Eskom Expo for Young Scientists

Starting tomorrow, we will begin announcing the brightest young minds set to compete at the prestigious Eskom Expo International Science Fair (ISF), taking place at the Convention Centre at Emperors Palace in Kempton Park from 23 to 27 September 2024. Stay tuned for regional announcements! (Images from past ISF events).

This Week In Science (25 - 31 August) 🧪
Plastic that breaks down at breakneck speeds, electron imagery in a quintillionth of a second, a protein that stops DNA damage, and much more!

Full articles 📖
Cancer vaccine: https://bit.ly/3Xb6Zc7
Attosecond imaging: https://bit.ly/4e59wLw
Living plastic: https://bit.ly/3Xpu1xf
Quantum internet: https://bit.ly/3XoAIzx
Socioeconomics & grandkids: https://bit.ly/3Xs9x77
Space news: https://bit.ly/3AGA9Z6 & https://bit.ly/3X83fIr

"Nothing in life is to be feared; it is only to be understood." - Marie Curie

Understanding is the antidote to fear.

This is because fear arises from a lack of understanding, and by seeking knowledge and comprehension, we can reduce our fears — whether they are about natural phenomena, technological advancements, or societal changes.

This perspective is particularly relevant in today's world, where rapid advancements and complex global challenges can create a sense of uncertainty.

The quote serves as a reminder that understanding is the antidote to fear, and that through education and exploration, we can build a more confident and informed society.

This Day in Science History - - -

(September 01 - α & β Particles Named)

in 1898, in a paper, coined the terms alpha and beta “for two distinct types of radiation, one that is very readily absorbed, which will be termed for convenience the #α radiation, and the other of a more penetrative character, which will be termed the #β radiation.”

His paper, Uranium Radiation and the Electrical Conduction Produced by It, gave tables of the amount of radiation that passed through successive layers of metal leaf (or foil). He measured it using the rate at which charge leaked off a plate due to the ionizing influence of the radiation that reached it, as detected by the needle of an electrometer connected to it. He also compared the radiation emitted by different uranium compounds; and transparency to the radiation of different filter substances.

Note - Few sources say, Rutherford coined the term alpha ray and beta ray in 1899.

Follow us on Instagram here, https://www.instagram.com/cosmological_astrophysics

Creston College is proud to share its remarkable achievements in recent events and competitions.

Learners shone brightly at the Eskom Expo for Young Scientists KZN South Regional Science Fair recently. Congratulations to Lunje Mntonga, who earned a silver medal for the best project in her category (Western vs herbal acne treatment); Preason Cejay Naidoo and Arnaav Luckraj, who received a silver medal for their renewable energy project; Lwandile Bhengu, who was awarded a bronze medal for his nose blindness project; Aidan Di-Sante, who also secured a bronze medal for his fish tank and plant growth project. Read more: https://tinyurl.com/mt9eetz

Samiya Waza ✨️

Eskom Expo, Inspiring Young Scientists ✨️

**August 2024 Highlights at Eskom Expo for Young Scientists**
August was an exciting month at the Eskom Expo for Young Scientists, with Regional Science Fairs held across South Africa. These fairs provided a platform for young scientists to showcase their skills and innovations. The events were a great success, with many talented young minds being recognised and rewarded by our generous sponsors. Prizes included bursaries, laptops, tablet computers, Bluetooth wireless speakers, educational tour vouchers, educational materials, scientific learning kits, trophies, certificates, and even cash prizes!

**Looking Ahead to September 2024**
Next month, we are thrilled to host the Eskom Expo International Science Fair (ISF) 2024, taking place at the Convention Centre at Emperors Palace in Kempton Park from 23 to 27 September 2024. This prestigious event will feature the country’s top young scientists, who have demonstrated outstanding talent and passion for science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and innovation (STEMI). Announcements of the participants from each region will begin on Monday, 2 September 2024. Stay tuned for updates and more information by visiting our website: www.exposcience.co.za

"Education is not the learning of facts, but the training of the mind to think."
-- Albert Einstein

Einstein believed true education should spark creativity, problem-solving, and a deeper understanding of the world.

It’s not just about what you know, but how you think.

In this respect, education shouldn't be about learning information and facts. Instead, it should be about learning how to question, explore, and analyze the world around us.

Listen to one of our major sponsors, Professor Jeremy Simpson, Dean of Science at the University College Dublin, talk about judging at Cape Town Expo 2024 and about the benefits of studying a science-based degree. Thank you Jeremy and UCD for all the prizes that you sponsored.
https://omny.fm/shows/afternoons-with-pippa-hudson/family-matters-dublin-science-professor-to-judge-e

Eskom Expo, Inspiring Young Scientists ✨️

Some of the sharpest science minds in Makhanda put their creative thinking on show at the regional finals of the Eskom Expo for Young Scientists recently. Primary and secondary schools from Whittlesea and Komani to Port Alfred and Alexandria competed with the best that Makhanda has to offer.

