Joyful Mdhluli

Executive Committee Member

Dr. Joyful Mdhluli is a Postdoctoral Researcher at the International Astronomical Union’s Office of Astronomy for Development (OAD), where she coordinates flagship projects that leverage astronomy to address global development challenges. She earned her PhD in Particle Physics from the University of the Witwatersrand, focusing on data from the ALICE experiment at CERN’s Large Hadron Collider.
In recognition of her doctoral work, Dr. Mdhluli was named one of the laureates for the 2025 Breakthrough Prize winners in Fundamental Physics, as part of the international ALICE Collaboration. Her research contributed to advancing our understanding of the early universe through the study of quark-gluon plasma.
She has broad experience in science communication, education, and policy engagement. Dr. Mdhluli currently serves as the Executive Secretary of Women in Physics in South Africa (WiPiSA), promoting gender equity in science. Within the African Astronomical Society (AfAS), she is a member of the Executive Committee.
Her accolades include the ‘Best Pitch Award’ from the Black Women in Science (BWIS) Fellowship and participation in the 70th Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting. She also contributes editorially to the African Physics Newsletter and the Communicating Astronomy with the Public Journal.
Dr. Mdhluli is passionate about the transformative power of science and envisions an African astronomy ecosystem that empowers communities, inspires youth, and drives innovation for a sustainable future.