World's Brightest Young Scientists to Gather in Philadelphia for the 1999 Intel International Science and Engineering Fair

50th Anniversary of the World's Largest International Science Competition Brings Together High School Students from 50 Countries

SANTA CLARA, Calif., Nov. 2, 1998 -- This May, more than 1,100 students from over 50 countries will travel to Philadelphia, the "city of brotherly love" and the site of the first International Science and Engineering Fair in 1949, on May 2-8 for the 1999 Intel ISEF. During the weeklong competition, finalists attending the 1999 Intel ISEF will present research addressing a wide variety of scientific issues relevant to everyday life -- from innovative ways to test blood to new uses for the PC, to the decontamination of water.

The Intel ISEF, sometimes called the Olympics of science fairs, is the only international science fair representing all life sciences for students in grades nine through 12. An estimated 1 million students from around the world will compete in about 500 local Intel ISEF-affiliated science fairs in the hopes of advancing to the Intel ISEF in May 1999. The top two students and top team from each local affiliated science fair are invited to participate in this international competition.

At the Intel ISEF, students will compete in one of 15 life science categories ranging from biochemistry to zoology. A distinguished panel of judges determines first- through fourth-place winners in each of the categories.

The Participants
The Intel ISEF finalists are not only talented science and engineering students, but also a diverse group of teens who create an impressive international forum. The competition draws students from over half of the high schools in the United States, representing every state in the union. In 1998, 33 other countries sent finalists to the competition in Ft. Worth, Texas, and nearly half of the participants were young women.

The projects and research presented at past Intel ISEF competitions have ranged widely in scope. This year, for example, projects included such varied research such as a noninvasive method of measuring blood hemoglobin through the finger tip; a way of making efficient, cost-effective industrial diamonds; a program that helps computers analyze 3-D images faster; and an effective method for eliminating common bacteria from table tops. Although developed by high school students, many of the projects rival work done at the graduate level or by industry researchers. Each year, 10 to 15 percent of the finalists at the Intel ISEF are involved in the patent process.

The Program
The ISEF has been coordinated for the past 50 years by Science Service, a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the understanding and appreciation of science among people of all ages through publications and educational programs. In its third year as title sponsor, Intel has committed more than $3 million to developing and promoting this competition. Over $2 million in grants and scholarships will be awarded at the Intel ISEF -- more than any other major high school science competition.

For more information on Science Service and the Intel Science and Engineering Fair, see www.sciserv.org.

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