THE National University of Science and Technology (NUST) is fast emerging as a powerhouse in space science education and research, with one of its brightest young academics, Miss Faith Gloria Sibanda, earning international recognition.
The 29-year-old Tutorial Assistant in NUST’s Department of Applied Physics has been awarded the Pan African Planetary and Space Science Network (PAPSSN) Mobility Scholarship, funded by the European Commission.
Miss Sibanda will pursue a two year Master of Philosophy at Copperbelt University in Zambia, with one year spent at NUST.
She becomes only the second woman from NUST to pursue astrophysics abroad, a milestone that underscores both her personal determination and the university’s growing influence in the field.
“Astrophysics beautifully combines my love for physics and mathematics with my curiosity about the cosmos,” Miss Sibanda said. “This scholarship is a big step towards contributing to our understanding of the universe.”
NUST is expanding its space science footprint. The university currently offers a Bachelor of Science Honours in Applied Physics programme with an astrophysics module, designed to prepare students for postgraduate studies.
Plans are underway to launch a Bachelor of Science Honours Degree in Astronomy and Astrophysics, cementing the university’s role as a regional hub for space science.
The institution also offers a Bachelor of Science (Honours) Degree in Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and Remote Sensing in Natural Resources Management (Bachelor Of Science (Honours) Degree In Geographical ...).
“Faith’s success shows that our programmes are producing graduates who can shine on both national and global stages,” said Prof Golden Gadzirayi Nyambuya, the Chairperson of the Department of Applied Physics.
Prof Nyambuya, a true pioneer of Astrophysics in Zimbabwe, being the first Theoretical Astrophysics Doctorate on Zimbabwean soil, praised Miss Sibanda’s achievement as proof that NUST graduates can compete internationally.
“This scholarship is a proud moment for NUST. We are nurturing astro-scientists who will one day shine on the international stage and help position Zimbabwe as a space exploration leader,” noted Prof Nyambuya.
In 2021, Tafadzwa Banga, now an alumnus of NUST, was recognised as one of the top 10 young innovators in the African space industry Space in Africa, highlighting the University's role in nurturing talent.
Zimbabwe, just like Africa, has big space ambitions. The African Union established the African Space Agency in 2016 and Zimbabwe followed with the creation of the Zimbabwe National Geospatial and Space Agency (ZINGSA) in 2019.
NUST is building partnerships with institutions such as the Copperbelt University in Zambia, enabling students to access international grants and research opportunities.
“Our collaboration allows us to navigate funding challenges and give students indirect access to vital grants. We want the SADC region to rise together in Space Science, leaving no country behind,” said Prof Nyambuya.
Miss Sibanda’s achievement will inspire the next generation of space scientists. She credits NUST’s strong foundation in physics and mathematics, as well as the mentorship of her lecturers, for her success.
She hopes her journey will inspire more young women to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
“I am humbled by the role model status that comes with this achievement. It motivates me to work even harder to show that girls can excel in STEM fields too,” she said.
Looking ahead, NUST plans to participate in the African Astronomical Society meeting in Botswana in March 2026 and host Zimbabwe’s first Astronomical Society meeting next year.
The university has also hosted World Space Week, focusing on themes such as Space and Climate Change, to raise awareness of space science’s role in sustainable development.
“This is just the beginning. NUST is lighting the way for Zimbabwe and the SADC region to reach for the stars,” noted Prof Nyambuya. – NUST News Hub.