Simon Connell: Difference between revisions
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== Career == |
== Career == |
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Simon Henry Connell obtained his Bachelors and PhD (1985 - 1989) in Physics drgees from the [[University of the Witwatersrand]].<ref name=":11">{{Cite web |title=INSPIRE |url=https://inspirehep.net/authors/1039100 |access-date=2023-06-05 |website=inspirehep.net}}</ref> He continoued to work at the University of the Witwatersrand until 2008, when he moved to [[University of Johannesburg]].<ref name=":11" /> He is a professor of physics at the University of Johannesburg.<ref name=":6" /><ref name=":9">{{Cite web |last=Nordling |first=Linda |date=2023-04-27 |title=New director named for iThemba Labs |url=https://www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-news-africa-south-2023-4-new-director-named-for-ithemba-labs/ |access-date=2023-06-05 |website=Research Professional News |language=en-GB}}</ref> He is an engineering physicist<ref name=":7" /> who previously worked extensively at the [[European Synchrotron |
Simon Henry Connell obtained his Bachelors and PhD (1985 - 1989) in Physics drgees from the [[University of the Witwatersrand]].<ref name=":11">{{Cite web |title=INSPIRE |url=https://inspirehep.net/authors/1039100 |access-date=2023-06-05 |website=inspirehep.net}}</ref> He continoued to work at the University of the Witwatersrand until 2008, when he moved to [[University of Johannesburg]].<ref name=":11" /> He is a professor of physics at the University of Johannesburg.<ref name=":6" /><ref name=":9">{{Cite web |last=Nordling |first=Linda |date=2023-04-27 |title=New director named for iThemba Labs |url=https://www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-news-africa-south-2023-4-new-director-named-for-ithemba-labs/ |access-date=2023-06-05 |website=Research Professional News |language=en-GB}}</ref> He is an engineering physicist<ref name=":7" /> who previously worked extensively at the [[European Synchrotron Facility]] (ESRF).<ref name=":0" /> He is affiliated with the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment in the Department of Mechanical Engineering Science.<ref name=":10">{{Cite web |date=2022-07-22 |title=NSTF-South32 Awards 2022 |url=https://mg.co.za/special-reports/2022-07-22-nstf-south32-awards-2022/ |access-date=2023-06-05 |website=The Mail & Guardian |language=en-ZA}}</ref> Connell is a Founding Member of the South African participation in High Energy Physics at the [[ATLAS experiment|ATLAS Experiment]] at [[CERN]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Campbell |first=Rebecca |date=2018-09-03 |title=World’s most powerful particle accelerator benefits from South African computing expertise |url=https://www.engineeringnews.co.za/article/worlds-most-powerful-particle-accelerator-benefits-from-south-african-computing-expertise-2018-09-03 |website=Engineering News}}</ref> Additionally, he served as the President of the [[South African Institute of Physics]].<ref name=":8">{{Cite web |title=Connell {{!}} African Scientists Directory Connell |url=https://africanscientists.africa/business-directory/connell/ |access-date=2023-06-03 |website=African Scientists Directory |language=en-US}}</ref> |
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== Research == |
== Research == |
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As the leader of Mining Positron Emission Technology (MinPET) Research Group, Connell has successfully demonstrated the ability to detect diamonds within [[kimberlite]] at a statistically significant level.<ref name=":10" /> Moreover, he has utilized high-rate, high-sensitivity detectors developed for this project to investigate fluid-flow in hydro-cyclones. Connell is also engaged in an inter-departmental collaboration aimed at building the National Case for South African Advanced High Temperature Gas Cooled Reactors. His particular interest lies in combining [[Monte Carlo simulation|Monte Carlo]] and other beyond-deterministic methods with advanced computing solutions to model neutronics in the [[nuclear reactor core]].<ref name=":3" /><ref name=":2" /> |
As the leader of Mining Positron Emission Technology (MinPET) Research Group, Connell has successfully demonstrated the ability to detect diamonds within [[kimberlite]] at a statistically significant level.<ref name=":10" /> Moreover, he has utilized high-rate, high-sensitivity detectors developed for this project to investigate fluid-flow in hydro-cyclones. Connell is also engaged in an inter-departmental collaboration aimed at building the National Case for South African Advanced High Temperature Gas Cooled Reactors. His particular interest lies in combining [[Monte Carlo simulation|Monte Carlo]] and other beyond-deterministic methods with advanced computing solutions to model neutronics in the [[nuclear reactor core]].<ref name=":3" /><ref name=":2" /> |
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[[File:AfLS-Logo.gif|thumb|240x240px|The African Light Source (AfLS) logo by AfLS Foundation<ref>{{Cite web |title=Home |url=https://www.africanlightsource.org/ |access-date=2022-10-29 |website=The African Lightsource |language=en-US}}</ref>]] |
