Welcome to the homepage of the Optical Fibre Research Unit!

The Research Unit forms part of the Telkom-sponsored Centre of Excellence (CoE) at the Nelson Mandela University.

1Our vision is to be the leading research group in Africa for optical telecommunication and fibre-related issues. Our current research activities are aimed at addressing issues of relevance for the next generation telecommunications network in South Africa and other parts of Africa. Our team comprises an enthusiastic group of post-graduate (MSc and PhD) students from different parts of Africa.

The Research Unit receives generous funding support from various local companies in the telecommunications industry, namely Telkom SADartcom (Pty) Ltd and Ingoma Communications Services.  The Unit also receives funding through the National Laser Centre (NLC), the African Laser Centre (ALC) and THRIP.

Our laboratory is equipped with state-of-the-art research equipment. We also enjoy strong collaborative research ties with several international research groups.

Students may make application for bursaries issued by the Optical Fibre Research Unit from Second Year BSc onwards, and generous Telkom bursaries are also available to good students for MSc and PhD studies. Contact Prof Tim Gibbon  or Prof Andrew Leitch for details.


Vacancy: Post-doctoral fellow

We have a post open for a Post-Doctoral fellow to spend 1 – 2 years working on fibre-related research projects in the Unit. A bursary is available for the successful candidate. We would especially welcome applications from outside South Africa, from someone who wishes to spend a stimulating period of time in a most beautiful part of South Africa! For further information, please contact  Prof Tim Gibbon


Research Unit Staff

Staff member Position E-mail Telephone
Prof Andrew Leitch Research Unit Head Andrew.Leitch +27 41 5042219
Prof Tim Gibbon Unit Manager Tim.Gibbon  
Ms Alta Beer Admin Assistant Alta.Beer +27 41 5042873