MAKHANDA, Eastern Cape – An Eastern Cape young scientist has earned international recognition after winning gold in the Chemistry category at the International Mathematics, Science and Engineering Fair (IMSEF).

The competition was held in Izmir, Turkey, from 1 to 6 June.

Joshua Danilatos, a Grade 11 learner from Graeme College in Makhanda, was among three South African learners selected to participate in the prestigious international event.

The delegation also included Connor Kinnes, a Grade 11 learner from Elkanah House High School in Cape Town and Rorisang Mohau Mohlobuli, a Grade 9 learner from Hoërskool Bloemfontein in the Free State.

The team was led by Palesa Selepe, Eskom Expo Ekurhuleni Regional Science Fair Director.

Danilatos (18) received first place and a gold medal in the Chemistry category for his project, “Catch-and-Release in a Warming Climate: Effects on Reflex Impairment and Stress in Rhabdosargus holubi”.

His research investigated the impact of rising water temperatures on the physiological stress and reflex impairment experienced by Cape stumpnose fish following catch-and-release events, providing insights for fisheries conservation and management in a warming climate.

Reflecting on his achievement, Danilatos said the recognition made the hard work worthwhile.

“Winning felt really great. I also felt really lucky and privileged to be able to experience it. It made all the hard work and long hours invested in the project worth it,” he said.

He described visiting the ancient city of Ephesus, believed to be the home of the Apostle John and the Virgin Mary, as a highlight of his trip to Turkey and valued the opportunity to connect with fellow participants from around the world.

“I tasted many different cultural foods. I also enjoyed seeing the various countries’ traditional dances and how they are all unique and different.”

His advice to future participants was to pursue projects that genuinely interest them.

“Just follow your passion and always work hard. If you are investigating a topic that interests you, it will be a lot easier and more enjoyable and won’t even feel like work. Always believe in yourself and your project and make the entire experience an enjoyable one.”

South Africa’s other representatives also achieved outstanding results.

Kinnes (17) received first place and a gold medal in the Engineering category and was awarded best project in Engineering for his project, “Project Pathfinder: Design and Optimisation of a Static Test Rocket Motor”.

Mohlobuli (15) received second place and a silver medal in the Mathematics category for his project, “Quantifying Goldbach: An Analysis of Prime Pairs”, which explored mathematical modelling related to Goldbach’s Conjecture.

Parthy Chetty, executive director of Eskom Expo for Young Scientists NPO, said the learners’ outstanding achievements at IMSEF show what sustained investment in STEM education and youth development can deliver.

“Their success highlights the exceptional talent in South African schools and underlines the value of national platforms like the Eskom Expo, where young people can pursue scientific inquiry and present their ideas on the global stage.”

Eskom Expo’s district expos 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 2–4 can register their research projects by visiting www.exposcience.co.za

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