Intel Science Talent Search 2013 Selects 40 U.S. High School Seniors as Finalists

SANTA CLARA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Intel Corporation recognized 40 U.S. high school seniors as finalists in the Intel Science Talent Search 2013, a program of Society for Science & the Public and the nation’s oldest and most prestigious pre-college science competition.

“They showcase how a background in science, technology, engineering and math education can provide insight into solutions for the future.”

The Intel Science Talent Search encourages students to pursue ambitious scientific questions and develop skills to solve the problems of tomorrow. Participants are judged on their original scientific research and their achievement and leadership, inside and outside the classroom. The 40 finalists will compete in Washington, D.C. from March 7-13 for $630,000 in awards. The top winner will receive $100,000 from the Intel Foundation.

“This year’s Intel Science Talent Search finalists are presenting a wide range of research, from optimizing algae oil for biofuel to developing a new treatment for blood cancer,” said Wendy Hawkins, executive director of the Intel Foundation. “It’s exciting for the future of innovation because the U.S. needs these 40 high school seniors, and others like them, to question, explore and help solve some of the world’s greatest challenges.”

Society for Science & the Public, a nonprofit membership organization dedicated to public engagement in scientific research and education, has owned and administered the Science Talent Search since its inception in 1942.

“We commend the 40 Intel Science Talent Search finalists on their successes so far and look forward to watching them progress not only during the finals in Washington, but also during their future careers,” said Elizabeth Marincola, president of Society for Science & the Public. “They showcase how a background in science, technology, engineering and math education can provide insight into solutions for the future.”

Intel Science Talent Search 2013 Fast Facts

The Intel Science Talent Search 2013 finalists are from 40 schools in 21 states.
Among the 40 finalists, there is an equal gender distribution with 50 percent males and 50 percent females.
California and New York represent over 30 percent of this year’s finalists.
Finalist projects are distributed among 16 categories, including bioengineering, chemistry, mathematics, computer science, physics and space science, behavioral and social sciences, and plant science.
These 40 finalists were narrowed down from 300 semifinalists and more than 1,700 entrants.
For a list of this year’s finalists, visit www.societyforscience.org/sts.

Finalists will gather in Washington, D.C. for a week-long event from March 7-13, during which they’ll undergo a rigorous judging process and meet with national leaders. In past years, this has included a visit with the president of the United States, interaction with preeminent scientists and display of their research to the public at the National Geographic Society. Top winners will be announced at a black-tie gala awards ceremony at the National Building Museum on March 12.

Young innovators chosen to participate in the Science Talent Search over the past 72 years have gone on to receive some of the world's most prestigious honors. For example, Science Talent Search alumni have gone on to win seven Nobel Prizes, two Fields Medals, five National Medals of Science, 11 MacArthur Foundation Fellowships and even an Academy Award for Best Actress.

Intel has sponsored the Intel Science Talent Search for 15 years. Because Intel views education as the foundation for innovation, Intel and the Intel Foundation have invested more than $1 billion over the past decade, and Intel employees have donated close to 3 million hours toward improving education in more than 60 countries.

This is the first year that Intel Science Talent Search entrants, semifinalists and finalists will receive digital badges recognizing and rewarding their achievements in independent scientific and engineering research. Digital badges promote informal modes of education and provide recognition and credentialing for achievements beyond the classroom. Learn more about the badging initiative at http://badging.societyforscience.org.

To get the latest Intel education news, visit www.intel.com/newsroom/education, and join the conversation on Facebook and Twitter.

To learn more about Society for Science & the Public, visit www.societyforscience.org, and follow the organization on Facebook and Twitter.

About Intel

Intel (NASDAQ: INTC) is a world leader in computing innovation. The company designs and builds the essential technologies that serve as the foundation for the world’s computing devices. Additional information about Intel is available at newsroom.intel.com and blogs.intel.com.

Note to Editors: Multimedia is available at: www.intel.com/newsroom/education.