The 70th Annual South African Institute of Physics Conference (SAIP2026) will take place from 6th - 10th July 2026  2026, marking a significant milestone of seven decades of advancing physics research, education, and scientific excellence in South Africa.

SAIP2026 is one of the country’s premier scientific gatherings, bringing together more than 540 delegates from academia, industry, education, and government. The conference will feature over 530 presentations (including posters and oral presentations), nine invited guest lectures, nine parallel sessions, three winter schools, and an extensive science engagement programme.

The conference theme, “Physics in the Fourth Industrial Revolution: Towards a Sustainable and Inclusive Future”, highlights the vital role of physics in enabling key fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) technologies such as artificial intelligence, advanced materials, renewable energy systems, data-intensive science, and emerging space technologies, while ensuring that innovation supports sustainability and inclusion.

Coming just weeks after the 50th commemoration of Youth Day, SAIP2026 also reflects a strong commitment to empowering students and early-career researchers. Nearly 70% of registered delegates are students, highlighting the conference’s central role in nurturing the next generation of South African physicists and researchers. 

The University of the Western Cape (UWC) has the honour of hosting this landmark conference, which encompasses a diverse range of disciplines across the physics spectrum. UWC has a strong record of scientific research, innovation, and human capital development through its Faculty of Natural Sciences  and Department of Physics and Astronomy.

Recognition is also extended to the SAIP2026 conference partners; iThemba LABS, SANSA, and IDIA, whose collaboration and support have been instrumental in strengthening the scientific programme, expanding research opportunities, and reinforcing the national ecosystem of physics research, infrastructure, and data-intensive science. 

UWC’s Department of Physics and Astronomy plays a key role in national scientific advancement, with strengths in astrophysics, nuclear physics, materials science, nanotechnology, data-intensive astronomy, and physics education research. Flagship areas include MeerKAT-driven astronomy, machine learning applications for data modelling and pattern recognition, data-intensive research with IDIA, leadership within the Centre for Radio Cosmology  (CRC), GAMKA nuclear physics partnerships, the Modern African Nuclear DEtector LAboratories (MANDELA) initiative, the Paarl African Underground Laboratory (PAUL) initiative, and energy-related materials research. 

The conference will welcome distinguished international plenary speakers, including Professor Jens Gundlach, recipient of the 2021 Breakthrough Prize in Fundamental Physics, bringing world-leading expertise across a broad range of physics and astronomy research areas. Among the local invited speakers is Professor Maalik Maaza, recipient of the Silver Order of Mapungubwe, one of South Africa’s highest national honours. 

During the conference, all plenary lectures will be streamed live on YouTube, allowing audiences across South Africa and beyond to participate. Visit our website for more information about the speakers, their talks, and how to watch the livestreams. 

SAIP2026 also showcases a strong “physics for development” theme in its programme, particularly through initiatives in education, teacher development, and outreach, as well as targeted support for women in physics through the Women in Physics in South Africa (WiPiSA) forum, which plays an important role in promoting inclusion, visibility, and participation within the field.   

Running alongside the conference, the Teachers’ Professional Development Programme provides fully funded, hands-on physics training for South African teachers aligned with the CAPS curriculum. The programme includes practical activities such as DC circuits, visits to leading facilities including SANSA, engagement with the UWC campus environment, and expert lectures from researchers and practitioners. It will also feature the relaunch of a national science teachers’ society, strengthening professional networks and supporting sustained professional development within the physical sciences teaching community.

As part of its commitment to community engagement, SAIP2026 will be hosting the “Science in the Home” outreach initiative. This programme will introduce members of the public and school learners to simple, low-cost experiments using everyday materials, helping to make physics more accessible, practical, and engaging. Designed specifically for under-resourced contexts, the initiative encourages curiosity and hands-on learning that can be easily replicated in classrooms and homes alike.

Step into a world of discovery at the University of the Western Cape's Science in the Home event! Enjoy a thrilling live science show, discover how to turn everyday recyclable materials into fascinating household experiments, and take part in a range of fun, hands-on activities for all ages. Bring the whole family on Wednesday, 8 July 2026, for a special evening edition featuring telescope stargazing and interactive science activities, or join us on Saturday, 11 July 2026, for an exciting programme of science shows, experiments, and discovery. Saturday attendees can choose between a morning or afternoon session, with both sessions offering the same exciting programme.

As SAIP marks its 70th anniversary, SAIP2026 stands as a celebration of South African scientific excellence and a testament to the transformative power of physics. Through research, education, innovation, and public engagement, the conference will help shape the next generation of scientists and contribute to a more sustainable, inclusive, and knowledge-driven future.