Intel Science Talent Search 2016 Announces 300 U.S. High School Semifinalists for 75th Anniversary Year

WASHINGTON, Jan. 6, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Three hundred high school seniors will be named semifinalists in the Intel Science Talent Search 2016, a program of Society for Science & the Public. Visit http://student.societyforscience.org/intel-sts at 12:00 p.m. EST to see the list of semifinalists.

When: 12:00 p.m. EST, Jan. 6

What: The Intel Science Talent Search, the nation's oldest and most prestigious pre-college science competition, has been bringing together the best and brightest young scientific minds in the United States for 75 years. Each semifinalist receives a $1,000 award from the Intel Foundation with an additional $1,000 going to his or her school, resulting in $600,000 in total semifinalist awards.

The competition overall awards $1.6 million to provide the opportunities and resources that students need to become the next generation of inventors, entrepreneurs, and STEM professionals.

Who: Semifinalists were selected from 1,750 entrants hailing from 512 high schools in 43 states, Washington, DC, Puerto Rico and six American and international high schools overseas. For a list of semifinalists, where they are from and what their research entails, visit http://student.societyforscience.org/intel-sts after 12:00 p.m. EST on Jan. 6.

Next Steps: On Jan. 20, 40 of the 300 semifinalists will be named Intel Science Talent Search finalists. Finalists will receive an all-expenses-paid trip to Washington, D.C. from March 10-16, where they will compete for more than $1 million in awards. Prizes include three Medal of Distinction awards of $150,000 each, which will be awarded to students who show exceptional scientific potential in three areas: Basic Research, Global Good and Innovation. Additionally, there are three second-place awards of $75,000, and three third-place awards of $35,000. Each finalist receives at least $7,500. Winners will be selected based on rigorous judging sessions and announced at a black-tie, invitation-only gala awards ceremony at the National Building Museum on March 15.

Quote: "The Science Talent Search celebrates its 75^th anniversary this year. Our alumni over the past three quarters of a century have gone on to successful STEM careers and to achieve top honors and recognition in their chosen fields," said Maya Ajmera, president and CEO of Society for Science & the Public and publisher of the Science News media group. "As a fellow alumna, I'm thrilled to congratulate the 300 semifinalists and welcome them to the Intel STS family. They are the next generation of innovators, and we look forward to witnessing the impact they will have on making the world a better place."

More Info: The Intel Science Talent Search recognizes and empowers the most promising young scientists in the United States who are creating the technologies and solutions that will positively impact people's lives. Projects submitted for consideration cover all disciplines of science, including engineering, mathematics, biochemistry, materials science, physics, behavioral science, and medicine and health.

Since its launch 75 years ago, more than 150,000 students from U.S. high schools in all 50 states, Washington, D.C. and many territories have submitted independent research for the Intel Science Talent Search. 2016 marks Intel's 18^th year sponsoring this competition. Alumni include holders of more than 100 of the world's most coveted science and math honors. These include twelve Nobel Laureates, eleven National Medal of Science winners, two Fields Medalists, and eighteen MacArthur Foundation Fellows.

Society for Science & the Public (SSP), the nonprofit organization dedicated to public engagement in scientific research and education, has owned and administered the Science Talent Search since its inception in 1942. To learn more about SSP, visit www.societyforscience.org, and follow SSP on Facebook and Twitter.

Media Contacts: Jennifer Baumgartner, Intel
503-329-5504, [email protected] 

Sarah Wood, Society for Science & the Public
202-872-5110, [email protected]

SOURCE Society for Science & the Public

Related Links

http://www.societyforscience.org