The CEO of Eskom Development Foundation, Sumaya Nassiep, said the Eskom Expo for Young Scientists is one of the foundation’s critical programs. The Eskom Expo for Young Scientists was established more than 40 years ago and for the last 22 years, the event has been organised and sponsored by Eskom.
The Expo provides an ideal platform for students interested in science, technology, engineering and mathematics to demonstrate their scientific investigations, inventions and innovative projects.
“We are looking at youth that think out of the box. Youth that are passionate about science, engineering and mathematics. It’s a great platform for them to showcase [their projects] and go against their peers at a district, regional and national level.”
Throughout the year regional expos are held nationwide, where students present their projects at a local level. Students from 35 expo regions are then selected to compete at the Eskom Expo for Young Scientists International Science Fair, where they compete against the best young scientists in the country and the world.
According to the website, the Expo aims “To inspire young scientists and researchers. to develop young scientists who are able to identify a problem, analyse information, find solutions and communicate findings effectively”.
Young South African Scientists Awarded for Their Projects
At this year’s Grand Final in Bali, four young South African scientists were awarded medals in various categories for successfully showcasing their research projects at the Indonesia International Science, Technology and Engineering Competition (ISTEC).
In a quote from their site, Nassiep applauded and congratulated the scientists on their accomplishments in the competition.
“Their exceptional accomplishments at the ISTEC highlight the significance of their contributions in the fields of science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and innovation (STEMI). It also emphasises the importance of the Expo nurturing a strong interest in STEMI among learners.”
Nassiep said science fairs and such competitions work as stepping stones for contestants to gain recognition and further their careers. Each year they are made aware of different entrepreneurs and innovators with new ideas. With that, Eskom wants to take its commitment one step further.
“The science fair is one step. We now need to create startups. We need to look at innovation, look at taking it one step further and invest in our youth. Because very often, these great projects end at winning swats, and that’s it. We don’t fully harness the potential.”
SMread| From Conviction to Culinary Triumph: Ali Maphisa’s story
Life Changing Opportunities
Apart from the students demonstrating deep critical thinking, problem-solving skills and scientific innovation, the Expo offers recognition and a unique opportunity for participants to interact with fellow scientists, researchers and professionals from various fields.
Speaking to Salaamedia, Nassiep recalled the fate of a previous South African winner. Siya Xuza won gold at the Expo for Young Scientists. Later on, the value of his project was recognised by one of the most prestigious universities in the world, Harvard.
“They then gave him a bursary to study engineering at Harvard … NASA [soon] identified him. With his strides and innovation in space exploration, he has not gotten a small planet named after him.”
Nassiep said, like Xuza, she sees many young scientists with the potential and ideas to innovate and follow a similar path of success.
