UKZN Showcases STEM Innovation at National Science Week 2025

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UKZN was on show at South Africa’s National Science Week (NSW) 2025, contributing to an exciting programme of science engagement activities organised by the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI).

The event was hosted at the Anton Lembede Mathematics, Science and Technology (MST) Academy in Durban.

National Science Week is an annual event facilitated by DSTI with the aim being to inspire young minds by bringing science to life and highlighting its relevance in everyday life and future careers.

UKZN’s involvement was co-ordinated through several key initiatives and programmes, including STEC@UKZN, the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) MentHER programme, the National Institute for Theoretical and Computational Sciences (NITheCS), the Centre of Excellence in Mathematical and Statistical Sciences (CoE-MASS), and the cutting-edge HIRAX (Hydrogen Intensity and Real Time Analysis eXperiment) radio astronomy project.

Over the course of the week UKZN mathematicians and statisticians delivered four workshops under the theme: STEM Power: Impact and Innovation with Math, Data and Design, reaching over 600 high school learners. The interactive sessions introduced learners to the foundational role of mathematics and data science in solving real-world problems and designing the technologies of the future.

The workshops were a collaborative effort representing the Institute for Mathematical Sciences and Applications (IMSA), NITheCS, and CoE-MASS, alongside UKZN’s School of Agriculture and Science. Led by Dr Cerene Rathilal, Dr Danielle Roberts, Dr Shavani Naicker, Dr Ranjitha Raviprakash and mathematics honours student Ms Nokwanda Biyase, the team engaged learners in hands-on activities designed to showcase how mathematical thinking powers innovation across sectors. Roberts was on hand to provide input on study and career opportunities in statistics.

Also part of the UKZN delegation was the STEM MentHER programme, a pioneering mentorship initiative driven by Rathilal that empowers young women to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. By providing female role models, support and exposure to research environments to current grade 12 girls, STEM MentHER helps bridge the gender gap in STEM fields.

At Anton Lembede MST Academy, MentHER representatives connected with female learners, encouraging them to envision themselves as future scientists and engineers. The programme also highlighted career pathways and the importance of diversity and inclusion in the sciences.

UKZN’s Science and Technology Education Centre (STEC@UKZN) was another standout contributor to the event, offering engaging ‘busking’ science demonstrations that brought complex scientific principles to life through fun, accessible experiments. The aim of STEC@UKZN is to foster a love for science in learners of all ages and provide opportunities for meaningful science engagement beyond the traditional classroom setting.

The team’s activities, led by Dr Tanja Reinhardt (aka ‘Dr T’) and her dynamic interns - Ms Simphiwe Mkhasibe, Ms Sinothando Mndali, Ms Bolelang Tsolo and Ms Thembelihle Gumede - drew enthusiastic crowds and sparked lively discussions, allowing learners to explore key scientific concepts through direct interaction, inquiry and play. Dr T captivated the audience with an interactive science show featuring fascinating experiments and demonstrations.

One of the most exciting UKZN exhibits was presented by the Hydrogen Intensity and Real-time Analysis eXperiment (HIRAX) team, a large-scale radio astronomy project based at UKZN. HIRAX aims to map the large-scale structure of the universe and investigate dark energy by observing hydrogen gas using an array of radio telescopes located in South Africa.

The HIRAX team, represented by Dr Chandra Vaswar, Dr Liantsoa Janahary, Mr Mickalan Subramoney and Ms Sindhu Gaddam, engaged learners with hands-on models and interactive discussions. Their exhibit allowed students to explore how South Africa is playing a central role in global astronomical research and technological development.

“National Science Week at Anton Lembede was a true celebration of scientific curiosity, learning and outreach,” said STEM MentHER co-ordinator Dr Cerene Rathilal. “UKZN’s contributions highlighted the University’s ongoing commitment to excellence in science education. Events like this are critical in sparking interest and excitement in STEM fields and UKZN is proud to be part of nurturing South Africa’s next generation of scientists, innovators and thought leaders.”

Words: Sally Frost

Photographs: Supplied