[[File:AfLS-Logo.gif|thumb|240x240px|The African Light Source (AfLS) logo by AfLS Foundation<ref>{{Cite web |title=Home |url=https://www.africanlightsource.org/ |access-date=2022-10-29 |website=The African Lightsource |language=en-US}}</ref>]] |
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As a key figure in the [[African Light Source|African Light Source project]] and the Chair,<ref>{{Cite web |title=AfLS Executive Committee |url=https://www.africanlightsource.org/organizational-chart/afls-executive-committee/ |access-date=2023-06-05 |website=The African Lightsource |language=en-US}}</ref> Simon Connell is actively involved in the African Light Source (AfLS) project.<ref>{{Cite web |last=myadmin |date=2019-01-30 |title=Ghana to champion African Light Source – Akufo-Addo |url=https://www.ghanabusinessnews.com/2019/01/30/ghana-to-champion-african-light-source-akufo-addo/ |access-date=2023-06-05 |website=Ghana Business News |language=en-US}}</ref> Connell has contributed to the development and promotion of the AfLS, advocating for the establishment of this facility in Africa.<ref name=":1">{{Cite journal |last1=Newton |first1=Marcus C. |last2=Connell |first2=Simon H. |last3=Mitchell |first3=Edward P. |last4=Mtingwa |first4=Sekazi K. |last5=Ngabonziza |first5=Prosper |last6=Norris |first6=Lawrence |last7=Ntsoane |first7=Tshepo |last8=Traore |first8=Daouda A. K. |date=February 2023 |title=Building a brighter future for Africa with the African Light Source |journal=Nature Reviews Physics |language=en |volume=5 |issue=2 |pages=74–75 |doi=10.1038/s42254-022-00534-3 |pmid=36275781 |pmc=9580420 |issn=2522-5820}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Prof. Simon Connell |url=http://2017.worldscienceforum.org/speakers/connell-simon-16167 |access-date=2023-06-05 |website=World Science Forum}}</ref> He has co-authored papers and articles discussing the importance and potential impact of the African Light Source.<ref name=":1" /><ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Connell |first1=Simon H. |last2=Mtingwa |first2=Sekazi K. |last3=Dobbins |first3=Tabbetha |last4=Khumbah |first4=Nkem |last5=Masara |first5=Brian |last6=Mitchell |first6=Edward P. |last7=Norris |first7=Lawrence |last8=Ngabonziza |first8=Prosper |last9=Ntsoane |first9=Tshepo |last10=Winick |first10=Herman |date=August 2019 |title=Towards an African Light Source |journal=Biophysical Reviews |language=en |volume=11 |issue=4 |pages=499–507 |doi=10.1007/s12551-019-00578-3 |issn=1867-2450 |pmc=6682199 |pmid=31301018}}</ref> In addition, Simon Connell has given presentations and talks about the African Light Source project.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last= |date=2022-08-29 |title=Momentum grows for the African Light Source |url=https://engage.aps.org/fip/blogs/christine-marie-therese-darve1/2022/08/29/AfLS |access-date=2023-06-03 |website=American Physical Society |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Citation |title=Dr Simon Connell - Status and Future of the African Light Source |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZNdCb6MzdWs |access-date=2023-06-05 |language=en}}</ref> The African Light Source is an initiative aimed at establishing Africa's first synchrotron light source, a particle accelerator that produces intense radiation used for studying the structure and behavior of matter.<ref name=":6">{{Cite journal |last=Wild |first=Sarah |date=2021-10-27 |title=Plan for Africa's first synchrotron light source starts to crystallize |url=https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-021-02938-0 |journal=Nature |language=en |doi=10.1038/d41586-021-02938-0|pmid=34707279 |s2cid=240072809 }}</ref> The project aims to bridge the gap in synchrotron light source capabilities on the continent, as Africa currently lacks such a facility.<ref name=":4">{{Cite journal |date=2021-11-03 |title=Africa accelerator, racial-bias fears and UK science budget |url=https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-021-02994-6 |journal=Nature |language=en |volume=599 |issue=7883 |pages=13 |doi=10.1038/d41586-021-02994-6|s2cid=242947963 }}</ref> By establishing the African Light Source, African scientists would have access to a powerful tool for conducting cutting-edge research in various scientific disciplines.<ref name=":4" /> The project has gained momentum and support from the scientific community.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Simon Connell on LinkedIn: African Light Source aims for science with ubuntu |url=https://www.linkedin.com/posts/simon-connell-26b5441a_african-light-source-aims-for-science-with-activity-6930858306735333376-Pqpz |access-date=2023-06-03 |website=www.linkedin.com |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":2" /> |
