Eight students to represent India at global science fair

AHMEDABAD - Eight students, who have been successful at the India Initiative for Research and Innovation in Science (IRIS) with their innovative science and technology projects, will now represent India at the 2010 Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) in San Jose, California May 9-14.

Four students are from South Point School in Kolkata. The others are from various schools in Kolkata and Bangalore.

As the world’s largest pre-college science fair, and the only global science competition for students in Classes 9-12, the Intel ISEF is a programme organised by the Society for Science and the Public (SSP).

With a gathering of over 1,500 students from over 50 countries, representing more than 1,200 projects, it is an opportunity for the best young minds in the world to come together to share ideas, showcase cutting-edge projects, and compete for more than $4 million in awards and scholarships.

At the national level, IRIS encourages only research based science projects. The programme calls for a project synopsis by Aug 31 every year, followed by an evaluation by the Scientific Resource Committee (SRC) for selection. For instance, in 2009, a total of 82 projects across Category I (Classes 5-8) and II (Classes 9-12) were selected.

These projects then compete at the National Fair of IRIS which is held in November-December. Amongst the winners of this fair, a group of students are then chosen to represent the country at ISEF. This team undergoes three coaching camps and the final team comprising four individuals and two teams of two members each participate at ISEF.

Nearly 1,200 synopses were received in 2009 and from them 82 projects were selected to participate at the National Fair, held in Ahmedabad in November.

Eight students with their winning science and engineering projects will now travel to the US to compete against more than 1,500 other high school students from over 50 countries around the world. During the week-long science fair, students will have the opportunity to meet leading scientists and exchange ideas on various evolving topics in science, research and technology.

“The success of these students reveals their scientific aptitude, research acumen and innovation in the country,” said Rahul Bedi, director of corporate affairs, Intel South Asia.

“The finalists from India demonstrate the capability of this country to cultivate the next generation of innovators, scientists and entrepreneurs,” he said.