South Africa will participate in the 12th Annual BRICS Astronomy Working Group (BAWG) Meeting in India from October 26 to 30, 2026, to strengthen scientific collaboration and advance joint research among member countries.
The 17-member delegation will be led by Takalani Nemaungani, Chief Director of Astronomy at South Africa’s Department of Science, Technology and Innovation. The meeting will focus on multi-messenger and multi-wavelength transients, research collaboration, skills development and public engagement in astronomy.
Participants will review progress in astronomy research, identify shared challenges and explore opportunities in technology development, data science and education. The programme will also feature a data science hackathon, science communication training, the launch of the BRICS Astronomy Robotics and Coding Training initiative and a public exhibition showcasing astronomy facilities across member countries.
Established in 2015, the BAWG promotes cooperation among BRICS countries in astronomy research, technology development and capacity building. Its flagship initiative, the BRICS Intelligent Telescope and Data Network (BITDN), supports collaboration through shared research infrastructure and data capabilities. South Africa says the engagement will strengthen international research partnerships, develop scientific skills and support innovation across its astronomy sector.