The University of Namibia (UNAM) and the Radboud University of The Netherlands on Monday signed a learning agreement that will involve students from the two universities building telescopes.

The agreement was signed by UNAM Vice Chancellor, Kenneth Matengu and the president of the Executive Board of Radboud University, Daniel Wigboldus, at State House on Monday.

At the signing ceremony, Wigboldus explained that in 2019, the first picture of the black hole was published and that Professor Heino Falcke of Radboud University was one of the driving forces behind it.

“Importantly, this picture was made using wave-millimetre telescopes, and eight of them were spread and used across the world, but one important part of the world was missing, and that is Africa. Radboud University, together with UNAM and other partners, is really proud to start building these telescopes here in Namibia. We now have 13 million Euros (N.dollars 258 218 145) of funding for this, as well as an important framework agreement,” Wigboldus said.

Wigboldus added that science is not just binding telescopes and scientists to make a picture of the black hole, but nations too, and in doing so, forming the basis of their future together.

Matengu said Namibia needs to play its part in terms of taking advantage of its natural resources, such as clear skies that are free from pollution.

“This project will build a telescope, the first of its kind in Africa. That will enable Namibia to play a part in the higher-level science that will be undertaken here,” Matengu said.

The vice chancellor added that UNAM will have a role in coordinating and that in the last two weeks, it has been involved in site selection for where this project will take place.

The signing of the learning agreement was part of a working state visit by the Dutch and Danish Prime Ministers on Monday, when they came to Namibia to discuss green hydrogen, the 28th Conference of the Parties and trilateral relations.

Source: The Namibian Press Agency