As a key figure in the [[African Light Source|African Light Source project]] and the Chair,<ref>{{Cite web |title=AfLS Executive Committee |url=https://www.africanlightsource.org/organizational-chart/afls-executive-committee/ |access-date=2023-06-05 |website=The African Lightsource |language=en-US}}</ref> Simon Connell is actively involved in the African Light Source (AfLS) project.<ref>{{Cite web |last=myadmin |date=2019-01-30 |title=Ghana to champion African Light Source – Akufo-Addo |url=https://www.ghanabusinessnews.com/2019/01/30/ghana-to-champion-african-light-source-akufo-addo/ |access-date=2023-06-05 |website=Ghana Business News |language=en-US}}</ref> Connell has contributed to the development and promotion of the AfLS, advocating for the establishment of this facility in Africa.<ref name=":1">{{Cite journal |last1=Newton |first1=Marcus C. |last2=Connell |first2=Simon H. |last3=Mitchell |first3=Edward P. |last4=Mtingwa |first4=Sekazi K. |last5=Ngabonziza |first5=Prosper |last6=Norris |first6=Lawrence |last7=Ntsoane |first7=Tshepo |last8=Traore |first8=Daouda A. K. |date=February 2023 |title=Building a brighter future for Africa with the African Light Source |journal=Nature Reviews Physics |language=en |volume=5 |issue=2 |pages=74–75 |doi=10.1038/s42254-022-00534-3 |pmid=36275781 |pmc=9580420 |issn=2522-5820}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Prof. Simon Connell |url=http://2017.worldscienceforum.org/speakers/connell-simon-16167 |access-date=2023-06-05 |website=World Science Forum}}</ref> He has co-authored papers and articles discussing the importance and potential impact of the African Light Source.<ref name=":1" /><ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Connell |first1=Simon H. |last2=Mtingwa |first2=Sekazi K. |last3=Dobbins |first3=Tabbetha |last4=Khumbah |first4=Nkem |last5=Masara |first5=Brian |last6=Mitchell |first6=Edward P. |last7=Norris |first7=Lawrence |last8=Ngabonziza |first8=Prosper |last9=Ntsoane |first9=Tshepo |last10=Winick |first10=Herman |date=August 2019 |title=Towards an African Light Source |journal=Biophysical Reviews |language=en |volume=11 |issue=4 |pages=499–507 |doi=10.1007/s12551-019-00578-3 |issn=1867-2450 |pmc=6682199 |pmid=31301018}}</ref> In addition, Simon Connell has given presentations and talks about the African Light Source project.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last= |date=2022-08-29 |title=Momentum grows for the African Light Source |url=https://engage.aps.org/fip/blogs/christine-marie-therese-darve1/2022/08/29/AfLS |access-date=2023-06-03 |website=American Physical Society |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Citation |title=Dr Simon Connell - Status and Future of the African Light Source |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZNdCb6MzdWs |access-date=2023-06-05 |language=en}}</ref> The African Light Source is an initiative aimed at establishing Africa's first synchrotron light source, a particle accelerator that produces intense radiation used for studying the structure and behavior of matter.<ref name=":6">{{Cite journal |last=Wild |first=Sarah |date=2021-10-27 |title=Plan for Africa's first synchrotron light source starts to crystallize |url=https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-021-02938-0 |journal=Nature |language=en |doi=10.1038/d41586-021-02938-0|pmid=34707279 |s2cid=240072809 }}</ref> The project aims to bridge the gap in synchrotron light source capabilities on the continent, as Africa currently lacks such a facility.<ref name=":4">{{Cite journal |date=2021-11-03 |title=Africa accelerator, racial-bias fears and UK science budget |url=https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-021-02994-6 |journal=Nature |language=en |volume=599 |issue=7883 |pages=13 |doi=10.1038/d41586-021-02994-6|s2cid=242947963 }}</ref> By establishing the African Light Source, African scientists would have access to a powerful tool for conducting cutting-edge research in various scientific disciplines.<ref name=":4" /> The project has gained momentum and support from the scientific community.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Simon Connell on LinkedIn: African Light Source aims for science with ubuntu |url=https://www.linkedin.com/posts/simon-connell-26b5441a_african-light-source-aims-for-science-with-activity-6930858306735333376-Pqpz |access-date=2023-06-03 |website=www.linkedin.com |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":2" /> |
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== Awards and honours == |
== Awards and honours == |
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Connel was elected a Fellow of the [[Royal Society of South Africa]] in 2006, a Member of the [[Academy of Science of South Africa]], and a Fellow of the African Academy of Sciences in 2018.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Connell, Simon |url=https://www.aasciences.africa/fellow/connell-simon |website=African Academy of Sciences}}</ref> Connel recieved the [[National Science and Technology Forum]] (NSTF)'s Awards for ''Innovation and Research and/or Development: Corporate Organisation'' in 2022 for his leading the MinPET project.<ref name=":10" /> |
Connel was elected a Fellow of the [[Royal Society of South Africa]] in 2006, a Member of the [[Academy of Science of South Africa]], and a Fellow of the African Academy of Sciences in 2018.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Connell, Simon |url=https://www.aasciences.africa/fellow/connell-simon |website=African Academy of Sciences}}</ref> Connel recieved the [[National Science and Technology Forum]] (NSTF)'s Awards for ''Innovation and Research and/or Development: Corporate Organisation'' in 2022 for his leading the MinPET project.<ref name=":10" /> |
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== References == |
== References == |
