{
  "id": 15368871,
  "title": "Mahikeng Grade 9 learner recognised for AI lung-cancer screening research",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/18/mahikeng-grade-9-learner-recognised-for-ai-lung-cancer-screening",
  "topic": "ai",
  "section": "AI",
  "published": "2026-10-18T06:58:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "IOL",
    "slug": "iol",
    "url": "https://iol.co.za/news/feel-good/2026-10-18-mahikeng-grade-9-learner-recognised-for-ai-lung-cancer-screening-research/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "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.",
  "summary": "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.",
  "key_points": [
    "14-year-old South African learner recognized for AI lung-cancer screening research.",
    "Brandon Mashandudze won American Lung Cancer Scholar award from Lung Cancer Innovation Challenge.",
    "Project combines AI, digital health, and medical sciences beyond high school curriculum."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}