Intel Science Talent Search 2015 Triples Top Award Amounts, Announces 300 U.S. High School Semifinalists
Three hundred high school seniors will be named semifinalists in the Intel Science Talent Search 2015, a program of Society for Science & the Public. Visit http://student.societyforscience.org/intel-sts at 12:00 p.m. EST on January 7 to see the list of semifinalists.
Starting in 2015, the Intel Science Talent Search – the nation’s oldest and most prestigious pre-college science and math competition – will feature a new awards structure to further reward young scientists and to recognize the richness of how they contribute to improving and enriching everyday life. Intel has tripled the top award money and added new award categories, which highlight the diversity of research conducted. Each semifinalist receives a $1,000 award from Intel with an additional $1,000 going to his or her school, resulting in $600,000 in total semifinalist awards. The competition overall awards $1.6 million to provide the opportunities and resources that students need to become our next American inventors and change-makers.
Semifinalists were selected from more than 1,800 entrants hailing from 460 high schools in 41 states, Puerto Rico and five American and international high schools overseas. For a list of semifinalists, where they are from and what their research entails, visit http://student.societyforscience.org/intel-sts after 12:00 p.m. EST on Jan. 7.
On Jan. 21, 40 of the 300 semifinalists will be named Intel Science Talent Search finalists. Finalists will receive an all-expenses-paid trip to Washington, D.C. from March 5-11, where they will compete for more than $1 million in awards.
New to 2015 – and replacing the single $100,000 top prize – are three Medal of Distinction awards of $150,000 each, which will be awarded to students who show exceptional scientific potential in three areas: Basic Research, Global Good and Innovation. Additionally, there are three second-place awards of $75,000, and three third-place awards of $35,000.
Each finalist receives at least $7,500. Winners will be selected based on rigorous judging sessions and announced at a black-tie, invitation-only gala awards ceremony at the National Building Museum on March 10.
QUOTES:
“Now with three top awards, the Intel Science Talent Search aims to further recognize and support the next generation of researchers and innovators,” said Justin Rattner, president of the Intel Foundation. “These students exhibit the kind of passion, intellectual curiosity and ingenuity that energizes companies like ours.”
“Congratulations to the 300 semifinalists of the Intel Science Talent Search,” said Maya Ajmera, president and CEO of Society for Science & the Public and publisher of Science News. “As a fellow alumna, I know how thrilling it is to be recognized and rewarded for your achievements. We join with Intel in welcoming all of you to the Intel STS family, and look forward to following your careers as they unfold.”
MORE INFO: The Intel Science Talent Search recognizes and empowers the most promising young scientists in the United States who are creating the technologies and solutions that will positively impact people’s lives. Projects submitted for consideration cover all disciplines of science, including engineering, mathematics, biochemistry, materials science, physics, behavioral science, and medicine and health.
Since its launch more than 70 years ago, close to 150,000 students from U.S. high schools in all 50 states, Washington, D.C. and many territories have submitted independent research for the Intel Science Talent Search. 2015 marks Intel’s 17th year sponsoring this competition. Alumni include holders of more than 100 of the world’s most coveted science and math honors. These include eight Nobel Laureates, five National Medals of Science winners, two Fields Medalists, and 12 MacArthur Foundation Fellows.
To get the latest Intel education news, visit www.intel.com/newsroom/education, and join the conversation on Facebook and Twitter.
Society for Science & the Public (SSP), the nonprofit organization dedicated to public engagement in scientific research and education, has owned and administered the Science Talent Search since its inception in 1942. To learn more about SSP, visit www.societyforscience.org, and follow SSP on Facebook and Twitter.
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Gail Dundas, Intel
503-264-2154, gail.dundas@intel.com
Sarah Wood, Society for Science & the Public
202-872-5110, swood@societyforscience.org
Olivia Campbell, North of Nine Communications, for Intel
646-384-2095, olivia.campbell@nof9.com