Professor James Okwe Chibueze

Distinguished Professor of Astrophysics, University of South Africa, Vice-President, International Astronomical Union, Recipient of the Royal Society Rising Star Africa Prize 2025.

Professor James Okwe Chibueze is an internationally recognised astrophysicist whose pioneering research is helping to advance our understanding of the universe, while strengthening scientific research and education across Africa.

He is a Distinguished Professor of Astrophysics at the University of South Africa (UNISA), where he leads the Centre for Astrophysics and Space Sciences. He also serves as Vice-President of the International Astronomical Union (IAU), the leading international organisation dedicated to advancing astronomy through global scientific collaboration.

Professor Chibueze's research focuses on some of astronomy's most fascinating questions, including how massive stars form, how galaxies evolve and how powerful radio telescopes can reveal parts of the universe that are invisible to conventional optical telescopes. His work uses advanced astronomical facilities, including MeerKAT in South Africa and the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) in Chile.

In 2025, he was awarded the prestigious Royal Society Rising Star Africa Prize, recognising his outstanding contributions to astronomical research, scientific capacity building and international collaboration. He subsequently delivered the Royal Society's Rising Star Africa Prize Lecture in London in March 2026.

Originally from Nigeria, Professor Chibueze studied physics and astrophysics at the University of Nigeria before completing his PhD at Kagoshima University in Japan. His international scientific career reflects the importance of collaboration across borders and the opportunities that science can create for the next generation. Alongside his research, Professor Chibueze is committed to developing young scientific talent, mentoring emerging researchers and expanding access to astronomy education and research opportunities across Africa.

LIYSF is delighted to welcome Professor James Okwe Chibueze as a speaker.