UB Students Break Barriers, Win International Nuclear Science Competition
Three University of Botswana (UB) students have earned international acclaim, putting Botswana on the global map after winning a prestigious nuclear science competition hosted by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
The competition, themed “Shaping Africa’s Future Through Nuclear Sciences and Technology,” was open to female university students across Africa and aimed at showcasing young women’s understanding of nuclear science as well as their potential to shape sustainable solutions for the continent.
The UB team, comprising Duduetsang Ranko, Gladys Mapugwa and Neliah Jena, all pursuing a BSc in Radiation and Health Physics in the Department of Physics, emerged winners with their innovative proposal titled “Induced Mutagenesis Using Gamma Radiation for the Development of Drought and Waterlogging Tolerant Vegetables.”
Their project seeks to explore how gamma radiation can be applied in agricultural research to create vegetable varieties resilient to extreme weather conditions such as droughts and floods - challenges that continue to threaten food security in Botswana and across Africa.
The competition was launched on the 4th of April 2025 and closed on 30th of May 2025, drawing entries from several African universities. After rigorous adjudication, the UB team’s proposal was adjudged the best, a victory that has been hailed as a milestone in both nuclear science innovation and female participation in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).
As part of their prize, the students will travel to Vienna, Austria, where they will attend the official award ceremony and present their proposal at the Vienna International Centre from 15th – 19th September 2025, fully sponsored by IAEA.
Speaking on the achievement, the Department of Physics congratulated the students, noting that their success reflects the University of Botswana’s growing impact in nuclear science research and its contribution to addressing Africa’s development challenges.
The win is also a boost to Botswana’s representation in global scientific platforms particularly in advancing the peaceful uses of nuclear technology, a core mandate of IAEA.