Copperbelt University (CBU) — Zambia
Introducing Copperbelt University (CBU)
Copperbelt University (CBU) is a leading Zambian institution recognized for excellence in higher education, research, and regional capacity building. As the Africa Centre of Excellence in Sustainable Mining (CBU ACESM) under the World Bank’s ACE II initiative, CBU focuses on advancing education, training, and research across strategic sectors, including sustainable mining and space science. The university also leads regional initiatives in astronomy and astrophysics through its AstroLab programme and hosts the Southern Africa Regional Office of Astronomy for Development (SAROAD), supporting capacity building for emerging universities across Southern Africa.
CBU is actively involved in satellite and radio astronomy initiatives, including the Development of Africa with Radio Astronomy (DARA) project and participation in SKA Africa, preparing students and researchers for radio telescope operations and big data astrophysics. Through collaborations with South African observatories (SALT, MeerKAT) and global networks like the Las Cumbres Observatory, CBU students gain practical experience in astronomical observations, data processing, and analysis. Partnerships with the International Virtual Observatory Alliance (IVOA) and the Office of Astronomy for Development (OAD) further enhance training in astrophysics and remote sensing.
The Department of Physics at CBU offers a two-year MSc programme (one year taught, one year research) and a three-year PhD by research, with specializations in astronomy/astrophysics, computational physics, theoretical physics, nuclear physics, and condensed matter physics. A new MSc in Astrophysics is being developed with online resources, intended to be shared across universities in the region. The department also collaborates with the Department of Geology in the School of Mines and Mineral Sciences to deliver MSc programmes in geology and Earth observation.
Zambia’s investment in a Ground Receiving Station (GRS) in Chibombo and planned SKA radio telescopes provides unique infrastructure for remote sensing and radio astronomy research. CBU actively leverages these facilities to develop local expertise and support national and regional space science objectives.
As the coordinator of the PAP2SN project, CBU leads all core work packages. This includes project coordination, communication, monitoring, and implementation (WP1); oversight of candidate selection and supervisor appointments (WP2); and the management of communication, dissemination, and digital presence for the project (WP3). Through this leadership, CBU strengthens capacity in space science, promotes regional collaboration, and ensures the long-term sustainability of PAP2SN activities in Zambia and across Africa.