A TOTAL of 45 science projects will be showcased at the Young Scientists Tanzania (YST) 2024 national exhibition scheduled for Thursday in Dar es Salaam.

Prof Yunus Mgaya, YST board chairperson said over the weekend when briefing journalists about this year’s national exhibition.

During the day, a total of 90 students and 45 teachers from various secondary schools will have the opportunity to showcase their projects.

Prof Mgaya said the projects to be exhibited focus on providing practical solutions in areas such as the safe storage of agricultural products, human health, and automated irrigation systems.

Others are environmental conservation, electricity availability and optimization, locally designed energy solutions, food safety, and digital solutions.

“Investment in science to young students is very important at the time the world is experiencing advances in technology. Our future country’s development depends on science,” he said.

He explained that this year, the number of students who submitted science projects applications increased significantly, with a total of 1,055 applications received.

Prof Mgaya said that of those, 394 projects applications were screened and mentored by YST science advisors, resulting in the full development of 191 science projects and innovations that were later selected to 45 projects.

YST co- founder Dr Gozbert Kamugisha said that for the past fourteen years, the foundation has spearheaded the initiative to nurture scientific talent among secondary school students.

He said YST has provided students with opportunities to develop practical solutions to local developmental challenges.

“Through its science mentoring programme, YST has trained both science teachers and students in scientific and technological methodologies,” he said.

Dr Kamugisha said so far, it has trained and mentored scientific and technological methodologies to a total of 16,876 students and 2,788 teachers.

Karimjee Foundation executive officer Caren Rowland announced the foundation's continued support for YST.

“YST, one of many projects supported by the foundation, stands as a testament to its commitment to nurturing the next generation of thinkers, innovators, and problem-solvers,” she said.

Rowland explained that the foundation has been instrumental not only in financial support but also in mentorship to the young minds participating in the YST.

She said the foundation has witnessed remarkable achievements and innovations from the participants, reflecting the spirit of excellence and determination that is at the core of the initiative.

Both Justine Bahati and Lucy Konyaki winners of the YST overall winners thanked the foundation for mentoring and support that enabled them to realize their dreams.

“We are true testaments of the mentorship of YST and support from the Karimjee Foundation. We promise to further do better to achieve our goals,” they said.