Islamabad (Pak PRwire): Following the Intel Provincial Science Fairs held recently across Sindh, ICT, Punjab and Baluchistan where young scientists presented innovative research-based projects in the categories of biology, chemistry, computer sciences, mathematics and physics, Intel Pakistan Corporation marked the end of its nation-wide science competitions with the Intel National Science Fair held today.
Widely attended by youth from all across Pakistan, the National Science Fair, which is affiliated with the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (Intel ISEF), one of the world’s largest pre-college science competitions, showcased nearly 117 science projects submitted by young scientists from all across the nation who qualified for a place in the National Science Fair after rigorous competition at district and provincial levels. Mr. Ghulam Farid Kathia, Minister of State, Federal Ministry of Education, Government of Pakistan, graced the occasion as the chief guest.
Projects displayed at the National Science Fair were assessed by a panel of renowned judges for further selection in the upcoming Intel ISEF 2010 to be held in Reno, Nevada, USA. Intel ISEF, the world’s largest pre-college science competition, enables more than 1,500 young scientists from all across the globe to gather on a single platform to exchange ideas and knowledge, showcase cutting-edge science and compete for over US$ 4 million* in awards and scholarships.
The National Science Fair, organized every year by Intel Pakistan Corporation in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, Government of Pakistan, is part of Intel’s efforts to contribute to science education reform in Pakistan. Winners of the National Science Fair 2010 will represent the nation in the upcoming Intel International Science & Engineering Fair (Intel ISEF) 2010 in San Jose, USA.
“The Government of Pakistan aims to improve quality of education by promoting initiatives in areas of science and technology,” said Mr. Ghulam Farid Kathia, Minister of State, Federal Ministry of Education, Government of Pakistan. “We also encourage easy access to computers by our youth in collaboration with leading organizations such as Intel Pakistan. We have wholeheartedly supported the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair which is a unique opportunity for our students to improve their research and engineering skills while displaying their talent before a global audience”.
“Every year students are selected from Pakistan to participate in the Intel ISEF, which is held in the US, where hundreds of students from across the globe compete for over USD 4 million in scholarships, prizes and awards. I am happy to acknowledge that in the past few years projects designed by our students have won at this prestigious International fair,” he added.
Sharing his insights on the occasion, Ashar H. Zaidi, Country Manager, Intel Pakistan stated, “It is heartening to note that each year more schools and students are participating in the Intel Science Fairs with increased vigor, to excel in the areas of science and research. We, at Intel, are grateful to the Ministry of Education for their support and cooperation towards this initiative, which is aimed towards encouraging research-based learning in schools all across Pakistan.” He further mentioned that research workshops are held across Pakistan to educate teachers and students on science and research. “The Intel ISEF program also involves the larger community, by working with leading professors and scientists from universities and the private sector across the country. These professionals work with students as mentors to guide them during their research projects, and serve as judges at the various fairs that take place throughout the country.”
About Intel ISEF
The Intel International Science and Engineering Fair, sponsored by Intel since 1997, is the world’s largest celebration of science, showcasing the world’s most promising young scientists and inventors. Student finalists, in grades nine through 12, emerge from a field of approximately one million students who compete in more than 500 regional Intel ISEF-affiliated science fairs around the world. Intel’s sponsorship of the International Science and Engineering Fair is part of the Intel Education Initiative, which is focused on collaborating with educators around the world to improve the quality of science and mathematics education and to help students develop the higher level thinking skills they need to participate and succeed in a knowledge-based economy. For more information, visit www.intel.com/education.
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