About the conference

The African Astronomical Society

The African Astronomical Society (AfAS) is the professional society for astronomy on the African continent. It works to advance astronomy and space science in Africa by fostering collaboration, research and capacity building, and by connecting education, innovation and outreach to strengthen Africa's place in global science.

The AfAS Conference

The AfAS annual conference is the Society's flagship gathering. It brings together astronomers, astrophysicists, engineers, students, policymakers, and education and outreach officers from across Africa and the international astronomy community.

The conference aims to:

• strengthen scientific collaboration and research networks across Africa
• inspire young people to take part in science, technology, engineering and mathematics
• promote public engagement with astronomy
• support the development of astronomy infrastructure and the exchange of knowledge across the continent

AfAS 2027

The 7th annual conference of the African Astronomical Society takes place from 27 June to 02 July 2027 at Rhodes University in Makhanda, Eastern Cape, South Africa.

The host

The conference is hosted by the Centre for Radio Astronomy Techniques and Technologies (RATT) at Rhodes University. RATT was established in 2012 around the SKA (SARChI) Research Chair awarded to Rhodes. Its researchers develop the calibration, imaging and data analysis techniques needed to get the most science out of next-generation radio telescopes such as MeerKAT and the Square Kilometre Array (SKA).

RATT brings together astronomers, astrophysicists and engineers from SKA partner countries in Africa and around the world, and works closely with the South African Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO) and other university groups across South Africa. In 2023, RATT received the NRF Science Team award.