2026 kicks off with a combined physics event

The NITheCS events calendar began on 8 January 2026 with the 34th Chris Engelbrecht Summer School, held jointly with the 8th Mandelstam Theoretical Physics School & Workshop. This marked the first time these two prestigious theoretical physics programmes were combined.

The joint School, hosted at the Merensky Building, Stellenbosch University, until 14 January 2026, attracted postgraduate students, early-career researchers, and academics, both in person and online. It offered a rich programme of lectures, tutorials, and research discussions under the theme “Large N and the Emergence of Holography.”

Participants engaged with cutting-edge topics in high-energy and theoretical physics, fostering lively discussion and collaboration across institutions. Distinguished local and international lecturers delivered a series of pedagogical and technical talks throughout the week.

This inaugural combined edition not only honoured the legacy of South African physicists Chris Engelbrecht and Stanley Mandelstam, but also strengthened the NITheCS mission to advance theoretical science education and research in Africa.