Angela Dudley to head new Photonics Chair
- Wits University
Donation from ASP Isotopes is expected to strengthen South Africa’s photonics research by supporting the pioneering work of the Structured Light Laboratory.
ASP Isotopes Inc., an advanced materials company focused on developing technologies and processes for the production of isotopes for multiple industries has established a new Photonics Chair at Wits University.
The new Photonics Chair will be headed by Dr Angela Dudley and funded through an endowment under a three-year donation agreement.
The donation is expected to strengthen South Africa’s photonics research capabilities by supporting the pioneering work of the Structured Light Laboratory in Wits’ School of Physics by:
- Supporting the Structured Light Lab’s cutting-edge photonics research and development;
- Establishing a new Photonics Chair, with Dr. Angela Dudley at the helm, to drive excellence and innovation in the field; and
- Producing a pipeline of new students and candidates for ASPI
“Our quantum enrichment programme, which is expanding rapidly from laboratory demonstrations to production plants, requires both thought leaders who outline the future of the core technology, and a skilled workforce. We believe that this new Chair will do exactly this: support fundamental research that is forward looking while producing excellently trained young talent,” says Robert Ainscow from ASPI.
Dudley will lead research that translates fundamental research in photonics into real-world applications. Dudley is internationally recognised for her work in structured light, and brings a distinguished record of research excellence, mentorship, and global collaboration to the position.
“It is a tremendous honour to serve as the ASPI Photonics Chair at Wits,” says Dudley. “ASPI’s commitment to advancing science provides the resources and partnerships needed to translate advanced photonics concepts into technologies that can benefit South Africa and the world. I am extremely grateful for ASPI’s generosity and excited to support their work as we build a vibrant research programme and train the next generation of photonics innovators.”
Professor Nithaya Chetty, Dean of the Faculty of Science says: “Wits is making tremendous strides in photonics and its applications, and this new Chair will undoubtedly advance Wits’ research in this area. We are proud to host the inaugural ASPI Photonics Chair at Wits and look forward to seeing the impact of this partnership in society”.
Photonics – the science of generating and manipulating light – is transforming multiple sectors of society, from improving medical diagnostics through advanced imaging and laser-based treatments to strengthening communication networks with ultra-fast fibre optics. These technologies are driving innovation across healthcare, telecommunications, manufacturing, security, renewable energy and quantum computing.
Professor Andrew Forbes, a trailblazer in this area from the Wits School of Physics says: “This initiative fits perfectly with our national quantum strategy – to work with industry to convert science into new economies. This new Chair, together with the context of quantum enrichment by ASPI is a good example of how quantum-inspired solutions can create a better tomorrow for all.”