A CASE FOR RAISING THE NEXT GENERATION OF STEM LEADERS
In May 2015, I had the opportunity to witness one of the most incredible and inspiring events of my life. After having won the BHP Billiton Science and Engineering Award, my 15-year-old son represented Australia at the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (Intel ISEF) – the world’s largest international pre-college science competition. Approximately 1,700 high school students from over 75 countries, regions, and territories showcase their independent research to doctoral level scientists and compete for approximately $4 million in prizes.
Intel ISEF unites these top young scientific minds, showcasing their talents on an international stage, where doctoral level scientists review and judge their work.
While my son had an incredibly successful event, including a sit-down lunch with four Nobel Laureates, my wife and I had several opportunities to engage with students from other countries. The quality of their work and level of engagement was truly inspiring.
One thing that stood out amongst all the participants was the overall quality and depth of study by the students who had been mentored by a scientist or a professor from their local university. The quality of their research, depth of knowledge as well as validity of relating their study to a “real-world” problem was incredible.
In stark contrast, the work done by other students while not lacking in thought and innovativeness did fall short in terms of more depth and relevance. The difference was striking!
That got me thinking… “As a first world country, with a strong science based industry, we should have a structured program that connects our high-schoolers to scientists and mentors to cultivate those ideas and innovate”.
Sid Verma
Founder, BrainSTEM
Intel ISEF unites these top young scientific minds, showcasing their talents on an international stage, where doctoral level scientists review and judge their work.
While my son had an incredibly successful event, including a sit-down lunch with four Nobel Laureates, my wife and I had several opportunities to engage with students from other countries. The quality of their work and level of engagement was truly inspiring.
One thing that stood out amongst all the participants was the overall quality and depth of study by the students who had been mentored by a scientist or a professor from their local university. The quality of their research, depth of knowledge as well as validity of relating their study to a “real-world” problem was incredible.
In stark contrast, the work done by other students while not lacking in thought and innovativeness did fall short in terms of more depth and relevance. The difference was striking!
That got me thinking… “As a first world country, with a strong science based industry, we should have a structured program that connects our high-schoolers to scientists and mentors to cultivate those ideas and innovate”.
Sid Verma
Founder, BrainSTEM
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