SESSION
From sky to society: the great strides of astronomy in Africa
In recent decades, Africa has moved from being a relatively peripheral player in global astronomy to standing firmly at the centre of some of the world’s most ambitious scientificendeavours. South Africa, in particular, hosts flagship astronomy facilities, giving the country a pivotal role in shaping humanity’s understanding of the universe. This has elevated Africa’s scientific profile, while also placing new responsibilities on journalists to tell these complex stories to diverse audiences. This session will explore the trajectory of astronomy in Africa, beginning with the early days of optical astronomy in South Africa, and tracing the arc through to today’s ‘big science’ projects that demand unprecedented levels of international cooperation and funding. The discussion will contextualise how African facilities and scientists have come to occupy critical roles in global discovery, while also examining the broader social and political dimensions of these developments. Speakers will examine the challenges of covering “big science” projects, the politics of funding, and how to make cosmic research accessible to broad audiences. Experts will provide context on the latest developments in astronomy in Africa. Conversations will circle to how science journalism can bridge local contexts with global discoveries, ensuring that communities living around mega-projects are part of the story.
Akashni Ashok LatchannaSession proposer and producer | Freelance | South Africa
Akashni Ashok Latchanna is a Johannesburg-based freelance journalist and multi-platform storyteller who reports on African science, technology, and socio-economic transformation. She contributes regularly to CGTN Global Business and Nature Africa, covering a range of issues including green hydrogen development, space science, agricultural innovation, and economic policy shifts. Akashni develops documentary concepts, strategic media packages, and investigative features that spotlight Africa-led solutions to global challenges. Her work bridges the gap between research labs, policymakers, and the public, ensuring science and innovation stories reach a broad audience.
Adrian TipladySpeaker | South African Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO) | South Africa
Adrian Tiplady is the deputy managing director for strategy and partnerships at the South African Radio Astronomy Observatory, which is responsible for implementing SA’s strategic investments in radio astronomy. This includes construction and operation of the MeerKAT radio telescope, and participation in the multi-national SKA project. Tiplady has been involved in SA’s participation in the international SKA project — from the original compilation of Africa’s successful bid to host the SKA, to the negotiation and establishment of the SKA Observatory as an inter-governmental treaty organisation, and subsequent establishment of a legally protected SA site to host the SKA telescope. His specific interest is in ensuring impact through research infrastructures and a social license to operate.
Amare AbebeSpeaker | African Astronomical Society | Ethiopia
Amare Abebe is the President of the African Astronomical Society (AfAS). This theoretical cosmologist and Director of the Centre for Space Research (CSR) at North-West University (NWU) in South Africa, where he also holds the position of Professor of Cosmology. His research interests span cosmological perturbation theory, large-scale structure formation, modified theories of gravity, interacting dark energy and dark matter models, and observational tensions in contemporary cosmology, such as the Hubble constant and structure growth discrepancies. Prof Abebe is an active member of several professional bodies, including the International Astronomical Union, the South African Gravity Society, and the South African Institute of Physics. At AfAS he leads efforts to strengthen astronomy research, education, and outreach across the continent, and works towards capacity building, continental collaboration, outreach, and positioning Africa as a key player in global astronomy.
Thembela MantungwaSpeaker | South African Astronomical Observatory (SAAO) | South Africa
Thembela Mantungwa is a science communication and stakeholder engagement professional at the South African Astronomical Observatory (SAAO). With expertise in corporate and strategic communication, she focuses on building meaningful relationships between astronomical research institutions and society. Her work spans public outreach, community engagement, and translating complex science into accessible narratives that highlight the value of astronomy for education, innovation, and development.
Neeraj GuphtaSpeaker | Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA) | India
Neeraj Gupta is an astrophysicist at the Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA) in Pune, India. His research focuses on the interstellar medium, galaxy evolution, and cold gas using radio astronomy techniques. He shares the position of principal investigator at the MeerKAT Absorption Line Survey (MALS), which explores the role of neutral gas in star formation and cosmic evolution.
Kevin GovenderModerator | IAU | South Africa
Kevin Govender is the founding director of the Office of Astronomy for Development at the International Astronomical Union (IAU). In his previous position as manager of the SALT Collateral Benefits Programme at the South African Astronomical Observatory, he focused on using astronomy for development. Govender chaired the Developing Astronomy Globally Cornerstone Project of the International Year of Astronomy (IYA2009), was involved in the development of two of the IAU decadal strategic plans, and played a key role in establishing the African Astronomical Society, amongst others. Govender is the first South African to be awarded the prestigious Edinburgh Medal for Science, jointly with the International Astronomical Union.