Centre for Astro-Particle Physics (CAPP)

Areas of Research:

Scientists and students at the Centre for Astro-Particle Physics focus on research in Gamma-ray Astrophysics, Neutrino Astrophysics, Neutrino Physics, and Gravitational Wave Physics. We perform theoretical studies as well as data analysis and modelling. We are involved in all three experimental facilities, namely the Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope; the Cherenkov Telescope Array, and the KM3NeT Neutrino Telescope, to perform cutting-edge research. Thus, working at CAPP can provide students and postdoctoral fellows opportunities to get involved in the science of these state-of-the-art experiments, learn the latest techniques and interpret data collected with various instruments.

Research in Astro-Particle Physics requires a strong background in Physics, Mathematics, and computer programming. Although some theoretical studies are still done on papers with pencils, numerical computations and simulations on computers are the main tools to make theoretical predictions these days. Data analysis and modeling also require significant computer skills and learning specialised software. Students who would like to pursue postgraduate studies in Astroparticle Physics should choose Physics and Mathematics for their BSc degree.

The BSc Honours programme at the Department of Physics offers a wide range of advanced courses, including Astrophysics courses, that can prepare students for future MSc and PhD research in Astro-Particle Physics. Honours students also get a taste of research by doing a project that helps them to prepare for MSc and PhD studies. A limited number of top-up bursaries are available for MSc and PhD students from CAPP.

Interested students should contact Ms. Anna Samara Larmuth (capp@uj.ac.za) with their academic transcripts.

Activities:

Staff and students at CAPP engage in departmental initiatives, outreach activities, and a variety of conferences, workshops, and schools. The centre also hosts team-building activities, allowing staff and students to socialise outside the professional setting. Additionally, CAPP invites local and international research visitors for project collaborations.

CAPP Journal Club

CAPP recently launched a weekly journal club. This platform allows students to share insights on new relevant articles or recent scientific breakthroughs in astrophysics. In addition, these sessions offer participants the opportunity to give weekly updates on their research. The aim is to facilitate the exchange of advice on research challenges, share ideas on current or potential projects—including collaborative ones—and stay updated with the latest advancements in the astrophysics research field.

Excursions

CAPP organises excursions for third-year physics students to places like the Hartebeesthoek Radio Astronomy Observatory (HartRAO). These excursions provide students with insight into various career paths in physics and places that contribute to the world of physics. They also offer the chance to interact with researchers working on ongoing projects.

Outreach Activities

Members of the CAPP group are always ready to volunteer when students visit the Physics Department. Past initiatives have included ‘Take a Child to Work Day’ and ‘Grade 11 Physics Bootcamp 2023’.

Conferences, Schools, and Workshops

CAPP often assists in the organisation and hosting of workshops and both local and international conferences. Notably, CAPP helped organise the ‘Quantum Information Workshop’ in 2019 in Cape Town and hosted the ‘Quantum Information Workshop 2024’ at the Physics Department. Staff and students actively participate and present at these conferences. They also engage in local conferences, including HEASA and SAIP. Students take part in schools, both international and local, to broaden their knowledge.