Year born: 1992
Research Areas: Astronomy for Mental Health, Experimental Physics, Particle Physics, Material Science
"Although I can’t precisely outline how, I encourage you to dare to dream big and pursue those dreams with unwavering determination. Believe in yourself and take the leap!"
Source: Women's Month 2023: Dr Joyful Elma Mdhluli
Early Life
Joyful Mdhluli grew up in Mpumalanga, South Africa. She is proud to be the first person in her family to attend university. Joyful earned her Bachelor's, Master's and PhD degrees from the University of Witwatersrand.
At first, she wasn't sure if she wanted to become a physicist. But, during her Master's studies, she realised that a career in physics would help her reach her full potential.
Career Highlights
Joyful began her PhD in 2017, working on materials to use in particle detectors. Sadly, she struggled to keep on track when the COVID-19 pandemic hit in 2020. Pandemic restrictions slowed down her experiment, and she felt that she had to quit her project. Joyful felt as if her career was at rock bottom, and her mental health suffered during this time. Thankfully, she switched her PhD topic to particle physics. She worked at CERN in Switzerland.
After earning her PhD in 2023, she changed her topic again to focus on astronomy. At the moment, she works in the Office of Astronomy for Development (OAD). She works on using astronomy to improve the mental health of people in need, including PhD students. She also looks at how we can use astronomy to raise money for local areas.
She is on the Black Women in Science committee, which makes sure that black women are included in STEM. She is also the secretary of the Women in Physics in South Africa committee, encouraging women to go into physics
Legacy
In 2025, Joyful and her team at CERN won the 2025 Breakthrough Prize in Fundamental Physics. Beyond her achievements in physics, Joyful has also used her success to help others in need.
Her difficult experiences inspire her to try to improve mental health in physics and astronomy. She works to find ways to help those who struggle like she did. She also empowers young people, particularly black women, to consider careers in science.
Other Interests
Outside of physics, Joyful loves to travel around the world. She is passionate about teaching and mentorship - she tutors high school students in physics and maths. She helps with outreach programmes, including the Eskom Expo for Young Scientists and the Nka'thuto Edu Propeller Expo. This allows her to inspire young people in South Africa about the joys of science.