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A local astronomer who hails from Nxuba (formerly Cradock) has been appointed Science Director at the International Science Council (ISC), in Paris.
Dr Vanessa McBride's appointment recognizes her significant contributions to the scientific community, particularly her work with the Office of Astronomy for Development (OAD), a collaborative effort of the International Astronomical Union (IAU) and the National Research Foundation (NRF) of South Africa.
Dr McBride will now be rubbing shoulders with the most distinguished scientists from around the world as she works towards the ISC vision of science as a global public good.
The ISC is a non-governmental organization with a unique global membership that brings together over 220 international scientific unions and associations as well as national and regional scientific organizations including academies and research councils.
The Nxuba local pursued her passion for physics at the University of Cape Town (UCT).
Her journey then led her to a stint at the South African Nuclear Energy Corporation in Pelindaba.
However, it was the stars that truly called her, guiding her to the United Kingdom, where she obtained her PhD.
Driven by a desire to contribute to her nation's scientific landscape, she returned to South Africa in 2013.
Upon her return, she embraced a dual appointment, contributing both to UCT and the South African Astronomical Observatory (SAAO), a research facility managed by the NRF.
In 2017, McBride's career shot to new heights when she became part of the International Astronomical Union's Office of Astronomy for Development (IAU OAD) while holding her position as an Adjunct Associate Professor at UCT.
The IAU OAD, which is stationed in South Africa, operates with a vision to harness astronomy's transformative power for societal good.
Dr Charles Takalana of the African Astronomical Society says: "The impact of Vanessa's work on astronomy in Africa has been huge, and the way she achieved this, with her quiet diligence and abundant kindness, speaks volumes of her character.
It will be a great loss for the continent to see her go, but we are excited that we will have a fellow African now sitting at the highest levels of science globally."
Dr McBride is poised to influence science policy and innovation on a global scale.
