Distinguished scholar awarded prestigious Royal Society Wolfson Visiting Fellowship

Starting the year on a high note is James Chibueze, a Distinguished Professor of Astrophysics at Unisa’s College of Science, Engineering and Technology (CSET), who has been awarded the prestigious Royal Society Wolfson Visiting Fellowship for 2025. The fellowship is jointly funded by the Royal Society and the Wolfson Foundation and will officially commence on 1 March 2026.

The fellowship provides an exceptional opportunity for outstanding emerging and established international research leaders to undertake a flexible sabbatical leave at a university or research institution based in the United Kingdom (UK). It may be undertaken as a 12-month full-time appointment or spread over a 24-month period, with a minimum visit of three months at any given time.

The fellowship provides funding of up to £80,000 (R175 000) per annum (full-time), which may be supplemented further at the discretion of the host institution. In Chibueze’s case, full details of the exact award finances being offered, as well as the Royal Society’s terms and conditions of the award will follow in due course.

The primary objective of the fellowship is to strengthen international research collaboration, expand global academic networks, and enrich the UK’s scientific research landscape through the participation of world-class academic scholars.

CEMS and the university at large proudly celebrate Chibueze’s remarkable achievement, which not only recognises his exceptional scholarly contributions, but also elevates the university’s global footprint and academic standing.

Chibueze currently leads the recently approved Centre for Astrophysics and Space Sciences (UCASS). The center has been established to leverage the National Multi-Wavelength Astronomy Strategy and position Unisa as a leading institution in astrophysics, space science and technology. The research focus areas within UCASS revolve around the Square Kilometre Array Project and offers precision timing in order to test gravitational theories and study the interstellar medium, while advancing comprehension of phenomena such as Fast Radio Bursts.

Read also: https://www.unisa.ac.za/sites/corporate/default/Colleges/Science,-Engineering-&-Technology/News-&-events/Articles/Unisa-astrophysicist-receives-prestigious-Royal-Society-award

* By Dr Nozipho N Madzivha, Communication and Marketing Specialist (acting), College of Science, Engineering and Technology