Eskom Expo Regional Science Fair Director, Nadia Czeredrecki-Schmidt said, “The 40th Grahamstown Regional Eskom Expo for Young Scientists was a great success, and the quality of projects has seen an improvement over the years due to the strong partnerships built with our wider education community and higher education institutions”. Read more: https://tinyurl.com/5exsbzex

Meet Dr. Sian Proctor, a true trailblazer in space! 🚀🌌 In 2021, Dr. Proctor shattered barriers as part of Inspiration4, the world’s first all-civilian mission to orbit. At 51, she made history as the first Black commercial astronaut and the first Black woman to pilot a spacecraft! 🌟👩🏽‍🚀 Her journey isn’t just about reaching the stars—it’s about inspiring us all to aim higher and dream bigger. Keep reaching for the cosmos! ✨🌠

Apply for a PhD scholarship in science, technology and innovation policy

The National Advisory Council on Innovation, through the National Research Foundation (NRF), is offering two scholarships to full-time PhD candidates in science, technology and innovation policy for the 2025 academic year.

The scholarships will cover the full cost of study, including annual tuition fees, an accommodation allowance (university-owned or privately rented accommodation), and transport and food allowances.

Applicants must meet the following requirements:
• They must be full-time students who are registered, or intend to register, for a PhD at any South African public university in 2025.
• They must be South African citizens or have permanent resident status.
• They must hold a relevant master's qualification from a university in South Africa or abroad. If the latter, the master's must be recognised by the South African Qualifications Authority.
• They must have achieved a minimum of 65% at master's level.
• They must be 32 years old or younger in the year of application.
• They must be able to work independently and as part of a team.
• They may not be in full-time employment while they are studying.

To apply, please send a CV of no more than five pages to Prof. Anastassios Pouris at [email protected] by 16 September 2024. The CV should include a proposed PhD topic or area of interest.

Shortlisted candidates will be linked to the NRF Connect system ( https://nrfconnect.nrf.ac.za ) to submit an application for funding. They will receive an NRF application reference number and their application will be sent to their chosen university for screening and review. If the university recommends an application for funding, the NRF will continue with the process.

For more information, visit the NRF's "Call for proposals for funding" page at https://www.nrf.ac.za/nrf-call-for-proposals-for-funding-in-2024-and-2025/ .

Raisethorpe Secondary pupils shine at Eskom Expo KZN Central Regional Science Fair: The event featured 236 young science pupils presenting 189 research projects, which were judged by 107 evaluators. Read more: https://tinyurl.com/26zwere4 via The Witness Eskom Expo for Young Scientists: KZN Central

🚀 Hydrogen Ideathon🚀

📅Date: 30 - 31 August 2024
📍 Venue: i-GYM, CUT
🎯 Target: CUT Students

Get ready to innovate and explore the future of hydrogen! More details are on the advert poster.

Did you know NASA has podcasts? 🎧

NASA’s diverse podcast portfolio lets you experience the thrill of space exploration without ever leaving Earth. Tune in with students in your classroom or listen & learn while on the go!

https://www.nasa.gov/podcasts/

Eskom Expo for Young Scientists celebrates National Arbor Week (29 August - 4 September) by highlighting the vital role trees play in our environment. This week serves as a reminder of the importance of planting and caring for trees to ensure a healthier, greener planet for future generations.

Trees are not just a beautiful part of our landscape, they are crucial to maintaining the balance of our ecosystems. They provide oxygen, improve air quality, conserve water, preserve soil, and support wildlife. As young scientists, let’s continue to explore innovative ways to protect and conserve our natural resources.

Congratulations to the Eskom Expo Gauteng North Regional Science Fair award winners 👏🏽👏🏽🎉🎉🏆🏆

Attention all teachers and students! Want to encourage a love for science and innovation in your school in 2024? Use the comprehensive guidebook provided by Eskom Expo to start a science club and inspire the next generation of scientists and inventors. Get started today! Download our guide here: https://bit.ly/3RDvydO (more resources available using the link in our bio)

Highlights of the Eskom Expo Welkom Region Regional Science Fair 2024 🔭🔬⚗️🧬🔥

Highlights of the Eskom Expo Bloemfontein Regional Science Fair 2024 🔭🔬⚗️🧬🔥

Highlights of the Eskom Expo For Young Scientists Bethlehem Region Regional Science Fair 2024 🔭🔬⚗️🧬🔥