FAB-1 A historic first light for Africa
From 2nd to 5th February, 2026, the Catalysis Institute marked a historic moment for the African continent’s scientific infrastructure when it successfully welcomed and commissioned the First African Beamline (FAB-1). At “first light’’ the group led by the institute’s director, Prof Nico Fischer, together with Dr Paul Aronstein of EasyXAFS (the supplier) collected the first X-ray Absorption Spectrum ever measured on African soil.
[Left: Dr. Mohamed Fadlalla, Dr. Praveen Kumar Saravanan, Dr. Shaine Raseale
Right: Prof. Nico Fischer, Portia Johnston, Dr. Paul Aronstein (easyXAFS)]
“While the initial result may appear as a modest spectral plot, its significance cannot be overstated,” said Prof. Nico Fischer. “The recorded Ni K-edge X-ray absorption spectrum from a silica-supported FeNi alloy catalyst represents the first X-ray absorption spectrum ever collected on the African continent. This moment marks a transformative step forward for materials science, catalysis research, and advanced characterization capabilities across Africa.”
Prof. Fischer further emphasized that for decades, researchers across the African continent have relied on international facilities to access advanced X-ray absorption spectroscopy tools. “FAB-1 changes that reality. It demonstrates the power of sustained institutional commitment and strong international partnerships, and it will enable and strengthen interdisciplinary research across the continent.”
X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) is a powerful technique that provides atomic-level insight into the electronic structure and local coordination environment of materials. By enabling researchers to determine oxidation states, bonding environments, and structural evolution, the technique plays a critical role in modern materials science and catalysis. The successful acquisition of this first spectrum confirms the operational readiness of FAB-1 and signals the beginning of a new era in advanced X-ray characterization for African scientists. An accomplishment of this magnitude for the University of Cape Town and the African continent at large would not have been possible without the support received. The Catalysis Institute profusely extends, its sincere gratitude, to the National Research Foundation of South Africa, the Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin (Germany), and the University of Cape Town, whose vision and dedication made this milestone possible. Their continued support has been instrumental in realizing the goal of establishing world-class X-ray absorption spectroscopy capabilities aligned with African research priorities.
As the home of FAB-1, the Catalysis Institute is proud to steward this transformative infrastructure and to use it to enable, advance, and elevate African science. One of the primary challenges associated with advanced X-ray techniques has historically been accessibility, including travel costs, limited instrument access, and logistical barriers. FAB-1 begins to address this challenge by bringing advanced X-ray absorption capabilities directly to the continent. Although this first spectrum represents a major accomplishment, it is only the beginning. The coming months will focus on calibration, optimization, expanding research programs that will leverage FAB-1’s capabilities, and a structured user access platform development. To facilitate the latter FAB-1 will be operated as joint laboratory between the Catalysis Institute and the Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin providing access to resources such as the exiting online beamline application platform GATE. So, stay tuned for more and access to a “beamline” experiment you can perform right here in the African soil!
Moments such as these remind us that scientific infrastructure is built not overnight, but through years of perseverance, collaboration, and shared vision. The successful first light of FAB-1 stands as both a technical achievement and a symbol of Africa’s growing presence in global materials research.
The future of materials science on the continent is brighter than ever, now with X-ray vision.