Executive Committee Member

Prof. Thebe Medupe is a distinguished astronomer and academic leader, currently serving as a Full Professor and Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Science at North West University (NWU), South Africa. He holds a PhD in Astronomy from the University of Cape Town (UCT), and has built a career that spans research, teaching, leadership, and policy advocacy in astronomy across the African continent.

Prof. Medupe began his academic journey at UCT, where he served as a Senior Lecturer from 2007 to 2010. He later joined NWU as an Associate Professor (2010–2015), and was promoted to Full Professor in 2015. Since 2018, he has held the position of Deputy Dean at NWU, where he continues to play a pivotal role in academic leadership and strategic development.

His research focuses on stellar pulsations, particularly in modeling and data analysis, making significant contributions to the understanding of stellar behavior. Beyond his scientific work, Prof. Medupe has been instrumental in shaping the landscape of astronomy in Africa. He chaired the National Astrophysics and Space Science Programme (NASSP) from 2015 to 2018, and served as President of the African Astronomical Society (AfAS) from 2022 to 2025. He now continues to support AfAS as the immediate past president, offering valuable institutional memory and guidance to the Executive Committee.

Throughout his career, Prof. Medupe has been a passionate advocate for the growth and diversification of the South African and African astronomy communities. He has trained numerous postgraduate students across the continent, fostering a new generation of African astronomers.

Prof. Medupe remains committed to advancing astronomy in Africa, drawing on his extensive leadership experience and academic background to strengthen institutional collaborations and promote scientific excellence. His vision centers on leveraging his experience to support the strategic development of AfAS and to ensure that Africa remains a dynamic and inclusive hub for astronomical research and education.