Secondary School Research Program

Empowering Africa's future scientists, engineers, and innovators

We help secondary school students explore real-world research, engineering design, innovation, and STEM career pathways before university — through hands-on projects and mentorship.

Program Overview

Discover research before university

The program introduces talented secondary school students to scientific research, engineering design, innovation, and entrepreneurship. Students work alongside university faculty, engineers, scientists, and industry professionals to develop practical solutions to real-world challenges while building the skills that prepare them for university and STEM careers.

Aerospace Engineering Robotics Artificial Intelligence Computer Programming Environmental Science Renewable Energy Biomedical Engineering Agricultural Technology Drone Technology (UAVs) Data Science Mechanical Engineering Civil Engineering

Why Join?

What students will do

Conduct real research projects
Learn from university professors
Work with STEM professionals
Develop leadership skills
Present research findings
Build university-ready portfolios
Participate in STEM competitions
Publish research where appropriate
Develop innovation & entrepreneurship skills

Research Pathway

The student journey

  1. Step 1

    Application

  2. Step 2

    Selection

  3. Step 3

    Research Bootcamp

  4. Step 4

    Faculty Mentor Match

  5. Step 5

    Research Project

  6. Step 6

    Presentation Day

  7. Step 7

    Publication or Competition

  8. Ready for university & a STEM career

Research Tracks

Choose your field of discovery

Aerospace & Aviation

  • Design drones
  • Flight testing
  • Aerodynamics
  • Space technology

Robotics & Automation

  • Arduino
  • Sensors
  • Robotics
  • Embedded systems

Artificial Intelligence

  • Machine Learning
  • Computer Vision
  • Programming
  • Data Analytics

Environmental Science

  • Water quality
  • Climate
  • Renewable energy
  • Conservation

Biomedical Engineering

  • Medical devices
  • Health technologies
  • Biomechanics

Software Development

  • Mobile Apps
  • Web Development
  • Cybersecurity
  • Cloud Computing

Example Student Projects

Imagine what you could build

Autonomous Water Monitoring Robot

A student-built solution for testing water quality.

AI Crop Disease Detection

Using technology to support farmers.

Low-Cost Solar Irrigation System

A low-cost solution for agriculture.

Drone-Based Medical Delivery

Exploring how UAVs can support healthcare access.

Smart Traffic Management

Smarter, safer roads through technology.

Flood Prediction Using AI

Early warning to protect communities.

Renewable Energy Solutions

Clean power for homes and schools.

Plastic Recycling Innovation

Turning waste into opportunity.

Program Impact

Research that adds up

0+
Students trained annually
0+
Research projects completed
0+
University research mentors
0+
Research presentations each year
0%
Hands-on project participation

Meet Our Mentors

Learn from working professionals

Dr. Muwanika Jdiobe

Dr. Muwanika Jdiobe

Aerospace Engineer · Boeing

Adjunct Faculty, Oklahoma State University

Research Interests

  • Aeroacoustics
  • UAV Systems
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Research Commercialization

Become a mentor

Are you an engineer, scientist, researcher, or industry professional? Share your expertise and guide the next generation of innovators. Our mentor network grows every year.

Join as a Mentor

Research Facilities

Where students will work

  • University laboratories
  • Engineering workshops
  • Computer laboratories
  • Maker spaces
  • Partner innovation hubs
  • Field research sites

Annual Research Symposium

Present. Compete. Inspire.

Every participating student presents their research at the Jdiobe STEM Research Symposium before judges from universities and industry. Award categories may include:

  • Best Engineering Project
  • Best Innovation
  • Best Research Paper
  • Best Robotics Project
  • People's Choice Award
  • Outstanding Young Researcher

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers for applicants

Partner with us

We invite universities, companies, researchers, engineers, sponsors, and schools to support student research and help build Africa's next generation of innovators.