Space Science Colloquium Held in South Africa

更新日:2012/11/20

Space Science Colloquium: Promoting Space Exploration and Earth Observation — Contribution of Japan and South Africa to Humanity


Date：　4th October, 2012（Tuesday）


Venue：　Sanlam Auditorium, University of Pretoria



Guests for Opening Session：
H. E. Naledi Pandor（Minister, The Department of Science and Technology, Soith Africa）
Prof. Cheryl de la Rey（Vice Chancellor, University of Pretoria）
Mr. Yutaka Yoshizawa（Ambassador, The Embassy of Japan in South Africa）
Mr. Ken Okaniwa（Minister, The Embassy of Japan in South Africa）
Soichiro Shiraishi, PhD（Director, JSPS Nairobi Research Station）

Co-hosts：
The Department of Science and Technology, South Africa
The Embassy of Japan in South Africa
Japan Society for the Promotion of Science Nairobi Research Station
The University of Pretoria, South Africa

The colloquium explored the theme “Promoting Space Exploration and Earth Observation: Contribution of Japan and South Africa to Humanity.” Three Japanese researchers were invited to deliver lectures at the event: Dr. Hirohisa Sakurai, professor, Yamagata University; Dr. Shinichi Nakasuka, professor, University of Tokyo; and Dr. Takahiro Nagayama, research assistant professor, Nagoya University. They spoke about leading-edge advances being made in cosmic-ray science, micro-satellites, and astronomy.

Speakers and their topics of the colloquium are below;

1. Impact of Science and Technology on Society in Eastern Africa
Prof. Shaukat Abdulrazak, （CEO, National Council for Science and Technology of Kenya）

2. 12 years activity of IRSF, a 1.4 m Japanese telescope in South Africa
Dr. Takahiro Nagayama,（Nagoya University, Designated Assistant Professor）

3. SANSA Space Science Operation
Dr. Lee-Anne McKinnell, （SANSA Space Science）

4. Cosmic Ray and Climate Change
Prof. Hirohisa Sakurai （Faculty of Science, Department of Physics, Yamagata University）

5. Earth Observation
Dr Jane Olwoch （SANSA, Earth Observations）

6. The societal benefit of earth observation in a South African context
Dr Waldo Kleynhans （University of Pretoria, Earth Observations）

7. Small Satellite development experience in Japan
Prof. Shinichi Nakasuka （Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics, University of Tokyo）

8. Small Satellite development experience in South Africa
Prof. Robert van Zyl （Cape Peninsula University of Technology）

＊　More details of the programme, see here.

【Photo 1】Presentation of Prof. Shaukat Abdulrazak（CEO of NCST, Kenya）

【Photo 2】Presentation of Dr. Takahiro Nagayama（Nagoya University, Japan）

Besides South Africa, there are other important focal points for astrological research including South America and Australia in the southern hemisphere; when focusing on the African continent, however, only South Africa has a large-scale research base. In general terms, South Africa is the advanced country in sub-Saharan Africa within the realm of science and technology. As such, the colloquium attracted the attendance of some 70 young and veteran researchers. The depth and content of the presentations and discussions testified to the high level of expertise possessed by South African researchers.

【Link】 The speech of H. E. Naledi Pandor in the Opening Session

【Link】 Space Science Colloquium (Report by Embassy of Japan in SA)