IAEA and ICTP
Skills you will need
- Quantum mechanics and nuclear physics theory
- Particle detection and measurement
- Radiation safety
- Data analysis (Python, ROOT)
- Scientific writing
- Interdisciplinary collaboration
A woman in this field
Prof. Fairouz Malek
Algeria/France
Fairouz is an Algerian-French nuclear and particle physicist who has worked at CERN and CNRS (France's national research centre). She is a member of the ATLAS experiment at CERN's Large Hadron Collider and has spent her career advancing African participation in global physics research. She actively supports physics capacity building across North Africa and the broader African continent.
Take your first step
- Study Physics and Mathematics at the highest level available to you
- Learn about iThemba LABS at tlabs.ac.za and what nuclear physicists in South Africa are researching
- Participate in Physics olympiads to develop deep problem-solving skills
- Explore CERN's free educational resources on particle and nuclear physics at home.cern/education
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