Liliana Baptista, a Grade 11 learner at Windhoek Technical High School in Namibia, proudly represented her country on an international stage, earning recognition for her creativity, intellect and passion for science.
The Eskom Expo ISF, held at Emperors Palace in Kempton Park, is South Africa’s premier science and innovation fair, which brought together hundreds of young scientists from across South Africa and around the world to showcase innovative research projects that address real-world problems. The 2025 edition was no exception, hosting learners from several countries, including Namibia, Ireland, and Zimbabwe, India and Lesotho each bringing unique perspectives to global challenges.
For Baptista, a Bronze medal winner, the journey to ISF began with curiosity and ambition. “I’ve always been education-based,” she said. “At first, what drew me to the Eskom Expo were the scholarships and bursaries, but what truly kept me involved was witnessing the thought processes of other young scientists. Seeing how they think, and approach problems was inspiring.”
Her journey started with her school’s science fair, where her enthusiasm and innovative mindset quickly stood out. “From then on, it’s history,” she said.
Outside of school, Baptista is also a writer at heart. “I love writing and expressing myself through poetry and short novels,” she said. Her creativity in storytelling mirrors her approach to science: curious, imaginative, and driven by a desire to make things better. “I’ve always loved exploring the unknown and solving problems no one deems an ‘actual problem.’ I despise the saying ‘if it isn’t broken, don’t fix it.’ I believe in ‘if it isn’t broken, make it better!’”
Among the many highlights of her ISF experience, one memory stood out most vividly: the cultural exchange. “We had a disco night, and that night I experienced the wonder of embracing all the different cultures,” she said. “It brought a sense of unity and pride in our diversity. Experiencing the vastness of South Africa was truly a wonder to behold. I honestly commend the South African government and the companies that support young scientists through sponsorships, bursaries, and scholarships. I hope my country adopts similar initiatives to help develop young innovators,” she said.
For Baptista, participating in the ISF was not only about science; it was about growth, connection, and inspiration. “It felt amazing to be surrounded by so many talented young scientists from different parts of the world,” she said. “It showed me that innovation knows no borders.”
Her message to aspiring young scientists is heartfelt and empowering: “I know it might be scary and overwhelming, but trust me, the end goal is in sight. Your contribution to society and its betterment will shape our future! Ask the questions no one wants to, and let your inquisitive mind create a better tomorrow. Your idea could save and improve lives, so don’t be afraid to start the race. And most importantly, have fun, make friends, and create memories that will last a lifetime!” she said.
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