UP and Necsa Forge Strategic Partnership to Power South Africa’s Nuclear Future
Agreement will expand nuclear research, strengthen skills development and create new opportunities for students and scientists, supporting South Africa’s energy drive
As South Africa prepares for a new era of energy innovation, scientific advancement and industrial growth, the University of Pretoria (UP) and the South African Nuclear Energy Corporation SOC Ltd (Necsa) have signed a strategic five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that aims to strengthen the country’s nuclear research capabilities, expand skills development and prepare the next generation of scientists, engineers and technology leaders.
The agreement establishes a framework for collaboration in research and development, education and training, technology innovation, postgraduate studies and the commercialisation of research outcomes. It reflects a shared commitment to advancing South Africa’s science and technology agenda while ensuring the country develops the highly skilled workforce needed to support future growth in the nuclear and broader energy sectors.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, UP Vice-Chancellor and Principal Professor Francis Petersen said the agreement demonstrates the critical role that collaboration plays in addressing complex national challenges.
“Energy security and keeping ahead of the rapidly advancing nuclear science and technology research and development curve are non-negotiable for our country,” said Prof Petersen. “At UP, we strongly believe in working together to innovate solutions for our continent and the world. None of us can operate in isolation – not higher education, not government and not industry.”
He said the partnership reflects a shared commitment to advancing scientific excellence while creating opportunities for young people to contribute meaningfully to South Africa’s future.
“Through this partnership, we are investing in people, knowledge and innovation that will benefit South Africa for decades to come,” Prof Petersen said. “Together, UP and Necsa are helping shape a future driven by scientific excellence, technological advancement and meaningful societal impact.”
The MoU builds on an existing relationship between the two institutions and deepens collaboration in areas that are central to South Africa’s development ambitions. Through the agreement, UP and Necsa will undertake joint research projects, facilitate student and researcher exchanges, support postgraduate and postdoctoral training, pursue funding opportunities and create pathways for work-integrated learning and professional development.
For UP, the partnership presents a significant opportunity to strengthen its leadership in nuclear science, engineering and innovation while providing students and researchers with access to specialised facilities, expertise and real-world learning opportunities.
“UP and Necsa are committed to advancing South Africa’s nuclear expertise and ensuring a pipeline of skilled professionals for the nation’s nuclear energy and radiation science sector,” Prof Petersen said.
The collaboration will create opportunities for undergraduate and postgraduate students to gain practical industry experience, participate in cutting-edge research and engage directly with one of the country’s most strategically important scientific sectors.
Through internships, work-integrated learning opportunities, postgraduate supervision and exposure to specialised infrastructure, students will be better equipped to contribute to South Africa’s evolving energy and technology landscape.
The partnership also draws on UP’s internationally recognised research strengths. Ranked among the world’s leading universities and among the top 1.9% globally, UP has 593 National Research Foundation-rated researchers and the highest proportion of academics with doctoral qualifications in South Africa.
The University is also at the forefront of nuclear-related research, having launched Africa’s first Nuclear Medicine Research Infrastructure (NuMeRI) in 2024, a facility helping to accelerate the diagnosis and treatment of diseases such as cancer and tuberculosis. NuMeRI was incubated by Necsa in its early stages.
Necsa Group Chief Executive Officer Loyiso Tyabashe said the partnership demonstrates how collaboration between higher education institutions and industry can help address national priorities while creating opportunities for future generations.
“Necsa’s collaboration with the University of Pretoria underscores our commitment to building a strong national science and technology base that will strengthen South Africa’s innovation ecosystem. Through this partnership we are also unlocking innovative solutions that our country needs to advance economic growth, industrialisation and sustainable development on the back of nuclear energy.
The recently promulgated Integrated Resources Plan, 2025 puts a huge responsibility on us as research institutions to play our role to ensure that South Africa has requisite capabilities to implement a nuclear programme and support the energy industry at large”.
The partnership aligns with Necsa’s mandate to advance the peaceful application of nuclear technology for the benefit of South Africa and the African continent, while supporting national priorities related to science, technology, innovation, industrialisation and human capital development.
By combining UP’s academic excellence and research expertise with Necsa’s specialised infrastructure and technical capabilities, the collaboration is expected to generate new knowledge, strengthen national research capacity and help position South Africa as a leader in nuclear science, technology, and innovation on the African continent.
©Higher Education Media Service.