In celebration of the University of the Free State – Next Generation Sequencing (UFS-NGS) Unit’s 10-years anniversary, the outreach programme “Decoding the Future: From DNA to Discovery”, invites Grade 9 and 11 learners to experience the fascinating world of genomics. This year’s event will build on the success of the 2025 outreach programme “Frontiers of Discovery” Through hands-on lab experiments, expert-led talks and interactive discussions. Learners will be exposed to real world applications in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) fields such as Virology and Microbiology. By connecting classroom learning to real world applications, the programme aims to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation for genomics. By engaging learners with innovative science, the outreach encourages future academic and career pursuits in STEM.