The Intel Science Talent Search, formerly known as the Westinghouse Science Talent Search, was first held in 1942. However, Intel recently announced that it will end its support for the competition after the 2017 event.
The science research competition for graduating high school students within the U.S. has been the biggest in the country. Each year, almost 2,000 paper submissions are made for the competition. Out of these, the top 300 are selected and winners are announced in January of the following year. Those who get selected and their school are both awarded $1,000 from the sponsor, which, since 1998, has been Intel. The semifinalist's projects are further screened and, by March of the same year, 40 of them are flown to the nation's capital where they are further screened to produce the top 10. The competitors also are introduced to the U.S. president and other key government decision-makers.
In 2015, those that made it to the top 40 spots received $7,500 dollars. Three third-place winners received $35,000 dollars each, while three second-place winners received $75,000 each. The best three papers that fell under Basic Research, Global Good and Innovation were awarded medals and $150,000 dollars each.
The competition's winners have grown up to stand at the forefront of research and development, often creating jobs and establishing industries that scale to a global level. Past competition winners have gone on to earn eight Nobel prizes and 12 MacArthur Foundation Fellowships, along other awards and recognitions. Thus, it is clear how the competition inspires and fosters some of the greatest minds within the U.S.
"The Science Talent Search stands at the center of our nation's effort to promote science and research to the next generation, and there is no doubt in my mind that it has been instrumental in encouraging the next generation of scientists, engineers and innovators," said Craig Barrett, current Society for Science and the Public trustee from Intel.
However, the chip developer and manufacturer disclosed that it will drop the talent search sponsorship when its contract ends in March 2017.
"After the 2017 event when our sponsorship concludes we know the society will continue to provide outstanding leadership in recognizing the best and brightest science students in America," said Shelly Esque, vice president of Intel's corporate affairs group.
Maya Ajmera, president and CEO of the Society for Science and the Public and a 1985 Science Talent Search alumna, notes that the organization will be delighted to welcome a new sponsor in April 2017, "which will play an integral role for informing, educating and inspiring" students within the U.S.
The society posted a Request for Proposal, where would-be sponsors can visit to learn more about sponsoring the Science Talent Search. The next sponsor will be expected to commit at least $6 million annually for a minimum initial sponsorship term of five years.
