Monday, 16 March 2026: Research projects by local young scientists that address real-world challenges in education systems, aviation engineering and artificial intelligence (AI) will be on display at this year’s International Festival of Engineering Science and Technology in Tunisia (I-FEST²).
Organised by the Tunisian Association for the future of Science and Technology, the event will be held from 23 to 29 March 2026 and include young scientists between the ages of 14 and 24. The programme will incorporate various activities and new discoveries, with various trips and excursions to discover the rich Tunisian culture.
The three selected participants, all medal winners at last year’s Eskom Expo for Young Scientists International Science Fair (ISF), include Diya Zacaria, a Grade 11 learner at The High School for Girls Potchefstroom in the Dr Kenneth Kaunda District, North West; Nathan Moolman, a Grade 11 learner from Leeuwenhof Akademie in Johannesburg; and Nicolaas Steenkamp, a Grade 10 learner from Stellenbosch High School in Stellenbosch, Western Cape. The learners will travel under the guidance of delegation leader Anina Nel, Eskom Expo Welkom Regional Science Fair Director.
Zacaria, 16, will exhibit her research project titled “Smart Stepping: A computational algorithm for efficient school movement.” The project was selected for its innovative application of computational modelling to improve school logistics. The Smart Stepping prototype used a mathematical algorithm to analyse timetable data and optimise the sequence of class periods.
Moolman,16, is set to showcase his research project titled “Performance evaluation of a NACA Airfoil with conventional flap versus morphing surface integration.” The project was selected for its strong engineering focus and relevance to sustainable aviation innovation. Aerodynamic simulations compared the performance of a morphing aerofoil with a conventional flapped aerofoil based on the NACA-2415 profile.
Steenkamp, 16, will present his research project titled “Evaluating the impact of reinforcement strategies on learning efficiency and adaptability in Q-learning algorithms.” The project was selected for its clear exploration of reinforcement learning principles through a simplified computational model. A Q-learning agent was developed to play the game Hexapawn and trained using three reinforcement approaches: reward-only, punishment-only and a combined reward-punishment strategy.
Chief Executive Officer of the Eskom Development Foundation (Acting), Ms Mologadi Motshele, said: “As the primary funder of the Eskom Expo for Young Scientists, Eskom takes great pride in seeing these talented young researchers represent South Africa at the I-FEST², which reflects the strength of the country’s emerging scientific talent and the importance of providing platforms where young innovators can share their ideas with the global community. By presenting their research internationally, these learners contribute not only to international scientific dialogue, but also to the development of solutions that can support sustainable growth and technological progress across emerging economies.”
Registration to take part in the Eskom Expo is open. School learners in Grades 4–12 and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges, NC(V) Level 2 to 4 students, can register their research projects by visiting www.exposcience.co.za
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Harry Oppenheimer – Harry Oppenheimer led South Africa’s two biggest companies (De Beers and Anglo America) through their most successful years and created more jobs than any other South African businessman in history. Harry Oppenheimer and his wife Bridget were also keen horse breeders. They bred Horse Chestnut, which is arguably the most exceptional race horse ever bred in South Africa. Chestnut was known for winning races by large margins – he won the J&B Met by over 8 lengths.