Students exhibit at Science Expo

The National Commission on Research, Science and Technology (NCRST) in partnership with Nampower, supported five winning learners from the Nampower National Science Fair 2014, to attend the Eskom Expo for Young Scientists International Science Fair 2014 in Boksburg, South Africa.
The winning Namibian team, consisting of Branden van der Colff, Albert Weck, Wilka Johannes, Jesse Witbooi and Craig McNally, will be exhibiting their winning science projects at the Eskom Science Fair until 10 October.
The expo is South Africa’s largest international science fair, providing an annual forum for more than 822 finalists from over 31 regions and 4 countries, including Namibia to showcase their independent research, and compete for prizes.
Eskom Expo brings together the brightest young scientific minds, giving them the opportunity to showcase their talents on a national stage, where judges review and judge their research projects in one of the 25 categories available.
Finalists at the expo not only gain exposure to careers in science, technology, engineering, mathematics and innovation, (STEMI) but also stand a chance of winning laptops, mobile science kits, university bursaries, cash, electronic equipment etc. Some even get the opportunity to participate in prestigious international science fairs.
“The National Commission on Research, Science and Technology aims to develop young scientists who are able to identify a problem, analyse information, find solutions and communicate findings effectively. We therefore felt it the responsibility of the Commission to support these budding scientists to attend this prestigious event, and give them the opportunity to showcase their Namibian winning projects,” said Angelique Philander, Manager: Human and Institutional Development, and Science Promotion at the NCRST.

“The Eskom Expo for Young Scientists is the perfect platform, where our students have a chance to show others their projects about their own scientific investigations. By participating at expo they will increase their awareness of the wonders of science, add to their knowledge and broaden their scientific horizons,” she added.
The expo for Young Scientists is a non-profit organisation dedicated to promoting interest in the fields of science and technology, with the ultimate goal of urging young people into these careers. In addition, the nature of the project results in public awareness of science and technology, an area of increasing importance worldwide and in South Africa and SADC.