Intel Science Talent Search Finalists Announced

40 Young Scientists to Compete for $1.25 Million in Scholarships

SANTA CLARA, Calif.– Forty high school seniors today were named finalists for the Intel Science Talent Search 2008 (Intel STS). The competition, often called the “junior Nobel Prize,” is America’s oldest and most prestigious high school science competition. Finalists will travel to Washington, D.C. in March to compete for scholarships, with the top winner receiving a $100,000 scholarship from the Intel Foundation. Each finalist will receive at least $5,000 in scholarships and a new laptop featuring the Intel® Core™2 Duo processor.

This year’s Intel STS finalists hail from 19 states and represent 35 schools. New York boasts the most finalists from any state with 15 (the most since 2004), followed by Pennsylvania with four and Texas with three.

The finalists’ independent research projects include: further understanding of the relationship of nicotine to breast cancer and chemotherapy efficacy; an economics study of the cross-influence of public and private funding for Iowa’s public libraries; and the design and construction of affordable microbial fuel cells that could generate clean water and clean energy anywhere.

Over the past 67 years, STS alumni have received more than 100 of the world’s most coveted science and math honors including six Nobel Prizes, three National Medals of Science, 10 MacArthur Foundation Fellowships and two Fields Medals.

The finalists will receive an all-expense paid trip to Washington, D.C. for a week-long event in March. While in Washington, D.C. finalists will undergo a rigorous judging process, meet with national leaders, interact with leading scientists and display their research at the National Academy of Sciences. Top winners will be announced at a black-tie gala held at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center on March 11.

Intel Corporation added sponsorship of the Science Talent Search to its extensive Education Initiative portfolio in 1998 to promote math and science education, a growing need in the United States. Over the past 10 years, Intel has increased the total annual awards and scholarships from $207,000 to $1.25 million. The company also reinvigorated the competition by adding awards for the schools and introducing technology to the experience, including handing out laptop computers to all 40 finalists.

Intel Chairman Craig Barrett noted, “2008 not only marks the 10th anniversary of Intel’s sponsorship of the STS, but falling in a presidential election year this competition highlights more than ever the importance of supporting math and science education in the United States. Intel STS showcases the incredible advancements made by students across the nation when we get the system right and demonstrates the capabilities of the next generation.”

Society for Science & the Public (formerly Science Service), a nonprofit organization dedicated to public engagement in scientific research and education, owns and has administered the STS since its inception in 1942. Elizabeth Marincola, president of Society for Science & the Public, said, “Many of our nation’s greatest challenges are rooted in advancing science and technology. The 40 finalists of this year’s Intel STS represent the brightest of futures for American innovation and our contribution to the world. Society for Science & the Public is proud of its work with Intel as we continue to reward the outstanding independent research of some of the country’s most inspirational young scientists.”

Intel’s commitment to education extends far beyond Intel STS. From local schools to global universities, Intel works to help improve the quality of education around the world. Over the past decade alone, Intel has invested more than $1 billion in cash and in-kind contributions to help teachers teach, students learn and universities innovate – particularly in the areas of math, science and technology.

To learn more about Intel’s commitment to education around the world, visit www.intel.com/education. To learn more about Society for Science & the Public, visit www.societyforscience.org.