Young scientist invited to Nobel science seminar in Sweden

News & events

First Quarter 2024 News & events

Crawford student, Brandon de Greef embarked on an extraordinary journey last December, with a once in a lifetime opportunity to participate in the Stockholm International Youth Science Seminar during Nobel Week. De Greef was honoured with the prestigious University of Pretoria/Professor Derek Gray Memorial Award at the 2022 Eskom Expo International Science Fair, where he won the opportunity following a successful showcase of his ground-breaking research project titled ‘Powdered Insulators for High-Voltage Applications’. The project earned him the Derek Gray Gold Medal and a three-year bursary at the University of Pretoria.

“My research project involved finding if a powder-only insulator would be a possible substitute for high-voltage electrical insulators. This powder would be far easier to remove, repair and maintain than conventional oils and gases – which are toxic to humans and the environment, and are also very expensive. Systems are also hard to repair because they are messy and need to be completely replaced. The powdered insulator would be far cheaper and better for the environment,” said De Greef.

He took part in this year’s Eskom Expo International Science Fair in October with another research project titled ‘Solar Optimisation for Personal PV Systems’, for which he was awarded a gold medal.

The science seminar in Stockholm is an extraordinary blend of science and cultural programming. The event features individuals selected from international science fairs and premier universities recognised for their remarkable research undertakings. The unique programme unites young minds from diverse global backgrounds, fostering a shared passion for science. Its goal is to inspire youth to pursue scientific endeavours while championing international understanding and friendship.

Professor Walter Meyer at the University of Pretoria physics department said: “Brandon impressed the judges with his careful experimental design, his ability to learn from his mistakes to improve his designs, and his meticulous attention to detail. This is a unique experience and I am delighted that Brandon could represent South Africa at this prestigious event.”

Eskom Expo executive director, Parthy Chetty said: “Brandon was the only learner invited from Africa to attend this prestigious event. It was a life-changing event for him and he was able to meet current Nobel winners and Nobel Laureates. With ongoing support from Eskom, the Eskom Expo continues to produce future scientists for South Africa, who bring new hope for our future.”

For more information contact JeVanne Gibbs, Eskom Expo for Young Scientists, +27 76 674 1455, [email protected], www.exposcience.co.za

Share this article:

Reflecting 30 years of growth
WEG Africa Editor's Choice News & events
Starting out in 1994 to serve the metropolitan area with a range of low-voltage electric motors, WEG Africa’s Cape Town branch has grown. Testament to this is the fact that it has again outgrown its premises, and last year relocated to larger, well-equipped facilities in Richmond Business Park.

Read more...

SKF seizes more counterfeit products
SKF South Africa News & events
As a part of its ongoing initiative to ensure the supply of genuine and reliable products to its customers, SKF announced the recent seizure of a sizable number of products marked SKF from five counterfeit sellers in the main Nigerian bearing markets of Kano, Kaduna and Lagos. These traders were non-authorised traders of SKF products.

Read more...

Local robotics team’s journey to the world stage
News & events
In the heart of Cape Town, a group of young visionaries aged 12 to 17 is making waves in the world of robotics. Known as Texpand, this team from Pinelands has not only dominated the First Tech Challenge (FTC) in South Africa, but has also earned international acclaim for its innovative approach to engineering and problem solving.

Read more...

Hytec Fluid Technology reopens oil analysis laboratory
Bosch Rexroth Africa News & events
Due to the increase in demand, Hytec Fluid Technology has reopened its oil analysis laboratory in Kempton Park with a bolstered service offering. The state-of-the-art laboratory caters to a range of industries where the reliability and performance of hydraulic fluids, glycols and related substances are crucial for manufacturing and industrial facilities, power generation plants, and chemical processing plants.

Read more...

Rich rewards result from investing in WearCheck’s training
News & events
A priority for condition monitoring specialist, WearCheck, is to ensure that customers whose maintenance staff undergo technical skills training earn significant returns from their investment into the training. Maintenance crew members can choose from more than 15 courses that are conducted by WearCheck’s experts in various categories of condition monitoring.

Read more...

Appointments
News & events
Appointments

Read more...

BMG’s machine tools on show at Machine Tools Africa
Bearing Man Group T/A BMG News & events
BMG will be participating at the Machine Tools Africa exhibition. Its stand will showcase the company’s comprehensive range of quality branded tools and equipment, which has been carefully selected by specialists, to meet the exact requirements of customers in diverse sectors.

Read more...

Machine Tools Africa exhibition
News & events
Africa’s biggest machine tools exhibition is taking place from 21-24 May 2024 at the Johannesburg Expo Centre in Nasrec.

Read more...

WEG partners with Panaco in the DRC
WEG Africa Editor's Choice News & events
The strengthened presence of WEG in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), through its strategic alliance with ts value-added reseller (VAR) Panaco, has proved to be highly successful.

Read more...

Categories

News & events

Young scientist invited to Nobel science seminar in Sweden

Further reading:

Publications by Technews