PAUL International Networking

The International Research Network (IRN) PAULINE was launched in January 2024 for five years. The IRN is a network bridging scientists from Europe and Africa on the PAUL project. PAUL is the foreseen Paarl Africa Underground Laboratory in the Huguenot Tunnel in the Cape-Town region in South Africa.

About PAULINE

The PAULINE project aims to explore the potential for an underground laboratory in South Africa’s Huguenot Tunnel, focusing on cutting-edge research in astroparticle physics, dark matter, and neutrino studies. By developing a facility similar to existing labs in the northern hemisphere, such as the one in Modane, France, PAULINE seeks to contribute to global scientific understanding and foster international collaboration.

This initiative is supported by seed funding from South Africa’s Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) and Stellenbosch University, and includes partnerships with both local and international scientists. The project is coordinated by a research scientist at the French National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS) and a fellow of the African Academy of Sciences, highlighting the project's strong ties to both Europe and Africa. PAULINE also aligns with global research standards and open science principles, recognizing the importance of engaging with local communities and adhering to UNESCO's recommendations for responsible and inclusive science.

Our goal is not only to advance scientific knowledge but also to work alongside community stakeholders and experts in various fields to ensure the project benefits everyone. We are committed to dialogue, transparency, and collaboration, ensuring that the interests and concerns of the local population are heard and respected throughout the project's development.

Working closely with African institutions to address global challenges and develop local scientific capacity.

  • SU Stellenbosch University, ZA: Shaun Wyngaardt
  • UWC University of the Western Cape, ZA: Robert Lindsay
  • UCT University of Cape Town, ZA: Andy Buffler
  • Wits University of the Witwatersrand, ZA: Andrew Chen
  • UNISA The University of South Africa, ZA: Mantile Lekala
  • NWU North West University, ZA: Markus Bottcher
  • iThemba LABS, ZA: Peane Maleka
  • BIUST The Botswana International University of Science and Technology, BW: Gregory Hillhouse
  • UMV Université Mohammed V, Rabat, MA: Yahya Talayati

European institutions supporting the development of PAULINE are committed to scientific innovation and global collaboration.

  • IJCLab Orsay, FR: Xavier Bertou
  • IP2I Lyon, FR: Jacques Marteau
  • LP2I Bordeaux, FR: Fabrice Piquemal
  • LPSC Grenoble-Modane, FR: Ali Dastgheibi-Fard
  • LPNHE Paris, FR: Lydia Roos
  • LPCCA Clermont Ferrand, FR: Vincent Breton
  • LNGS Laboratoire National du Gran Sasso, IT: Marcello Messina
  • LSC Laboratorio Subterráneo de Canfranc, SP: Carlos Peña Garay

The foreseen future

The potential Paarl Africa Underground Laboratory (PAUL) will be located within the Huguenot Tunnel, nestled between Paarl and Worcester in South Africa’s Western Cape Province. This state-of-the-art facility, officially launched on January 15th, 2024, during the SSP24 symposium at Du Kloof Lodge, will be situated 1300 meters beneath the Du Toitskloof Mountain, with around 800 meters of rock overhead.

PAUL will advance our understanding of neutrinos and dark matter, bridging nuclear, particle, astroparticle physics, and cosmology. Its unique Southern Hemisphere location offers a valuable comparison to Northern Hemisphere experiments, potentially revealing new insights into dark matter and its effects. By integrating direct detection at PAUL with South Africa’s leading indirect dark matter surveys, such as the SKA and MeerKAT observatories, the project aims to make significant contributions to both fundamental science and technological innovation.

The laboratory’s design includes a surface facility with direct road access and extensive underground spaces protected by 800 meters of rock. This accessibility will support the development of ultra-sensitive detectors and low-radiation techniques, fostering both scientific progress and local industry growth. PAUL is committed to engaging with the local community and adhering to UNESCO’s open science recommendations. The project values social dialogue and aims to involve diverse perspectives in its research and development processes, ensuring that the benefits of this scientific endeavor are shared broadly.

Get in touch

If you are a member of the press or a citizen looking for more information, we would be happy to assist you. Please contact:

  • IRN PAULINE - Fairouz Malek (CNRS and SU) MAIL
  • PAUL project - Shaun Wyngaart (SU) MAIL

Or browse our frequently asked questions:

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