Armscor ballistics researcher, Gail Ndlovu, based at the organisation’s Flamengro division, has received the prestigious Jack Riegel Student Award for her research into advanced composite materials for hybrid rocket fuel grains.
Ndlovu received the international recognition at the 35th International Symposium on Ballistics, held in Cape Town, South Africa, from 25 to 30 October, 2026. Her award-winning research paper, titled ‘Thermogravimetric Screening of Nanometal-Doped ABS/Graphene Composites Toward Optimised Hybrid Rocket Fuel Grains’, was recognised on 28 October 2026.
According to an Armscor media release, the award highlights the quality of Ndlovu’s scientific research and its contribution to advancing knowledge in ballistics, innovative materials development and South African defence technology.
The Jack Riegel Student Award, presented by the International Ballistics Society, recognises promising student researchers and supports their participation in the International Symposium on Ballistics. The award promotes scientific excellence, encourages knowledge-sharing and facilitates engagement between emerging researchers and established experts in the international ballistics community.
Ndlovu acknowledged Armscor’s investment in her academic and professional development, highlighting the opportunities the organisation has provided to translate industry experience into scientific research.
“Armscor has been instrumental in my journey, having supported my studies from undergraduate level through to my master’s and PhD, while also providing me with invaluable industry experience at Flamengro. My research was inspired by the work we do, where I identified an opportunity to build on an existing project and explore further possibilities. My aspiration is to apply the knowledge and expertise I have gained to strengthen Armscor’s research capabilities and contribute to advancing South Africa’s defence technologies,” said Ndlovu.
Her achievement marks a significant milestone for South African scientific research. Ndlovu becomes the second South African and third African recipient of the Jack Riegel Student Award, following a female researcher from the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) in 2019 and a Tunisian researcher in 2022.
Ndlovu’s international recognition highlights the importance of sustained investment in ballistics research, skills development and scientific talent. It also demonstrates the value of enabling young researchers to translate academic knowledge into practical solutions that address South Africa’s defence and technological requirements.
Looking ahead, Ndlovu hopes to encourage greater participation by young South Africans in scientific research, stronger collaboration among researchers and continued investment in locally developed defence technologies.
“I would like to inspire more young South Africans to pursue research that advances our local defence technologies. I hope to see stronger collaboration among researchers, increased investment in local innovation and more rocket launches taking place in South Africa. My research is a small contribution towards achieving this vision, and I welcome opportunities to mentor and collaborate with others in advancing this field,” she added.
Her achievement further reinforces Armscor’s role in developing South Africa’s scientific expertise, supporting innovation and strengthening the country’s long-term defence research and technology capabilities.
Reflecting on this milestone, Armscor CEO, Advocate Solomzi Mbada, emphasised the importance of research and development in sustaining South Africa’s defence industry.
“At Armscor, we recognise that our greatest strategic asset is the knowledge, expertise and innovative potential of our people. Ndlovu’s achievement demonstrates what can be accomplished when academic excellence is supported by meaningful industry exposure and sustained investment in research and development. Her international recognition is a source of pride for Armscor and South Africa, and reinforces our commitment to nurturing the next generation of scientists and researchers who will contribute to advancing our national defence capabilities,” he concluded.
