Intel International Science and Engineering Fair

Intel International Science and Engineering Fair. It is the world's largest international pre-college science competition, administered annually by the Society for Science. Each year, approximately 1,800 high school students from over 80 countries, regions, and territories are selected through a network of affiliated fairs to compete for millions in awards, scholarships, and the prestigious Gordon E. Moore Award. The event represents the pinnacle of student research, showcasing projects across fields like biochemistry, environmental engineering, and robotics.

History and background

The competition traces its origins to 1950, when the National Science Fair was launched by the Society for Science, then known as Science Service, with sponsorship from the Westinghouse Electric Corporation. The event was created to stimulate interest in scientific research among American youth. In 1958, it became international with the inclusion of finalists from Japan and Germany. A major transition occurred in 1998 when the Intel Corporation assumed title sponsorship from Westinghouse, rebranding it and significantly expanding its global reach and prize offerings. Following Intel's tenure, Society for Science announced in 2019 that Regeneron Pharmaceuticals would become the new title sponsor, beginning with the 2020 event.

Competition and participation

Eligibility is limited to students in grades 9-12 who have not reached age 20 by May 1 of the competition year. Participants must first qualify through one of hundreds of affiliated society-affiliated fairs held worldwide, such as the Broadcom MASTERS or the Google Science Fair. At the event, held in cities like Los Angeles or Pittsburgh, finalists present their original research to panels of judges, often comprising PhD holders and Nobel Prize laureates. Projects are categorized into 21 distinct fields, including animal sciences, computational biology, and translational medical science, with judging criteria emphasizing creativity, scientific rigor, and effective communication.

Awards and recognition

The top award is the Gordon E. Moore Award, named for the co-founder of Intel, which includes a $75,000 prize. Two additional "Best of Category" winners receive the Intel Foundation Young Scientist Award of $50,000 each. Numerous other grand awards are provided by organizations like the National Aeronautics and Space Administration and the European Organization for Nuclear Research. Dozens of professional societies, including the American Mathematical Society and the American Society for Microbiology, grant special awards for outstanding projects in their disciplines. Nearly every finalist receives some form of scholarship or prize, with total awards exceeding $5 million annually.

Notable alumni and projects

Many distinguished scientists and innovators began their careers at this competition. Notable alumni include Nobel laureate Roger Tsien, Fields Medal recipient Maryam Mirzakhani, and "Genius Grant" winner Heather Dewey-Hagborg. Winning projects have addressed significant global challenges; past research has pioneered novel cancer therapies, advanced quantum computing algorithms, and developed sustainable biofuel production methods. The competition has also served as an early platform for founders of major Silicon Valley technology firms and leading researchers at institutions like the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Stanford University.

Impact and influence

The competition has a profound impact on science education and the global research community. It significantly influences national STEM education policies in countries like Singapore and Israel, which actively support participant development. The event fosters international collaboration, often leading to ongoing research partnerships between young scientists from nations like South Korea and Brazil. Furthermore, it provides a critical pipeline of talent to premier universities and research laboratories, including Harvard University and the Max Planck Society. The public exhibition of projects also serves to inspire younger students and engage the public with cutting-edge scientific inquiry.

Category:Science competitions Category:High school competitions Category:Events established in 1950