In a special ceremony held at the Indo-US Science & Technology Forum (IUSSTF) in New Delhi recently, 18 students were felicitated for being the best talent selected from across the country and holding the honor to represent the country at an international platform - Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) to be held in Los Angeles, California from May 11-16, 2014 - as TEAM India.
Department of Science & Technology (DST), Indo-US Science & Technology Forum (IUSSTF) & Intel came together to celebrate these young geniuses as they get ready to compete at the international forum. The TEAM India was given a send-off by United States Ambassador to India, Nancy J. Powell and T. Ramasami, Secretary, Department of Science and Technology, Government of India along with delegates from various organizations.
In an hour and a half long ceremony, the winners of the IRIS 2013, now the TEAM India 2014 were congratulated and given an opportunity to interact with scientists, professors and other eminent guests and showcase their respective projects. Out of the 18 students, 3 are junior observers and 15 are the finalists who would be competing amongst 1600 young students at the world’s largest pre-college science fair, the only global science competition for students in grades 8-12. Bringing together more than 1600 young students from more than 70 countries, Intel ISEF 2014 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 US $4 million in awards and scholarships. The winners are selected based on their creative ability and scientific thought, as well as the thoroughness, skill, and clarity shown in their projects.
The ceremony held today also marked the beginning of a new collaboration between Department of Science & Technology (DST), Indo-US Science & Technology Forum (IUSSTF) & Intel as the three came together to extend the opportunity of more projects to reach the international stage; and provide for the learning week post Intel ISEF. In this extra week, students will go for site-visits to science museums, universities, science labs; meet & interact with scientists, professors in their related fields and get an exposure to hands -on activities in labs, museums etc.
Commenting on the initiative, Rajiv Sharma, Executive Director, Indo-US Science & Technology Forum (IUSSTF), said, “IUSSTF is delighted to be part of this initiative that provides an opportunity to talented young students to showcase their ability and aptitude on the grand global stage that ISEF is. The one-week science learning tour in the United States would encourage them to explore the exciting world of Science. I wish these students all the very best, and hope they will make India proud!”
Speaking on the occasion, Nancy J Powell, United States Ambassador to India said, “I am delighted to be here, to give a special send-off to the 18 smart, young and bright minds that will soon be traveling to US to participate in Intel’s International Science and Engineering Fair. The industries and challenges of the 21st century, such as climate change, renewable energy, medicine & healthcare, water & environmental management, and developing sustainable cities all require Science, technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) innovators and workers. My message for the students is that they should stay focused on your studies, make sure you attend and graduate from university; continue to be inquisitive, explore new avenues of research, innovate and dream about how to make a difference.”
“Both IRIS and Intel® ISEF are influential in highlighting the unique pool of creativity and innovation that exists in the country. This year, with 12 projects being selected for ISEF we have a greater opportunity to showcase the talent existing within the youngsters of the country, encouraging them to create realistic solutions, through research practices, to scientific challenges that are vital for tomorrow’s progress”, said Ashutosh Chadha, Director - Corporate Affairs Group, Intel South Asia. ”
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