On 17-18 November, FRIB hosted representatives from iThemba Laboratories for Accelerator Based Science (LABS) in South Africa. The visit was part of an initiative to create a student exchange program between iThemba LABS and Michigan State University (MSU) for graduate research students. Student exchange programs are designed to enhance the educational experiences and the cultural understanding of students and faculty from both institutions.

The iThemba LABS representatives met with FRIB and MSU personnel to learn about the student experience at FRIB, take a tour of the facility, and discuss the science taking place at FRIB.

iThemba LABS is a multidisciplinary research facility based on the development, operation, and use of particle accelerators and related research equipment in Cape Town, South Africa. It operates the only cyclotron facility in Africa, and its separated sector cyclotron is the largest accelerator facility in the southern hemisphere.

During their visit to FRIB, iThemba LABS Managing Director Faïçal Azaiez, iThemba LABS Deputy Director of Research Rudolph Nchodu, iThemba LABS Deputy Director of Training, International Relations and Institutional Performance Rudzani Nemutudi, and National Research Foundation of South Africa Deputy Chief Executive Officer Clifford Nxomani met with MSU Interim Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs Thomas Jeitschko and FRIB Laboratory Director Thomas Glasmacher, as well as additional MSU and FRIB faculty, staff, and students.