INDUSTRY NEWS Supporting Expo for Young Scientists is more than just CSI

Supporting the annual Science Expo for Young Scientists is more than spending a few thousand rand from the corporate social investment budget; it is an investment in the development of skills to support the future of South African enterprise.

The Eskom Expo for Young Scientists has been running for over 30 years and has Hendrik Johannes van der Bijl was born on 23 November established itself as the premier exposition 1887 in . He studied physics in where for the South African youth to demonstrate he obtained MA and PhD degrees at the University of their innovation in the fields of science and Leipzig. His thesis proved that an electron carried the technology. It was founded by the late same fundamental charge in ionised liquids as in gases. Dr. Derek Gray in 1980 and it has, since Impressed by his talent and dedication, his supervisor then, provided an opportunity for learners recommended him for the post of assistant in physics from primary school to grade 12, who at the Royal School of Technology at Dresden. At the have an interest in science, technology, beginning of 1912, the 24 year-old Dr. van der Bijl took engineering and mathematics (STEM), to up his new duties. exhibit their projects and to be judged In 1913 the Company in the USA on their skills and enthusiasm for science. employed Dr. van der Bijl to work with the team Expo is committed to the development investigating the De Forest Audion. In later years he wrote of a strong base of educated and skilled Hendrik Johannes van der Bijl “When I joined the Western Electric Company at that time South Africans in the fields of STEM. I was shown an Audion and was told that it was capable of detecting radio waves More than 60 000 learners from schools in and capable of amplifying feeble telephone currents, but that it was not known how 26 regions around the country submitted or why, and that it was to be my task to find that out.” their science projects, exhibiting research, In 1918 he published a paper bringing together his experience in designing and using design, entrepreneurship, innovation and thermionic vacuum tubes as amplifiers. His mathematical analysis of the triode stood inventiveness at the regional Expos, with the test of time and formed the basis for amplifier design until the transistor usurped over a thousand learners participating its position in the 1950s. in the national finals. Learners will have the opportunity to discuss their work with He returned to in 1920, and in 1923 founded the Electricity Supply professional scientists, judges, educators, Commission (Escom – now Eskom). He subsequently set his sights on the steel industry learners from other schools, parents and established the South African Steel and Iron Corporation (Iscor). as well as other interested community members. Not only will learners increase their awareness of the wonders of science but participation in the Expo will broaden their knowledge and scientific horizons. "One thing that Africa is not short of is incredibly innovative human talent. Eskom is committed to ensuring that the African Renaissance is realised," says Dr. Steve Lennon, divisional executive corporate services, and champion of the Eskom Expo for Young Scientists. The judging criteria are based on the scientific work and effort that goes into the project, the initiative displayed and the scientific method followed by the learner, Dr. Steve Lennon Stafford Smithies Chris Yelland coupled with the quality of the findings and the scientific and technical skills that the learner develops. Gold, silver and bronze of previously disadvantaged schools and the Kelvin Awards have been renamed medals are awarded at the regional and recommending measures for remediation. the "Hendrik van der Bijl Awards", in national finals. A number special awards recognition of his contribution to science To stimulate the direct involvement of also recognise outstanding projects and engineering on many fronts. and selected learners are offered the sponsors in Expo awards, Dr. Stafford opportunity to participate in international Smithies, encouraged and supported Last year local and international sponsors science fairs. by Chris Yelland, MD of EE Publishers, contributed R44 000, an amount that the introduced the Kelvin Awards at the national Hendrik van de Bijl Awards organisers would Ndzalama Mayimele and Pulane Thipe finals of Expo after the Faraday Awards, like to see increased substantially this year. from Welkom won an EE Publishers prize originally sponsored by the London-based The Hendrik van de Bijl Awards are an easy for a project from a rural or township Institution of Engineering and Technology way for sponsors – either individual or school with their analysis of where the from 2001, were discontinued in 2009. To education system was wanting in terms enhance the South African connection, Continued on page 12 ...

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... continued from page 11. corporate – to become involved and invest of donor organisations are reflected on To simplify the handling of award funds, EE in the youth who, at a young age, have award certificates with special focus Publishers administers the financial aspects shown an interest in the world of science. awards bearing the name of the donor. of the awards programme free-of-charge The Hendrik van de Bijl Award judges are The Hendrik van de Bijl Awards are broad- and, in addition, provides two special drawn from donors and donor organisations based, with awards available for all aspects awards for the best entries from township so that each may not only be involved in of science, technology, engineering and rural schools. the judging process but also have their mathematics and innovation exhibited The Hendrik van der Bijl Awards organisers special areas of interest covered. Logos at the expo. invite companies and individuals to invest in our youth by sponsoring awards for the 2013 Expo for Young Scientists national finals to be held from 25 – 28 September 2013 at the Birchwood Hotel in Boksburg. Please help inspire our young scientists to strive for greater things and to consider adopting careers in STEM by joining the growing group of sponsors.

Endow the future of your company and South Africa by investing in our youth! The 2013 Awards programme needs to be finalised by mid-August 2013 so please pick up the phone and make your commitment.

Contact Stafford Smithies, Ndzalama Mayimele and Pulane Thipe with Tel 082 785-0195, their analysis and recommendation. [email protected]

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