By Michelle Hammann

Every year, the National Science and Technology Forum (NSTF) Brilliants Programme honours 22 top-performing students in science, technology, engineering and mathematics-related (STEM-related) study fields. For 2026, Caitlin Mans, a first-year Bachelor of Science student (BSc) in Biological Sciences with Microbiology and Biochemistry, is representing the North-West University (NWU) for this achievement. 

She is one of the students who achieved remarkable maths and science matric results nationwide. She received 94% for maths and 92% for physical sciences. Caitlin will receive recognition at the NSTF-South32 Awards – known as the “Science Oscars” of South Africa – in Johannesburg on 16 July 2026. The top scientists, engineers and professionals in technology are also celebrated at this event. 

“It is a surreal experience, and I am incredibly thankful to be a part of this programme and to learn more about STEM-related fields,” she said.

The NSTF Brilliants Programme was established 25 years ago and has given recognition to 442 top-performing students so far. This initiative is focused on increasing outstanding physical science and maths marks in matric and to motivate students to continue their studies and therefore their careers in STEM fields. The programme motivates top-performing students to continue their studies and research as far as they can by providing many of them with bursaries.

Caitlin decided to study BSc as she is intrigued by how the human body and the world around her functions on a molecular level. 

“Minor faults in molecular biology can lead to extreme diseases or dysfunctions. I have found molecular and cell biology extremely interesting, but I am looking forward to biochemistry next year,” she said. 

She will also attend the STEM-related educational tour in Cape Town and surrounding areas in the Western Cape, where the top 22 students will visit different research facilities. The research topics that they will get to see first-hand vary from brain health and rare diseases to biodiversity, digital innovation, astronomy and space science.

Caitlin’s advice to Grade 12 learners who also want to be part of the NSTF Brilliants Programme and achieve good matric marks is to learn from the people around them. 

“Set higher goals for yourself and believe that you are capable. Mistakes will be made along the way, but you should learn from your mistakes and improve yourself instead of seeing them as a failure,” she said.

Projects like the NSTF Brilliants Programme is imperative to support students who are excelling in STEM-related fields and to ensure a better future and more scientific and medical solutions for South Africa. This programme is sponsored by the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) and the South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions (SACNASP).

Caitlin Mans will receive recognition at the NSTF-South32 Awards in Johannesburg as part of the top 22 STEM students in South Africa.