SAROAD
SAROAD
The Real Star of Africa
SAROAD Zambia Coordinator
Joe Fred Nambala Fred Joe Nambala is a Lecturer and Researcher in Physics at the University of Zambia’s School of Natural Sciences, a position he has held since 2010. His instructional portfolio includes courses in analogue and digital electronics. He is currently completing his PhD in Physics at the University of Pretoria, where his research focuses on the development, fabrication, and device physics of inversion layer solar cells. Dr. Nambala’s academic background includes a Master’s in Physics from the University of KwaZulu Natal, a Master’s in Space Management from the International Space University in France, and a BSc Honours in Astrophysics and Space Science from the University of Cape Town. He is actively involved in the aerospace community, serving as the patron for the ZUSSART student club at UNZA and as a member of Zambia’s national space science programme. He has be the SAROAD Country Coordinator since its inception.
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Host Institution: The Copperbelt University
The International Astronomical Union (IAU) signed an agreement with the Copperbelt University (CBU) on 8th August 2014 for the latter to host the Southern African regional node of the IAU Office of Astronomy for Development (OAD). The agreement was renewed on 5th October 2021 for five (5) years. This was the second regional node to be established on the African continent and forms part of the IAU’s decadal strategic plan, aiming to realise astronomy’s global societal benefits. The signing followed the approval of a proposal from the Copperbelt University which enjoyed the support of astronomy collaborators in Mozambique, Namibia, Zambia and South Africa, including the South
African Square Kilometre Array Project Office. The renewal of the agreement came after an internal and external review of the office and a recommendation by the IAU panel. Under this agreement, a co-hosting agreement has been signed between the Copperbelt University and the University of Zambia. This will run for the duration of the IAU-CBU agreement.
Southern Africa Regional Office of Astronomy for Development has been established
in Zambia to promote programmes and activities to enhance effective participation in astronomy and
space science-related programmes across the Southern African region
Empowering the next generation of explorers. Discover how SAROAD's astronomy outreach inspires students and advances scientific literacy for society.
Southern Africa’s celestial magic: stargazing safaris, desert astronomy & galactic vistas. Your cosmic adventure starts here!
How stargazing reduces stress & anxiety—discover astronomy’s therapeutic power to quiet the mind and reconnect with the universe.
Step into the Astro Lab: A hub for processing celestial images, discovering asteroids, and conducting hands-on astronomical research.
Explore careers in astronomy, from research to outreach. Discover funding, internships, and how to turn your passion for the cosmos into a profession.
Advancing the IAU’s vision: Harnessing astronomy to tackle poverty, inequality, and inspire the next generation of scientists.