Revision as of 11:36, 5 June 2023
Professor Simon Connell | |
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Born | Simon Henry Connell |
Education | University of the Witwatersrand (BSc, PhD) |
Scientific career | |
Institutions | University of Johannesburg ATLAS experiment, CERN African Light Source foundation University of the Witwatersrand |
Simon Connell is a professor of physics at the University of Johannesburg in South Africa. He is an engineering physicist,[1] a Founding Member of the South African participation in High Energy Physics at the ATLAS Experiment at CERN, and the Chair of the African Light Source (AfLS).
https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q70827557
Career
Simon Henry Connell obtained his Bachelors and PhD (1985 - 1989) in Physics drgees from the University of the Witwatersrand.[2] He continoued to work at the University of the Witwatersrand until 2008, when he moved to University of Johannesburg.[2] He is a professor of physics at the University of Johannesburg.[3][4] He is an engineering physicist[1] who previously worked extensively at the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility (ESRF).[5] He is affiliated with the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment in the Department of Mechanical Engineering Science.[6] Connell is a Founding Member of the South African participation in High Energy Physics at the ATLAS Experiment at CERN.[7] Additionally, he served as the President of the South African Institute of Physics.[8]
Research
Connell has made significant contributions to the field of physics, and he is recognized for his expertise.[8] According to the South African National Research Foundation, he is highly regarded and acknowledged internationally for his accomplishments.[8] He has and h-index of 121 from publishing numerous articles and has been cited by many researchers.[9] Connell has research interests in various areas including Particle Physics, Nuclear Physics, Nuclear Energy, Materials Science, Quantum Physics, High Performance Computing, and Applied Nuclear Physics.[5][8]
Furthermore, he has been involved in engineering and technical activities related to the Beyond Standard Model search at CERN, which is focused on High Energy Physics.[10] Together with his group, he is involved in searching for particles related to dark matter, presenting two potential dark vector boson candidates. Their primary objective is to identify additional candidates that could lead to a groundbreaking discovery or alternatively explain these events as background processes. His research also focuses on the development of a gamma ray laser using a specially fabricated diamond superlattice as a crystalline undulator as part of the EU-PEARL.[11]
As the leader of Mining Positron Emission Technology (MinPET) Research Group, Connell has successfully demonstrated the ability to detect diamonds within kimberlite at a statistically significant level.[6] Moreover, he has utilized high-rate, high-sensitivity detectors developed for this project to investigate fluid-flow in hydro-cyclones. Connell is also engaged in an inter-departmental collaboration aimed at building the National Case for South African Advanced High Temperature Gas Cooled Reactors. His particular interest lies in combining Monte Carlo and other beyond-deterministic methods with advanced computing solutions to model neutronics in the nuclear reactor core.[11][12]
As a key figure in the African Light Source project and the Chair,[14] Simon Connell is actively involved in the African Light Source (AfLS) project.[15] Connell has contributed to the development and promotion of the AfLS, advocating for the establishment of this facility in Africa.[16][17] He has co-authored papers and articles discussing the importance and potential impact of the African Light Source.[16][18] In addition, Simon Connell has given presentations and talks about the African Light Source project.[12][19] The African Light Source is an initiative aimed at establishing Africa's first synchrotron light source, a particle accelerator that produces intense radiation used for studying the structure and behavior of matter.[3][20] The project aims to bridge the gap in synchrotron light source capabilities on the continent, as Africa currently lacks such a facility.[21] By establishing the African Light Source, African scientists would have access to a powerful tool for conducting cutting-edge research in various scientific disciplines.[21] The project has gained momentum and support from the scientific community.[22][12]
Awards and honours
Connel was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society of South Africa in 2006, a Member of the Academy of Science of South Africa, and a Fellow of the African Academy of Sciences in 2018.[23] Connel recieved the British Association Medal (Silver) from the South Africa Association of the Advancement of Science in 1994,[24] and the National Science and Technology Forum (NSTF)'s Awards for Innovation and Research and/or Development: Corporate Organisation in 2022 for his leading the MinPET project.[6]
References
- ^ a b Meet Engineering Physicist, Prof Simon Connell - Innovation Award: Corporate Organisation Winner, retrieved 2023-06-05
- ^ a b "INSPIRE". inspirehep.net. Retrieved 2023-06-05.
