Participation in the ISF

26 May 2022

 

Ra’ees de Witt from Curro Hermanus was one of seven of South Africa’s finest young scientists to travel to Atlanta, USA to represent our country at the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair and the Broadcom Masters International Programme.

During his research, Ra’ees found that paracetamol prevalence and presence where greatest when the gastric fluid is most acidic. ‘Prevalence’ refers to the state of dissociation whilst ‘presence’ refers to the number of un-ionised drug molecules. Some of his recommendations on how to mitigate the negative effects of gastric pH on the bio-performance of pharmaceutical drugs include the pre-treatment with organic acids.

 

 

In Ra’ees’ own words:

"I am incredibly humbled and conscious of the magnitude of the trip I experienced, competing in the 2022 Regeneron ISEF in Atlanta, as a representative of Curro Hermanus, the Western Cape province, and South Africa. My favourite moments in Atlanta were meeting other competitors from across the world! It was such a privilege to be able to discuss ideas and learn of the cultural heritages, politics, education systems, etc. of others in an environment promoting multiculturalism. It is an experience that continues to render me awe-stricken! I sincerely appreciate the support of the Curro family I received throughout the competition, and to have had the opportunity to discuss science in a community of passionate individuals. I am grateful."