Google backing science contest

By Patrick May
Mercury News

Article Launched: 02/05/2008 01:34:26 AM PST

They call it the "Olympics of science fairs." And when the International Science and Engineering Fair, or ISEF, returns to San Jose in 2010, it will have an Olympian corporate sponsor to boot.

Google has signed on to lend its name - along with $1.5 million and an additional $500,000 in in-kind support - to the world's largest international pre-college science competition, which is coming to town for the second time in 10 years.

"Having Google involved will ensure that this will be one of the premier science fairs we've ever had," said Dana Ditmore, chairman of the ISEF 2010 Association. "And it's going to be even more exciting for the kids taking part because young people really relate to Google."

ISEF is not your grandmother's science fair. Part competition, part geeky fun, this fair will bring more than 1,500 students from nearly 50 countries to San Jose to show off their independent research projects - many of them mind-boggling and esoteric to the general populace.

Google did not respond to calls. But Ditmore said the company's participation in the May 9-15 event will include hosting an official Web site and a panel on women in technology, as well as welcome events, a breakfast for international students and a dinner for the 1,500 volunteer judges expected to take part.

Prizes to the winners include more than $3 million in awards and scholarships, as well as opportunities for internships and scientific field trips.

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