Rocket Signals 2004 Oregon Arrival of World's Largest Youth Science Fair; Intel International Science and Engineering Fair to Attract 1,200 Students from Around the World.

Business Editors/Science Writers/Education Writers

PORTLAND, Ore.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 4, 2003

A model Conestoga wagon took flight today as officials unveiled Portland, Ore., as the 2004 host city of the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (Intel ISEF), dubbed the "Olympics of Science Fairs."

Presented by sponsor Applied Materials, Intel ISEF attracts 1,200 students from around the world, 1,000 Ph.D.-level judges and 3,000 out-of-town visitors. It's estimated to bring $8 million in revenue to the region. More than $3 million in cash and scholarships will be awarded to winning participants by professional societies, government agencies, and colleges and universities.

In celebration of Portland's selection as host city, award-winning OHSU scientist Dr. Brian Druker helped organizers launch a model Conestoga wagon rocket, a replica of the new Team Oregon logo, to heights estimated at 100 feet. The announcement took place at Portland State University during the Intel Northwest Science Exhibition, which attracts hundreds of high school students and their science projects from around the state. The winners will compete at Intel ISEF 2003 held this year in Cincinnati.

"Hosting ISEF gives our youth an amazing opportunity to explore science, whether they embrace a project of their own, or just participate as observers of the event," said Dick Knight of Youth Exploring Science. "We're working aggressively to encourage mentors and school support to grow the number of science fairs in Oregon that lead up to the event. We want to be sure our youth have the opportunity to participate."

As part of the kick-off event, members of the local Youth Exploring Science discussed efforts to increase the number of state science fairs and youth participation. The group, a volunteer organization which spearheaded the effort to attract Intel ISEF to Portland, will work to encourage statewide mentorship and participation.

BACKGROUND

The Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (Intel ISEF) is the world's largest pre-college celebration of science. The event brings together more than 1,200 students from 40 nations to compete for scholarships, tuition grants, internships, scientific field trips and the grand prize: a trip to attend the Nobel Prize Ceremonies in Stockholm, Sweden. The Portland event, sponsored by Applied Materials, will be held May 9-15, 2004, at the Oregon State Convention Center and other facilities in Portland. Projects span the engineering and scientific spectrum, from computer and environmental science, to chemistry, physics and microbiology. Visit www.sciserv.org/isef for more information.