When we think of a science fair our brain instinctively thinks volcanoes and solar panels. But in a tech-driven world like today, science fairs have matured. The International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF), the world’s largest high school science research competition, identifies scientifically-inclined young individuals and serves as a global stage for these innovators to present their original research. Millions of students compete in science fairs every year in more than 425 affiliated fairs. The ISEF, which is owned by the Society for Science and the Public, is routinely held in May each year.
Last year, the Initiative in Research and Innovation of Science (IRIS) team from India showcased 12 projects at the Intel ISEF 2016. Students from across Delhi, Nagpur and Kolkata, with an interest in STEM sciences, came up with innovative projects and bagged the third and fourth prize in the Plant Science and Material Science categories respectively. Their project ‘Cellphone-based Optometry using Hybrid Images’ won the Google Thinking Big Award.
Students come away from these science fairs with important life skills, including learning how to write a research paper and how to present their work to their peers and judges. It provides students with presentation and oratorical skills, inspires confidence, guides them to a potential career in Science, and boosts their chances of admission to colleges and scholarships.
Maya Ajmera, President and CEO of the Society for Science and the Public
