University of South Africa expert named as one of the Top 50 BRICS Young Scientists

Dr Moleboheng Ramulumo, affectionately known as Dr Rams, from the College of Education’s Department of Science and Technology Education at Unisa, has been selected as one of the Top 50 BRICS Young Scientists 2023 for South Africa. As a selected young scientist, she participated in the 8th BRICS Young Scientist Forum and Innovator Prize, scheduled from 31 July to 2 August at the Boardwalk Hotel and Conference Centre in Gqeberha, Eastern Cape.

BRICS is a grouping of the world economies of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.

The forum was organised by the Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf) in collaboration with the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI). The theme was “Building BRICS and Africa Partnership for Mutually Accelerated Growth, Sustainable Development, and Inclusive Multilateralism”, and the programme featured parallel sessions covering three thematic areas. The participants’ papers will be published in the newsletters of ASSAf and the DSI to showcase their work.

Ramulumo received recognition for her research on the use of visual digital literacy, particularly digital games, to introduce young children to science. Her research also sheds light on the potential implications of artificial intelligence in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) education.

The 8th BRICS Young Scientist Forum was an excellent platform to exchange ideas with young fellow scientists and discuss growth, sustainability and inclusive multilateralism within the BRICS and Africa partnership. The collaborative and knowledge-sharing environment of the forum fostered scientific innovation and address the key challenges of BRICS member countries. Ramulumo’s participation made a valuable contribution to the advancement of science and education not only in South Africa, but also in the rest of the world.