The CSR being an NWU centre of excellence reflects the quality of the research done for about 60 years. We provide world-class training in the following fields:

• Heliospheric physics: understanding the physics of the mechanisms of the transport, modulation, and acceleration of Galactic cosmic rays and the anomalous component in the heliosphere, Galaxy, and beyond.
• Gamma-ray astronomy: studying the emission, propagation, and detection of high-energy gamma rays, particle acceleration; formation, collimation, acceleration, and propagation of astrophysical jets in galactic and extragalactic systems, including X-ray binaries, active galactic nuclei, and gamma-ray bursts.
• Pulsar physics: modelling of gamma-ray pulsar light curves and spectra, cosmic rays from pulsars, globular clusters; decade-long collaboration with NASA theoreticians.
• Stellar astronomy: addressing fundamental questions about astrophysical masers as they relate to different evolutionary phases of massive stars; developing innovative observational techniques; asteroseismology.
• Cosmology and gravity: understanding the nature of gravity and its effect on cosmic origin and evolution.
• Radio- and optical astronomy: using telescopes such as SALT and MeerKAT to study steady, pulsating, or transient sources including the Sun, stars, molecular clouds, masers, and clusters of galaxies.
• Materials modelling: computational and experimental study of materials for space applications.

Our MSc and PhD students have the opportunity to become part of a team that includes world-renowned, as well as up-and-coming young researchers, and dedicated support personnel. Our alumni are highly regarded locally and internationally.