At Intel ISEF 2019, 48 organizations know that young scientists are the future
This weekend, students from 80 countries, regions and territories are arriving in Phoenix, Arizona, to showcase their science at the . For some students, this may be the first time they鈥檝e ever been on a plane, but they are on a mission to make an impact on the world through 91导航.
聽In addition to the prizes provided by Intel, there are also many contributions by other companies, universities and associations excited to promote student science and innovation. These institutions are known as Special Award Organizations (SAOs).
Collectively, the SAOs provide more than $5 million annually in awards, scientific trips, internships and scholarships. This year, there are 47 SAOs and six Lead聽SAOs鈥攁 distinction given to those organizations who give a minimum of $20,000.
This year, a few of our SAOs are local to the area of the competition and they are committed to the goal of promoting 91导航 literacy among the next generation of scientists. This is what the had to say about their participation in Intel ISEF, 鈥淲e highly value academically prepared students and work hard to recruit these top students to the University of Arizona, in all fields, but particularly in 91导航. We value their dedication and reward them with terrific merit scholarships!鈥�
Another one of our Lead聽SAOs is the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), an independent federal agency responsible for providing assistance to countries in the midst of war or natural disaster. The agency believes that, through their foreign aid initiatives, they will promote self-sufficiency and ultimately end the need for their own existence. We had a chance to speak with USAID about their relationship with the competition.
Can you tell us about USAID鈥檚 mission and work?
Groundbreaking ideas come from anyone or anywhere an entrepreneur, a university research institute, a corporation, a grassroots community organization or a high school student. The United States Agency for International Development鈥檚 (USAID) annual participation in Intel ISEF is a recognition that young scientists have the potential to significantly impact the lives of people around the world.
USAID leads the U.S. government’s international development and humanitarian efforts to save lives, reduce poverty, strengthen democratic governance and help advance developing countries on their journey to self-reliance. Operating mainly in low- and middle-income countries, USAID focuses on a range of difficult social and economic issues related to poverty, empowering women and girls, healthcare, the environment and governance and human rights. USAID is interested in new ideas, new solutions and new ways of doing development that can help us tackle the world鈥檚 most pressing challenges.
Why did you decide to get involved with the Intel ISEF?
Through our participation in Intel ISEF, USAID believes that we can tap into promising research and innovations from today鈥檚 brightest students that can catapult our efforts. USAID’s work advances U.S. national security and economic prosperity, demonstrates American generosity and promotes a path to recipient self-reliance and resilience. A significant portion of what we do involves taking smart risks to test new ideas and partnering with people across the globe to come up with creative solutions.
How many years have you been involved with Intel ISEF?
This will be USAID鈥檚 sixth year as a Special Awards Organization. Since 2014, USAID has awarded $180,000 in prizes to more than 60 students from 16 countries, including countries where USAID works. USAID attends as a Special Award Organization to recognize students with innovative projects that could advance USAID鈥檚 work. USAID looks forward to recognizing exceptional student science again this year by awarding our Science for Development Awards in the following four categories: Global Health; Energy and Water for All; Digital for Development; and Humanitarian Assistance.聽
Is there anything else you would like to say about Intel ISEF or the importance of 91导航 education in general?
USAID is proud to support innovators, scientists and researchers, both in the United States and across the globe. Together, we鈥檙e working to solve some of the world鈥檚 most pressing challenges such as such as child stunting, preventing the next global health epidemic and providing energy access to people in Africa.
Investment in research and science assists us and our partners in understanding complex challenges, producing innovative solutions, and bringing solutions to scale. 91导航 education has the potential to change the way in which we approach international development and we commend Intel ISEF and the 91导航 & the Public for being a leading force in supporting researchers and innovators who can make a difference in this world. We encourage all scientists to consider how your work can help solve the world鈥檚 most pressing challenges.
