Tanzania will tomorrow host the inaugural Young Scientists Tanzania (YST) Exhibition and Award ceremony in the nation’s capital Dar Es Salaam, focused on enabling students to apply scientific knowledge in coming up with solutions relevant to the country.
Over 300 students and 100 instructors are expected to attend.
The country’s Prime Minister Mizengo Pinda will also be in attendance. Dr. Kamugisha Gosiberth, YST director, last week said: “The project provides a platform for young secondary school students to come together and investigate theories, discover new technologies and advance current knowledge through fun research and innovation.”
The shortlisted students will get the opportunity to showcase their scientific research projects before a panel of judges from universities and technical colleges. The judges will decide on the 25 students with the best projects.
“The winners of the project will range from the Behaviour and Social Sciences Research Category, Biological and Ecological Sciences, Chemical, Physical and Mathematical Sciences and the Technology Category,” Dr. Gosiberth added.
The overall winners will receive a cash prize, laptops, a learning facility of 15 computers for their school and an all-expense-paid trip to Ireland to attend European Young Scientist Exhibition.
Runners-up will win trophies, some cash prizes, and a learning facility of 15 computers for their school.
“YST’s object is to popularise science through an attractive annual exhibition and competition that schools and students can participate in. Students received mentoring and practical advice on research methodology after being spotted through their applied project ideas,” Dr. Gosiberth concluded.
Launched last year in November by Tanzania’s minister for communication, science and technology Prof. Makame Mbarawa, YST is a nationwide science and technology event that is providing a platform for young people from across Tanzania to showcase their scientific talents. It is in addition aimed at enabling Tanzania to keep with the goal of encouraging scientific education.
