There is a danger that national scientific facilities could fall victim to a form of totalitarian control, the Royal Society of SA warns
Its president, John Skinner, made the statement after the director of the SA Astronomical Observatory, Phil Charles, was cleared of charges that he shared secret information with colleagues on decisions the National Research Foundation (NRF) had made. Read more
Reinstating Phil Charles as director is to the detriment SAAO and South Africa. He has shown poor leadership and his current leadership clearly favours those who choose to support him.
Leading astronomer Professor Phil Charles has been re-instated as director of the South African Astronomical Observatory (SAAO) following a disciplinary hearing. The National Research Foundation (NRF), the funding body that suspended Charles, announced the decision on Friday following the conclusion of the hearing. Read more
The disciplinary hearing of top South African astronomer Phil Charles has opened a rift between Science and Technology Minister Naledi Pandor and the National Research Foundation (NRF), which suspended Charles and has subjected him to a lengthy disciplinary hearing. Read more
Top international scientists have expressed shock at the suspension of a leading astronomer in South Africa this week. The fallout has raised fears that the country could lose its bid to host one of the largest science projects on Earth. Read more
The foundation claims that Charles shared details with academic colleagues about where the operations centre for the new MeerKAT radio telescope, currently under construction in Carnarvon in the Northern Cape Province, might be based. The two sites under consideration are at the headquarters of the SAAO in the Cape Town suburb of Observatory, and a nearby site at Ysterplaat, used as an air base by the South African Air Force. Read more
Allegedly 'leaked' information leads to astronomer's suspension
The National Research Foundation (NRF) has suspended a well-known astronomer and director of the SA Astronomical Observatory with immediate effect for allegedly 'leaking information'.
South Africa's chief astronomer, the highly regarded director of the South African Astronomical Observatory Phil Charles, has been suspended by the National Research Foundation. He faces potential dismissal over his alleged leaking of confidential information to fellow scientists and is to face a disciplinary hearing in the next few days. Read more