Curro Durbanville’s Milla prepares for WISPO 2025 in Bali
17 December 2025Grade 11 learner Milla Vorster will soon represent South Africa at the World Innovative Science Project Olympiad (WISPO) in Bali from 10 to 13 December 2025, marking a significant moment for Curro Durbanville High School. WISPO brings together top young researchers from around the world to present work with real-world application and scientific depth.
From the Eskom Expo to Bali
The school highlighted the achievement that earned her a place on the national team: ‘Milla earned her place after receiving a Gold Medal at the Eskom Expo International Science Fair.’ Her project, titled ‘The Organic Palette: Bioprinting Vascularized Organs’, explores the production of vascularised tissue through 3D bioprinting. The school noted its significance: ‘This work has practical value for future medical use, including transplantation, surgical training and drug testing.’
The school concluded: ‘She will be part of a four-member South African team and we congratulate her on this achievement.’
A project with real-world medical potential
Milla’s research focuses on one of the most challenging areas in regenerative medicine: developing tissue with functioning blood-vessel structures. Her project applies 3D bioprinting to address this problem, offering potential future applications in organ transplantation, surgical skills development and safe drug-testing environments.
Her Gold Medal at the Eskom Expo International Science Fair places her among the strongest young researchers in South Africa for 2025 and highlights the depth of her scientific ability.
A meaningful step in a growing scientific journey
WISPO will give Milla an opportunity to present her work alongside peers from across the globe. The competition encourages collaboration, advanced research thinking and exposure to international scientific developments.