Twenty-seven students were selected to participate in the 2016 Joint Institute for Nuclear Research (JINR) Student Practice. The Practice, which took place from 4 to 25 September 2016 in Dubna, Russia, aims to build a critical mass of students that can later advance in research in the various nuclear research activities offered by JINR to the benefit of South Africa.

In preparation for the Practice, students participated in a two-day inception and training workshop that was held at iThemba LABS in Cape Town from 29 August to 2 September 2016. The inception workshop aimed to prepare students on research themes offered by JINR and expose them to national research and facilities aligned to JINR. At the same time they could establish a relationship with South African experts on nuclear research; meet with other student practice participants and coordinators and discuss preparation for their visit to JINR.

Students who are eligible to apply for the Practice can be enrolled or must be conducting research in any of the following disciplines: maths, physics, chemistry, engineering and computer sciences. The Student Practice is intended for students registered for Honours, Master’s or early PhD degrees at any South African university and/or those conducting research at a recognised national research institution.