Botswana, Ghana, Kenya, Madagascar, Mozambique, Namibia, Zambia & South Africa

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DARA currently runs a basic training programme in radio astronomy in Botswana, Ghana, Kenya, Madagascar, Mozambique, Namibia, Zambia and South Africa.

 

Each year, in each country, up to ten graduates in physics or another relevant discipline undergo basic training in radio astronomy, delivered in four intensive, two- week units. These cover: astrophysics; technical training in using a radio telescope; radio astronomy observation; and data reduction and analysis. Training is delivered by radio astronomy experts from the project’s UK and South Africa partners. Trainees also receive a week of computer training in the use of Linux and python from the Centre for High Performance Computing in South Africa. These computing skills underpin many areas of research and commercial activity.

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This is an opportunity for any suitably qualified person to undertake the training and become familiar with the basics of radio astronomy and gain hands-on experience. Training will be provided by radio astronomy experts from the UK and South Africa.  Additional training in the commercial opportunities afforded by knowledge of radio astronomy techniques will be provided by experienced entrepreneurs from the satellite communications business.
 

On completion trainees will receive a certification of completion. Trainees will then be in a position to apply for advanced programme  training places in radio astronomy at Masters or PhD level, or use their new skills to aid the development of related high tech industries in the African partner countries.

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Positions 

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Applications for the 2024-25 Basic Training Programme for 2024 have now closed. The call for the 2025-26 round will open in early 2025!