November 2023: Dr. Isaac Nape – African Male Researcher of the Month

November 2023: Dr. Isaac Nape – African Male Researcher of the Month

Dr. Isaac Nape stands at the forefront of cutting-edge quantum science, recognized both nationally and internationally for his groundbreaking contributions to the field. At the age of 29, his remarkable achievements have earned him numerous awards, including the prestigious Silver Jubilee Medal from the South African Institute of Physics in 2023.

Nape’s educational journey is marked by excellence, beginning with his high school education at Randfontein High School, where he not only excelled academically but also showcased his diverse talents by taking dance studies as a subject, achieving the highest mark in the district. His passion for physics led him to pursue a BSc in Physics at the University of Pretoria, where he graduated in 2014. He continued his academic journey with distinction, earning a BSc Honours in physics (cum laude) in 2015 and an MSc (cum laude) in 2017, both from the University of Pretoria. His pursuit of knowledge culminated in a PhD in Physics from the University of the Witwatersrand, which he completed in 2022.

Dr. Nape’s contributions to the field of quantum science have been nothing short of extraordinary. His research career commenced at the Wits Structural Light Laboratory under the guidance of Professor Andrew Forbes, focusing on quantum information processing in high dimensions. Over the years, he delved into diverse areas, including multi-dimensional entanglement transport down optical fibers and pioneering studies on invariant vectorial states of light.

One of his notable achievements is the development of a fast measurement of entanglement, which demonstrated the quick and accurate prediction of entanglement dimensions through a Bell-like measurement. This work, conducted during his international research visit to the Institute of Photonics and Quantum Sciences at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh, UK, resulted in a significant contribution published in Nature Communications.

Dr. Nape’s research has not only been academically impactful but has also garnered widespread attention, with over 1100 citations in the past five years and publications in esteemed journals such as Nature Photonics, Nature Communications, Science Advances, Journal of Optics, and Optica. His innovative work has been featured in national and international science news publications, reaching a broad readership.

Beyond his research accomplishments, Dr. Nape has received numerous awards, including the Emerging Leader Award from the South African Quantum Initiative and a competitive grant from the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI). He was also selected to attend the Global Young Scientists Summit in Singapore in 2023, where he engaged with distinguished scientists and Nobel laureates.

As the youngest lecturer in the School of Physics at Wits University, Dr. Isaac Nape is not only contributing to the academic community but also inspiring the next generation of scientists. His commitment to popularizing science among the youth is evident through his involvement in schools, fostering a passion for scientific inquiry.

Acknowledged for his role in quantum technologies in South Africa, Dr. Nape envisions a future where South Africa becomes a hub for knowledge and technology development on the global stage. His dedication to staying rooted in South Africa, despite potential international opportunities, reflects a commitment to contribute to the burgeoning quantum research initiatives in his home country.

The Silver Jubilee Medal from the South African Institute of Physics serves as a testament to Dr. Isaac Nape’s outstanding achievements, acknowledging his significant contributions to research, education, and technology development in physics. His trajectory is poised to leave an indelible mark on the scientific landscape, with the potential to shape the future of quantum science and technology in South Africa and beyond.