Empower the Careers of 10 Young African Scientists

As plans for the 67^th London International Youth Science Forum take shape, we have been truly inspired by the feedback received from our 2025 YoSA scholarship students about their experiences at the Forum this summer.

This year we supported a total of seven students, five with full scholarships (from Kenya, Ethiopia, Cameroon, Rwanda and Tanzania) and two with partial scholarships (from Kenya and Tanzania). Each of our scholarship students is required to submit a 1500 word report and commit to delivering a presentation to their peers at school, college or university about what they learnt. Here are some of their reflections:

The opening ceremony of LIYSF was magical, and standing as a flag bearer for Rwanda in my traditional attire filled me with pride. Speeches from our Royal Patron and Dr. Sir Macmillan David reminded us that science is a universal language and that education is our passport to the world. Alexa, Rwanda

Throughout the forum, I was exposed to an incredible range of disciplines, from fusion energy and autonomous vehicles to public health and space exploration. One of the most special aspects of LIYSF is that this exposure comes directly from scientists at the forefront of their fields, personally involved in pushing the boundaries of human knowledge. Kiarie, Kenya

 One of the best moments of the forum was the Science Bazaar, where over 200 students presented their research or projects. I presented Food for Needy, a project that redistributes safe surplus food to underserved communities, and GreenCycle. My presentation was selected among the top 13 from all participants, and I presented in front of the entire forum, more than 420 students and officials! Students from across the world approached me to congratulate and appreciate my work. This opportunity exposed me to different collaborations and novel ideas as more and more people became aware of my work. Prisha, Tanzania

The program was centered around science, with the theme “Stand Up for Science.” Initially, it sounded like just a phrase, but as the days went on, I understood its meaning more. Standing up for science is not just about learning theories or performing experiments; it is about valuing research, thinking critically, and recognizing science as a tool that connects people. Seeing this theme reflected in the program inspired me to consider science as a responsibility and a way to contribute to solutions for global challenges. Yordanos, Ethiopia

Links:

• Young Scientists for Africa
• London International Youth Science Forum

The 66th London International Youth Science Forum (LIYSF) took place between 25^th July and 6^th August 2025. Our royal patron HRH The Princess Royal attended our opening ceremony where the keynote address was delivered by Nobel Prize Winner Professor Sir David MacMillan.

We offered seven scholarships for African students to attend the Forum in person. Of these Noel and Kiarie attended from Kenya, Minko attended from Cameroon, Yordanos attended from Ethiopia, Alexa attended from Rwanda and Yuri and Prisha attended from Tanzania. Minko and Yordanos were the first students to represent their respective countries at LIYSF and we were thrilled to see two new African flags at the opening ceremony

These African students took their place alongside over 420 other global young scientists for two weeks of lectures, debates, visits to science institutions and social and cultural interactions. In addition we supported over 60 African students to attend the Forum virtually through the online platform.

Links:

• Young Scientists for Africa
• London International Youth Science Forum