CARE-O-SENE Builds Future Talent: From Synchrotron Science to Industrial Practice
Sasol scientist and CARE-O-SENE researcher Dr Jerry Lamola recently participated in the 2026 HZB Photon School, a rare and valuable opportunity for an early-career South African researcher.
Hosted at Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin’s BESSY II synchrotron, the programme brought together global talent for intensive training in advanced synchrotron techniques. A synchrotron is a large research facility that produces extremely bright X-ray beams, allowing researchers to study materials in detail. Jerry and his team (Mufudzi Chaza and Emmanuel Kipkorir, both from South Africa) presented beamline results in a poster that was recognised with an award by an expert HZB panel.
During his stay, Jerry also actively participated in a week-long beamtime campaign on industrially relevant cobalt Fischer–Tropsch catalysts, enabled through the strong Sasol–HZB collaboration within CARE-O-SENE.
Before returning home, Jerry visited the Sasol Brunsbuettel site, gaining valuable exposure to commercial operations: including alumina, alcohols, and derivatives production and engaging with colleagues and CARE-O-SENE collaborators.
A powerful example of how international collaboration, advanced infrastructure and real-world exposure are shaping future scientific leaders.
A sincere thank you to Catalina Jimenez (Photon School organiser, CARE-O-SENE Work Package 1lead) and trainers Lucia Toscani, Ivo Zizak and Rosario Suarez at HZB for their guidance as well as The Sasol colleagues at Brunsbuettel (Christian Schrage & Martin Kuhn) for hosting him.
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