Learners from across South Africa stepped into the shoes of scientists at the Tritech National Science and Technology Fair, hosted at the Merensky School in Tzaneen, Limpopo. The event, held from 19 to 20 September 2025, once again enjoyed the proud support of the University of the Free State (UFS) through its Centre for Mineral Biogeochemistry (CMBG), which helped bring this year’s theme – Tritech 25: Pandemic – to life.
Now in its 17th year, Tritech has become a hallmark of South African science education, offering Grade 7 to Grade 12 learners a platform to showcase their creativity, critical thinking, and passion for discovery. Presented in collaboration with the One Health Research Unit in the Department of Microbiology and Biochemistry at the UFS, the 2025 edition invited participants to imagine themselves at the front line of a scientific crisis – tasked with saving the world through science.
Immersive science in action
This year’s programme featured yet another special UFS-coordinated challenge, simulating the development of a vaccine in response to an outbreak of an unknown bacterium. Learners, guided by UFS staff dressed in protective hazmat suits, conducted a series of structured experiments that mirrored the real-world stages of vaccine research. The challenge emphasised teamwork, problem-solving, and practical laboratory skills, demonstrating the real-world application of science in crisis situations.
“The ‘Pandemic’ theme really resonated with the learners, who showed remarkable ingenuity in approaching the challenges,” said Dr Mariana Erasmus, acting Director of the CMBG and Tritech EXCO member. “We wanted to give them a taste of what science looks like when applied to urgent global problems, and they rose to the occasion with passion and creativity.”
The challenge concluded with a dramatic demonstration, in which the fictional scientist responsible for the bacterial outbreak was ‘apprehended’, bringing the scientific storyline full circle and leaving learners inspired and entertained. The top-performing learners received a UFS-branded laboratory coat, a symbolic award representing both recognition of achievement and encouragement to pursue a future in science.
From the lab to the screen
Adding to the excitement, Storytown Productions has continued filming for the upcoming television series IdeeMakers, set to air on kykNET in March 2026. Building on the pilot filmed during the 2024 fair, the series captures the innovation, energy, and enthusiasm of young scientists as they tackle challenges like those at Tritech. The show aims to inspire learners nationwide by showing that creativity and curiosity can lead to real-world scientific impact.
The CMBG also confirmed its continued sponsorship to help transform Tritech into a televised platform for youth innovation, ensuring that the brilliance of young scientists reaches audiences far beyond the competition halls.
Inspiring the next generation
As with every Tritech fair, the CMBG and its partners brought a suite of interactive STEM activities designed to ignite curiosity and inspire future innovators. Through these experiences, learners discovered the excitement of scientific discovery while gaining a deeper understanding of the role science plays in addressing global challenges.
“This partnership continues to open doors for young scientists across South Africa,” added Dr Erasmus. “By combining education, fun, and real-world relevance, we create an environment where learners can see the impact of science on their lives and the world around them.”
A celebration of innovation
The fair concluded with recognition for outstanding projects and experiments that exemplified creativity, perseverance, and scientific excellence. More than just a competition, Tritech 2025 stood as a celebration of knowledge, innovation, and collaboration, reaffirming the power of science to inspire, connect, and transform the future.
The University of the Free State, together with its partners, remains committed to fostering the next generation of scientists, ensuring that platforms like Tritech continue to inspire South Africa’s youth to dream, discover, and make a difference.