Intel International Science and Engineering Fair coming to Phoenix

The world’s largest international pre-college science competition, the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (Intel ISEF), is coming to Phoenix this May.

According to the company, Intel ISEF, a program of the Society for Science & the Public (SSP), gives children a chance to explore their passion for developing innovations that improve society.

“We believe that young people are the key to future innovation,” Intel said in a statement. “A solid foundation in science, technology, engineering and math combined with skills such as critical thinking, collaboration and digital literacy are crucial for their success.”

The event gives roughly 1,800 high school students from more than 80 countries, regions, and territories the opportunity to showcase their research.

Intel ISEF 2019 finalists were chosen from more than 400 affiliated fairs from around the world, both individuals and team projects that “tackle challenging scientific questions that address some of today’s most pressing global issues” can be selected.

Cities that are picked to participate in the event have been recognized by Intel and SSP as a community with a significant number of STEM-focused enterprises, companies and universities.

According to Intel, many Arizona students are competing in the event.

“In 2018, 26 Arizona teens from 13 local high schools participated in the international competition,” Intel Communications and Media Relations Manager Linda Qian told Chamber Business News. “Twelve of those students walked away with scholarships to either Arizona State University or the University of Arizona, and several others won special awards.”

Students also have the opportunity to compete for prizes averaging a cumulative amount of $5 million.

“The top research project in the competition will receive the Gordon E. Moore Award – a U.S. $75,000 grand prize from the Intel Foundation, given in honor of the Intel co-founder and scientist. Two additional research projects will receive Intel Foundation Young Scientist Awards of U..S $50,000. Additional awards are provided by a number of organizations,” Intel said in a statement.

The event will be held on May 16, 2019 at the Phoenix Convention Center and is open to the public from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm.

Arizona students will be competing to attend Intel ISEF by participating in local tournaments such as the Arizona Science and Engineering Fair (AZSEF) – managed by the Arizona Science Center – taking place at the Phoenix Convention Center on April 4 and 5.

For more information on the Intel ISEF, click here. To volunteer, click here.