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The science of light illuminated

- Wits University

Learners’ imaginations take flight during Wits Optics Student Chapter’s IONS South Africa 2 conference.

The Wits Optics Student Chapter, based in the Structured Light Lab in the School of Physics successfully presented IONS South Africa 2018 Conference (IONS South Africa 2) - a week-long optics (the study of light) conference. IONS, the International OSA Network of Students is a programme from The Optical Society (OSA) – the world’s leading champion for optics and photonics – that encourages student chapter members to organise and manage regional meetings on technical and profession development content as well as networking with peers and luminaries.

As part of the conference outreach, the Wits optics students also presented the “Experience Science, Engineering and Technology Expo” at Wits University to expose school learners to the science of light. From ensuring sunny days, to expanding our knowledge of the cosmos (universe), to powering technologies that improve our lives, the science of light (optics) is ever-present in our daily human lives.

Student groups presented and demonstrated their work in astronomy; optics and photonics; chemistry, electrical engineering; and renewable energy.

One of the biggest attractions was giving learners, who might have not yet experienced it, the opportunity to enter the world of virtual reality and let their imaginations take flight. 

“We invited all Faculties to join us and show their exciting projects. It gives us the opportunity to show what is happening in optics and physics at Wits,” says Nyiku Makhonisi, a member of the Wits Optics Student Chapter.

The Science of Light Expo

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