SA young scientists selected for global competition at Regeneron ISEF in the USA
Tuesday, 6 May 2025: Eskom Expo for Young Scientists winners are set to represent South Africa at the prestigious Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) with four cutting-edge research projects that reflects the innovation, scientific curiosity, and global competitiveness of the country’s young scientists.
Regeneron ISEF 2025, the world’s largest pre-college science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) competition, will take place from 10 to 16 May in Columbus, Ohio in the USA. This year, ISEF is celebrating its 75th anniversary, and will feature research projects from more than 1,800 learners in Grades 9 to 12 from nearly every state in the USA and more than 60 countries, regions and territories.
Four exceptional young innovators from Johannesburg and Cape Town will be accompanied to Ohio to compete in the competition by Eskom Expo’s Mpumalanga Provincial Coordinator, Innocent Marume. The learners include:
| Learner | Project |
| Ismaail (Miles) Hassen, 17 Greenside High School Grade 11 Johannesburg | Project name: “Design and Evaluation of Walk-Man: A Wearable Assistive Device for Enhanced Navigation in Individuals with Visual Impairment” Project summary: Miles developed an innovative and affordable assistive technology for the visually impaired. It is compact, easy to wear, and performs just as well as much more expensive alternatives. Compared to traditional white canes, Miles’ Walk-Man comes equipped with features like real-time obstacle detection, GPS tracking, and tactile or audio feedback. These features help users navigate their surroundings safely, with confidence, making it a fantastic option for those looking to maintain their independence. |
| Salusiwe Mxayiya, 17 Luhlaza High School Grade 12 Cape Town | Project name: “Investigating the infection rates of Hector’s lantern fish (Lampanyctodes hectoris) by the copepod parasite (Cardiodectes bellotti) and the implications for population dynamics” Project summary: The research offers groundbreaking insights into the population dynamics of marine species impacted by parasitic infection. The findings showed that lantern fish infected by the copepod parasite had significantly lower body mass. Salusiwe has been collaborating with the South African Environmental Observation Network (SAEON) and the Department of Environment, Forestry, and Fisheries (DEFF) to advance her project, which represents the essence of curiosity and environmental stewardship. |
| Naveera Chana, 14 Tesseract Homeschool Grade 9 Johannesburg | Project name: “Design of a Low-Cost in Situ Gas Exchange System for CO2 Assimilation and Photosynthesis Measurements” Project summary: Naveera developed a prototype that measured up to commercial photosynthesis systems. She aimed to make scientific research tools friendly and accessible for students, researchers, and environmentalists everywhere. Naveera’s invention tackles a significant issue in plant sciences: the high cost and limited availability of traditional gas exchange systems. These systems are crucial for studying how plants respond to changes in their environment, but traditional systems are often very expensive and technically challenging to use. |
| Binyameen (Bini) Mohamedy, 18 UJ Metropolitan Academy Grade 12 Gauteng South | Project name: “On a Conjecture on Recursive Prime Generating Functions” Project summary: Bini’s project reinforces the importance of nurturing mathematical curiosity and innovation among youth. His approach simplifies the existing framework by constructing new proofs that rely on more approachable mathematical assumptions. His findings suggest that the sequences indeed yield only prime numbers and that they contain infinitely many distinct primes. |
The Chief Executive Officer of the Eskom Development Foundation (Acting), Ms Mologadi Motshele, said: “The Regeneron ISEF is a highly competitive science fair, renowned for showcasing cutting-edge projects in fields such as artificial intelligence and robotics. The inclusion of South African learners this year highlights the international calibre of local research. Eskom wishes the four participants the very best as they compete against top young scientists from around the world. Our commitment to developing the next generation of scientists and engineers through the Eskom Expo remains steadfast.”
Eskom Expo Academic Director, Dr Krishnie Naidoo, said: “The research done by our four participants is an indication that our youth are indeed responding to the needs of our time: sustainability, environmental concerns, and inclusivity of differently abled persons. Research in theoretical mathematics done by learners while still in high school tells us that there are no limits to what our youth are capable of when given opportunities. Our talented young scientists are an inspiration to our youth and are helping shape the STEM landscape of our country. We wish our young ambassadors well as they compete in the world’s most prestigious science fair.”
Eskom Expo’s District Expo’s are currently underway in all provinces across the country. School learners in Grades 4 to 12 and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) students NC(V) Level 2 to NC(V) Level 4 can register their research projects by visiting www.exposcience.co.za
Download images of the learners here: https://we.tl/t-Dxh42iwTAI
For media queries contact: JeVanne Gibbs at [email protected]
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