- ^ a b Wild, Sarah (2021-10-27). "Plan for Africa's first synchrotron light source starts to crystallize". Nature. doi:10.1038/d41586-021-02938-0. PMID 34707279. S2CID 240072809.
- ^ Nordling, Linda (2023-04-27). "New director named for iThemba Labs". Research Professional News. Retrieved 2023-06-05.
- ^ a b "Prof Simon Connell". University of Johannesburg. Retrieved 2023-06-03.
- ^ a b c "NSTF-South32 Awards 2022". The Mail & Guardian. 2022-07-22. Retrieved 2023-06-05.
- ^ Campbell, Rebecca (2018-09-03). "World's most powerful particle accelerator benefits from South African computing expertise". Engineering News.
- ^ a b c d "Connell | African Scientists Directory Connell". African Scientists Directory. Retrieved 2023-06-03.
- ^ "Simon Connell". scholar.google.com. Retrieved 2023-06-03.
- ^ Chetty, Nithaya; Connell, Simon; Bawa, Ahmed C. (2007). "Physics for development". Nature Physics. 3 (11): 747. doi:10.1038/nphys773. ISSN 1745-2473.
- ^ a b "Simon Connell | University of Johannesburg, South Africa - Academia.edu". johannesburg.academia.edu. Retrieved 2023-06-03.
- ^ a b c "Momentum grows for the African Light Source". American Physical Society. 2022-08-29. Retrieved 2023-06-03.
- ^ "Home". The African Lightsource. Retrieved 2022-10-29.
- ^ "AfLS Executive Committee". The African Lightsource. Retrieved 2023-06-05.
- ^ myadmin (2019-01-30). "Ghana to champion African Light Source – Akufo-Addo". Ghana Business News. Retrieved 2023-06-05.
- ^ a b Newton, Marcus C.; Connell, Simon H.; Mitchell, Edward P.; Mtingwa, Sekazi K.; Ngabonziza, Prosper; Norris, Lawrence; Ntsoane, Tshepo; Traore, Daouda A. K. (February 2023). "Building a brighter future for Africa with the African Light Source". Nature Reviews Physics. 5 (2): 74–75. doi:10.1038/s42254-022-00534-3. ISSN 2522-5820. PMC 9580420. PMID 36275781.
- ^ "Prof. Simon Connell". World Science Forum. Retrieved 2023-06-05.
- ^ Connell, Simon H.; Mtingwa, Sekazi K.; Dobbins, Tabbetha; Khumbah, Nkem; Masara, Brian; Mitchell, Edward P.; Norris, Lawrence; Ngabonziza, Prosper; Ntsoane, Tshepo; Winick, Herman (August 2019). "Towards an African Light Source". Biophysical Reviews. 11 (4): 499–507. doi:10.1007/s12551-019-00578-3. ISSN 1867-2450. PMC 6682199. PMID 31301018.
- ^ Dr Simon Connell - Status and Future of the African Light Source, retrieved 2023-06-05
- ^ Newton, Marcus C.; Connell, Simon H.; Mitchell, Edward P.; Mtingwa, Sekazi K.; Ngabonziza, Prosper; Norris, Lawrence; Ntsoane, Tshepo; Traore, Daouda A. K. (2023-02). "Building a brighter future for Africa with the African Light Source". Nature Reviews Physics. 5 (2): 74–75. doi:10.1038/s42254-022-00534-3. ISSN 2522-5820.
{{cite journal}}
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(help) - ^ a b "Africa accelerator, racial-bias fears and UK science budget". Nature. 599 (7883): 13. 2021-11-03. doi:10.1038/d41586-021-02994-6. S2CID 242947963.
- ^ "Simon Connell on LinkedIn: African Light Source aims for science with ubuntu". www.linkedin.com. Retrieved 2023-06-03.
- ^ "Connell, Simon". African Academy of Sciences.
- ^ "British Association Medal (Silver)". s2a3.org.za. Retrieved 2023-06-05.