More than 1,500 of the brightest young minds in science have found the way to San Jose. These molecular mavens, vector virtuosos and programming pros will compete for over $4 million in awards and scholarships in the annual Intel International Science and Engineering Fair, which kicked off its 61st event on May 9.
ISEF participants are convening in California from over 50 regions around the globe: Organizers have arranged for interpreters who speak Russian, Kazakh, Portuguese and Arabic, among others.
These ninth through 12th graders have already proven their scientific prowess at local, state and regional fairs. Over the next week, the students will compete against the international pool of top young scientists for over 600 individual and group awards.
The students will be judged and ranked after presenting their original research projects — which this year cover categories including biochemistry; earth science; medicine and health and physics and astronomy. Prizes will be awarded May 14.
This year, a new top award of $75,000 was created in honor of Intel Corporation founder Gordon E. Moore (of Moore’s Law fame). Two other students will each receive Best in Category awards of $50,000.
Society for Science & the Public, the publisher of Science News, and Intel Corporation administer the fair. Catch the latest developments from San Jose on the Science News website.
