Young South African scientists are expected to display their creativity at the upcoming Eskom Expo International Science Fair at the Birchwood Hotel’s OR Tambo Conference Centre.
The Eskom Expo International Science Fair will be taking place between 7 and 9 December at the Birchwood Hotel’s OR Tambo Conference Centre, Ekurhuleni.
As per a press release sent to BusinessTech Africa, the expo will grant a glorious opportunity for South Africa’s top young researchers and innovators to showcase their scientific brilliance at the Eskom Expo for Young Scientists’ premier event.
This eagerly anticipated science fair makes its return following a two-year hiatus owing to the devastating Covid-19 pandemic.
It is announced by the organisers that a total of 253 young scientists from 35 regions in South Africa will battle it out together with 17 international learners from countries such as Brazil, Ghana, Kenya, Lesotho, Mozambique, Turkey, and Zimbabwe.
On behalf of the power utility, Eskom, Group Executive: Government and Regulatory Affairs Nthato Minyuku, said: “Eskom sees the benefit of developing a passion for science, technology, engineering, mathematics and innovation (STEMI) among South Africa’s youth.
“We recognise the desperate need for these scarce skills, and that the Eskom Expo offers a unique opportunity to address some of our country’s most pressing needs by nurturing and growing talent. With the Eskom bursaries that are up for grabs at this year’s ISF, we are actively investing in the youth to address challenges in the future.”
The research conducted by young scientists this year will provide insight into what interests the youth today, what is important to them, and their approach to solving problems.
Based on the release, research areas will include various issues that affect their daily lives, such as sport; their communities, improving the lives of people; issues that affect their schooling among others.
Eskom Development Foundation Chief Executive Officer, Sumaya Nassiep, said as the funder of Eskom Expo, they are excited to see the return of a physical ISF this year.
“The Foundation is proud to promote the participation of rural and township schools, along with young women scientists, which aligns with our strategy of developing previously disadvantaged learners,” she said.
“Our long-term growth plan remains to cultivate a pipeline of scientists, technicians, and engineers that will contribute to the sustainability of the organisation and our country.”
The country’s power generator, Eskom will be sponsoring 27 full-time bursaries for recipients to study Engineering at a South African university of their choice and these will be awarded to the learners provided they meet the required criteria when they receive their matric results.
Furthermore, several organisations have contributed to this year’s prizes, including Eskom, Siemens, Babcock, the Soil Science Society of South Africa, and the South African Institute of Electrical Engineers (SAIEE).
At the same time, higher education institutions that are involved include the University of Pretoria, Wits University, Rhodes University, the Central University of Technology, and Festo, amongst others.
This website has been informed that this year’s Expo increased the number of projects by individuals and groups – growing from 1 329 in 2021 to 4 432 in 2022. A total of 3 465 girls and 2 146 boys participated in the regional expos.
