UKZN Researcher Named 2024 CoRE-Math Fellow at Uppsala University

Senior lecturer in Mathematics at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN), Dr Simo Mthethwa, is one of only seven researchers awarded a prestigious fellowship through the Africa-Europe Cluster of Research Excellence in Mathematics (CoRE-Math) at Uppsala University for the 2024 cycle.

This significant achievement highlights Mthethwa’s ongoing contributions to the mathematical sciences as well as UKZN’s growing engagement with international research collaborations.

Mthethwa’s research interests focus on topology – the study of geometrical properties and spatial relations that remain unchanged under continuous transformations of shape or size.

Mthethwa will travel to Sweden in October 2025 to take up his fellowship at Uppsala University’s Department of Mathematics. Supported by CoRE-Math, his visit will focus on research collaboration with international peers on current trends in mathematics, spanning areas such as algebra, analysis, geometry and probability theory.

Established in September 2024, the CoRE-Math initiative is one of 21 clusters of research excellence developed under a partnership between the African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA) and The Guild of European Research-Intensive Universities (The Guild). The programme seeks to strengthen research capacity and postgraduate training in African institutions, while promoting high-impact collaboration between Africa and Europe in key academic fields.

Fully funded by Uppsala University and co-ordinated through its International Science Programme, the CoRE-Math fellowship offers recipients the opportunity to collaborate with leading international researchers. It targets PhD students, postdoctoral fellows, and senior academics from African partner institutions, with a focus on strengthening research capacity and excellence on the continent.

“Dr Mthethwa’s selection as a Fellow stands as testament to the quality of research emerging from African institutions such as UKZN,” said Academic Leader of Mathematics, Professor Gareth Amery.

Although UKZN’s formal application to join CoRE-Math is currently under review, the University was recognised as an eligible partner for the purpose of this fellowship. This inclusion enabled Mthethwa’s successful application and reflects the positive reception UKZN has received from existing partner institutions, including Makerere University, the University of Amsterdam, and the University of Oslo.

During his stay in Sweden, Mthethwa will join a cohort of fellows selected from across the African continent. Each fellow is expected to actively engage with researchers at Uppsala University, contributing to collaborative projects in a range of mathematical disciplines including Fourier analysis, stochastic processes, celestial mechanics and topology. The overarching goal of the fellowship is not only to advance mathematical research, but also to leverage it in addressing socio-economic challenges relevant to Africa.

“UKZN’s participation in this fellowship marks a significant milestone in its internationalisation strategy and ongoing commitment to high-level research partnerships,” said Amery. “Dr Mthethwa’s involvement is expected to pave the way for future collaborations and to inspire other UKZN researchers to pursue similar international opportunities.”

Speaking about the opportunity, Mthethwa expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming visit, noting the value of working alongside leading mathematicians and contributing to a broader continental effort to promote excellence in the mathematical sciences.

Words: Sally Frost

Photograph: Supplied