A Bolivian team makes history in Singapore with “Guava: A Quantum Journey” on the 10th Anniversary of the ISDC
Fig. 1.- Screenshot of the live broadcast of the ISDC Grand Finals from Singapore
On Sunday, August 3, 2025, science took center stage as the Singapore Science Centre hosted the Grand Final of the International Science Drama Competition (ISDC). For the past 10 years, ISDC has brought science to life through the performing arts. Promoting STEM education across borders, this year’s competition brought together young minds from Singapore, China, Indonesia, Thailand, Korea, Bolivia, and Brunei.
Fig. 2.- Participant countries of the International Science Drama Competition ISDC – 2025
Inspired by the UN’s International Year of Quantum Science and Technology, this year’s theme, “Energy Matters!”, sparked a series of creative and thought-provoking performances. We are grateful to Science Beijing Network, National Science Museum (Thailand), Seria Energy Lab (Brunei), Indonesia Science Center, Gwacheon National Science Museum (Korea), Andean Road Countries for Science and Technology (Bolivia), Petrosains, The Discovery Centre (Malaysia), The Mind Museum (Philippines) and Asia Pacific Network of Science & Technology Centres (ASPAC) for partnering on this fruitful venture.
Fig. 3 .- Video presentation of the National Museum of Natural History (Bolivia) with the short clip “Guava a quantum Journey”
The Bolivian team from the National Museum of Natural History (Bolivia) was honored to receive the Best Creativity and Participation Award (Short Clip), marking a historic milestone as the first Bolivian, and likely Latin American, team to participate in the short clip competition category of the ISDC 2025 in Asia. This achievement symbolizes the unifying power of science beyond geographical and linguistic barriers.
The Bolivian children representing the Museum amazed with their creativity presenting the one-minute video “Guava: A Quantum Journey.” The children chose the guava as the centerpiece of their performance not only for its cultural significance, but also for its remarkable medicinal and nutritional properties. In Bolivia and much of Latin America, guava is widely used in traditional medicine to help treat diabetes and is celebrated for its high vitamin C content and overall nutritional value. This artistic choice is closely linked to an international scientific collaboration project between China and Bolivia, led by the Andean Road Countries for Science and Technology (ARCST), the National Museum of Natural History (Bolivia), and the Chinese Academy of Sciences. The project aims to study the chemical properties of Bolivian guava cultivated in different regions of the country, while also promoting sustainable farming practices and strengthening food security—bridging science, culture, and sustainable development.
Fig. 4.- The National Museum of Natural Science of Bolivia receiving its Best Creative award during the ISDC 2025 ceremony
In this production, the Bolivian Children explained in a simple and entertaining way the relationship between photosynthesis and quantum phenomena, highlighting how light is a key factor in the formation of guava’s nutritional properties. The project combines science, art, and technology to inspire an interest in nature and scientific research from an early age.
The Andean Road Countries for Science and Technology (ARCST) and the National Museum of Natural History (Bolivia) as principal promoters of science communication and science popularization in Bolivia look forward to future collaborations to strengthen the ties between East and West in scientific communication and outreach. Once again, congratulations on the organization of an impeccably executed and impactful event.
And finally, congratulations to all the participants for making the ISDC’s 10th anniversary an unforgettable experience!
