Karabo Mpuru and Yu-Yao Chen proudly display their awards at the Taiwan International Science Fair, celebrating their innovative research projects.
Image: Supplied
In a remarkable display of talent and innovation, two exceptional young scientists from South Africa have received international recognition for their groundbreaking research at the Taiwan International Science Fair (TISF).
The event, held from 31 January to 7 February 2026 at the National Taiwan Science Education Center in Taipei, saw the participation of over 667 learners and educators from 32 countries, highlighting a global celebration of scientific inquiry and achievement.
Karabo Mpuru, a standout former learner from Northern Academy in Polokwane, and Yu-Yao Chen, a Grade 11 student at Curro Durbanville High School in Cape Town, both earned third prizes, equivalently regarded as bronze medals in South Africa, for their innovative individual projects.
Mpuru’s project, titled “Finding the Constant Difference in an Arithmetic Sequence,” reflects her keen mathematical insight and dedication to research.
Upon accepting her award, she expressed her excitement, stating, “It’s a reminder of the hard work I put in. I loved the entire trip to Taiwan, especially Culture Night. It was exciting to receive candies and dance to music from different countries. My favourite performance was from Japan, because I was able to join in and dance along. It was also wonderful to visit the many temples and experience making and drinking the traditional tea of the Hakka people.”
Her enthusiasm for cultural exchange underscored the fair's broader mission of fostering global connections.
Meanwhile, Chen presented her cutting-edge research project, “Using Macroalgae-Infused Bioink to Improve Oxygen Delivery in 3D-Bioprinted Wound Scaffolds,” which marries science and healthcare in a compelling way. “It felt incredibly rewarding to be recognised at the fair,” Chen remarked.
“Being acknowledged on an international stage makes all the hard work feel worthwhile, and it’s encouraging to know that my research was taken seriously. I want to encourage my peers to keep pushing forward and not be afraid to aim high. Opportunities like travelling overseas and meeting people from different countries are rare and unforgettable, and they make all the effort truly worth it.”
The South African duo's success at the TISF is part of an ongoing commitment to showcase local talent. Every year, South Africa is represented at this prestigious fair through the Eskom Expo for Young Scientists, facilitating a platform for young researchers to engage with their peers globally, enabling them to present their findings while promoting cultural understanding and educational exchange.
Participants also had the chance to explore Taiwan's rich cultural heritage, with visits to iconic landmarks like Taipei 101, the historic Dadaocheng district, and the National Palace Museum.
Applauding the achievements of these young scientists, Eskom Expo Executive Director Parthy Chetty stated, “We are extremely proud of Karabo and Yu-Yao, whose creativity, rigorous research, and determination showcased South Africa’s talent on the global stage. We applaud their mentors, families, and schools for nurturing curiosity and excellence. These achievements demonstrate that with the correct support and opportunity, young people in South Africa can solve real-world problems. I encourage all schools, communities, and policymakers to invest in STEM education and mentorship so more learners can pursue scientific discovery.”
Saturday Star