What began as questions, observations and ideas developed into award-winning research as the 2026 Eskom Expo for Young Scientists International Science Fair (ISF) concluded with young scientists receiving top honours and opportunities that could take their work far beyond the exhibition floor.

Held at the Birchwood Hotel and OR Tambo Conference Centre from 29 September to 2 October, the ISF brought together young scientists from across South Africa and abroad to present their research to judges, STEMI professionals and fellow participants.

The 2026 Top Senior Scientist Award, R75,000 cash prize went to Grade 11 learner, Rudra Patel from UJ Academy Maths, Science and ICT School of Specialisation in Gauteng for his project, “Machine Learning Optimisation of Invasive Alien Plant Extracts as Sustainable Biostimulants for Crop Growth.” Patel combined machine learning with laboratory experiments to investigate how different concentrations of Lantana camara extract affect wheat growth. His findings showed that while machine-learning models could identify general concentration-dependent trends, reliable agricultural applications would require further standardised experimental data and analysis.

Meanwhile, the Top Junior Scientist Award, R50,000 cash prize, went to Grade 8 learner Denica Swartz from Eunice High School in the Free State for her project, “Quantitative Evaluation of Lactic Acid as a Treatment for Eutrophic Pond Water.” Swartz investigated lactic acid's potential to control excessive algal growth in eutrophic water. Her research found significant reductions in algal biomass, including a 77.92% decrease in chlorophyll-a under one treatment, while also identifying the ecological limitations associated with increased water acidity.

The Best Development School award, R50,000 cash prize went to Grade 11 learner Tshepisho Vuyo Nkosi from Zacheus Malaza Secondary in Mpumalanga for his project, “Quantitative Heuristic Model for Determining Positional Advantage in the Morabaraba State Space.” Nkosi developed a computationally efficient model to estimate positional advantage and predict outcomes in Morabaraba. Tested across approximately 230 board states, the model demonstrated the potential of computational modelling to analyse and digitally represent indigenous African strategy games.

Their achievements are the result of months of research and ongoing project development, with each stage of the Eskom Expo journey offering opportunities to strengthen their work before presenting it at the ISF.

The Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Eskom Development Foundation, Mologadi Motshele, said: “The achievements we are celebrating at the ISF show what becomes possible when young people are given sustained opportunities to develop their abilities. Through the Eskom Expo, learners are building research, problem-solving and communication skills while gaining a clearer understanding of the opportunities available to them in STEMI. Eskom is proud to support a programme that reaches young people across South Africa and helps strengthen the country’s future skills base. We hope their journeys will encourage many more learners to recognise that their own questions and ideas could be the beginning of something significant.”

The ISF also recognised outstanding research with 25 Gold, 100 Silver and 111 Bronze medals awarded across the Eskom Expo categories. Beyond these honours, selected participants can represent South Africa at international science fairs and competitions, taking their research from the ISF stage to audiences worldwide.

Opportunities are expected to include participation in science fairs and programmes in Taiwan, India, Tunisia, China, the United States of America, Indonesia, Ireland and Türkiye, made possible through the continued support of Eskom and other partners. The selected participants will be announced in the coming months.

The Eskom Expo Executive Director, Parthy Chetty, said: “We congratulate all the winners whose projects demonstrate remarkable talent, creativity and determination. Their achievements reflect what is possible when young scientists are supported by dedicated educators, judges, partners and Eskom. Together, we are creating opportunities for young people to develop their potential and contribute to a future shaped by science and innovation.”

Beyond the medals and awards, participants leave ISF having presented and defended their research, engaged with young scientists from different backgrounds, interacted with universities and industry professionals, explored STEMI career pathways and built networks that can support their future development.

For the young scientists who arrived at the ISF with a research question, the conclusion of the competition marks another beginning, an opportunity to take what they have learned, continue developing their ideas and explore where science may take them next.