The Hendrik J van der Bijl Awards programme is presented as part of the Eskom Expo for Young Scientists International Science Fair ISF where students have a chance to show off their scientific investigations and projects. The prestigious annual event hosts selected students from 35 Expo regions in South Africa who compete against other young scientists from around the country and the world. The 2025 ISF will be held in Boksburg from 6 - 10 October 2025 at the Emperors Palace Convention Centre.
Each year, learners participate in district and regional science expos across the country, of which some 300 projects out of the total of 14,000 are selected to participate at the International Science Fair . Selected categories from these projects compete for the Hendrik J van der Bijl Awards.
Entries are judged by industry experts drawn from the sponsor companies, giving them an opportunity to share their expertise and experience with the learners. The best projects in the various categories are awarded R10,000 an amount that is directly paid into their designated bank account. Winners also receive a framed certificate with the sponsor companys name and logo.