Mahikeng Grade 9 learner recognised for AI lung-cancer screening research
Brandon Mashandudze, a 14-year-old Grade 9 learner from Curro Mahikeng, has been recognised through an international lung-cancer innovation challenge for research exploring how artificial intelligence could support earlier detection and personalised risk assessment.
A 14-year-old Grade 9 learner from Mahikeng, South Africa, has been named an American Lung Cancer Scholar for his innovative artificial intelligence research on early lung cancer detection. Brandon Mashandudze, a normal teenager with a keen interest in science and technology, earned this prestigious accolade through the Lung Cancer Innovation Challenge, an international competition run by the American Lung Association’s Lung Cancer Screening Initiative.
His certificate, issued in partnership with the Harvard Medical School educational programme, acknowledges his proposal that utilizes AI and digital health technologies to enhance lung cancer prevention, early detection, and personalized risk assessment. The project required Brandon to delve into complex subjects such as oncology, epidemiology, machine learning, and biostatistics, far beyond the typical curriculum for his grade level.
Over multiple iterations, Brandon honed his research, describing the project as a genuine scientific investigation rather than a standard school assignment. He emphasized that while AI should not replace doctors, it can serve as a valuable tool for healthcare professionals to identify potential issues more swiftly. This recognition follows multiple accolades in recent science fairs, including a silver medal and the Junior AI for Impact Award at the Eskom Expo International Science Fair in 2025.
Brandon also won the Best Innovation award and was named a Cell C Top Project Award recipient at the Ngaka Modiri Molema Regional Science Fair in 2026 for a study on how environmental conditions affect the spread of infectious diseases. His physical sciences teacher, Miss Tshireletso Pitso, played a pivotal role in guiding Brandon's research methodology and supporting him through the rigorous process.
His current school principal, Janita Maritz, expressed immense pride in Brandon's achievement, highlighting his dedication, humility, and curiosity. Brandon's ultimate goal is to continue his research with additional data and time, aiming to explore intersections between medicine, science, and technology. He encourages young people to pursue their interests in research without waiting until they are older.
Written by urgent.news from IOL's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
