Intel Press Release

1,000 Top Science Students "Celebrate Science" As Intel ISEF Opens At Churchill Downs

New "Intel Young Scientist" Scholarships Add to $2 Million in Awards at This "World's Series" of Science Fairs

LOUISVILLE, Kent., May 13, 1997 -- Craig Barrett, Intel Corporation's chief operating officer, opened the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) at historic Churchill Downs with an announcement that Intel will award lucrative "Intel Young Scientist Awards" to the three most outstanding competitors at this week's event. The three winners, who will be selected by the Intel scientists involved in judging at this "World Series" of science fairs, will each receive a $40,000 scholarship to attend the university of his or her choice. The monetary value of the awards and scholarships given out at the Intel ISEF surpasses any other high school competition in the world.

World's Best Young Scientists Compete in Louisville
The Intel ISEF is the world's only international science fair representing all life sciences for students in grades nine through 12. This week's Intel ISEF is the culmination of a year of science competitions around the world in which more than 3 million students competed. Those fortunate enough to make it to the Kentucky competition -- 551 male and 538 female students -- are all winners in regional fairs. They will showcase their award-winning projects this week to thousands of spectators, judges and Nobel Laureates.

Intel ISEF -- $2 Million in Awards and Scholarships
In addition to the "Intel Young Scientists Awards," students will vie for more than $2 million in other scholarships and prizes, including:

  • The Pinnacle Awards: Glenn T. Seaborg trips to the Nobel Prize ceremonies in Stockholm for the two top winners at the Fair plus other trips to the European Union Contest for Young Scientists and the International Fair of South America.
  • Five Intel-sponsored "Best Use of a Computer Awards": Pentium® processor-based PCs with MMX™ technology for projects demonstrating innovative uses of a computer.
  • Special Intel Fellow awards of $2,000 each to five competitors doing outstanding work in any field.
  • $5,000 Intel ISEF "Best of Category Awards," to the top competitor in each of the 15 scientific categories at the Fair.
  • Grand Awards of $3,000, $1,500, $1,000 and $500 respectively given for first-, second-, third- and fourth-place projects in each of the 15 categories.

In addition, seven educators will receive special recognition at this year's Intel ISEF through the "Excellence in Teaching" awards. Teachers, nominated by their peers, can win one of six $1,000 awards or one $5,000 prize. The Intel Foundation is also sponsoring eight local teachers from each of its six U.S. site communities and Puerto Rico to attend the Intel ISEF as observers. Intel hopes to encourage these teachers to return to their classrooms revitalized and ready to spread the excitement of science fair competition to their students and fellow teachers.

Opening Ceremonies Held at Churchill Downs
The Opening Ceremonies, held at historic Churchill Downs, were a fitting kick-off to the week's excitement. The festivities began with a surprise – the landing of three parachutists trailing an Intel ISEF flag in the Winner's Circle – and featured addresses by Dr. Mae Jemison, the first African American woman in space; Bill Nye the Science Guy, star of the popular television program; and Naomi Bates, last year's top ISEF winner and now a student at Princeton. Also present were Dr. Roy Peterson, Secretary of Education, and Jerry Abramson, the mayor of Louisville. Dr. Jack Gibbons, the White House Science Advisor, conveyed the President's good wishes via video.

Louisville is Host City
The Intel ISEF takes place this week at the Commonwealth Convention Center in Louisville, Kent. "The state of Kentucky and specifically the city of Louisville are honored to have been chosen to host the largest and most inclusive International Science and Engineering Fair ever held," said Governor Patton. "With Intel's support we are certain that this will be a world-class event, filled with exciting opportunities for all involved."

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