Durbanville pupil heading to Indonesia for science competition

Curro Durbanville Grade 11 pupil Milla Vorster has been selected as one of only four South African pupils who will present their award-winning innovations at the World Innovative Science Project Olympiad (WISPO) in Bali, Indonesia, from December 10–13, 2025.

The WISPO is an international science fair held annually in Indonesia by the Indonesia Scientific Society to bring together young scientists from around the world to showcase cutting-edge research and innovative scientific projects.

Milla earned her place after winning a gold medal at last year’s Eskom Expo for Young Scientists International Science Fair.

She will present her project titled, Organic Palette: 3D Bioprinting Vascularised Organs. She researched, experimented, and refined different methods of bioprinting to make it possible to print organs with vascular networks. 

Her research indicated that currently, large organs like the heart cannot survive due to the lack of nutrients in deeper cells, as the hollow vascular channels are too complex to print. She tested several techniques, evaluated the efficiency of each tissue’s channels, and identified the most successful method to date.

Speaking ahead of the competition, Milla said she was excited about the opportunity.

"I really love travelling, and on top of that, I get to go because of my research on 3D bioprinting, an amazing advancement in medicine that I hope to pursue. I spent a lot of time on this project, and I am eternally grateful to God, my family, and friends who supported me, especially through all-night work sessions. I cannot wait to learn new things and discuss other projects, especially with people who truly understand my passion for science," she said.

Milla began the project last year under the mentorship of Corlette Nadel-Nel, and Professor Kristiaan Schreve, an associate professor at Stellenbosch University.

Ms Nadel-Nel, teacher at Curro Durbanville High School for the Further Education and Training (FET) Phase, said: "It was a pleasure to mentor Milla for her project. Her topic is both fascinating and innovative, truly the future of science. She demonstrates maturity in scientific writing and understanding far beyond her years. I wish her the very best of luck."

All four pupils, who are all gold medal winners, will travel under the guidance of Jane Wasonga, the Eskom Expo Johannesburg Regional Science Fair Director. 

The expo executive director at Eskom, Parthy Chetty, congratulated the pupils and said, “South Africa proudly sends four exceptional learners to the International Science Fair in Indonesia. Their achievement reflects strong mentorship, community support, and the power of science education to transform lives.”