UOIT proud to sponsor Team Canada

OSHAWA, Ont. - Youth Science Foundation Canada (YSF) is delighted to announce that the University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT) has become the exclusive university sponsor of Team Canada. "UOIT's support of Team Canada is a powerful endorsement of the quality of work being done by young Canadian scientists," commented Reni Barlow, executive director of YSF Canada.

Since 1995, YSF Canada has been sending teams to the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) - with spectacular success. Team Canada provides an opportunity for young Canadian scientists to compete internationally with the best from around the world. Canadian science typically fares extremely well in international competition, with over 85 percent of our young scientists winning awards - underscoring the quality of youth science in Canada. The Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (Intel ISEF) is the world's largest pre-college celebration of science.

"At UOIT, we've combined advanced scientific knowledge with leading-edge technology to foster high quality research that will lead to groundbreaking discoveries. By sponsoring Youth Science Foundation Canada, we'll help the next generation of emerging scientists reach those discoveries sooner," said Dr. Richard Marceau, provost, UOIT.

Held annually in May, over 1,400 students from more than 40 nations compete for scholarships, tuition grants, internships, scientific field trips and the grand prize: a $50,000 (US) scholarship. UOIT joins Intel Canada and Genome Canada as the principal sponsors of Team Canada. Team Canada 2006 will be selected during Youth Science Month (March), and will compete at Intel ISEF in Indianapolis, Indiana, May 7 to13, 2006.

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About the University of Ontario Institute of Technology
As the province's newest university, the University of Ontario Institute of Technology provides a unique combination of academic knowledge, vibrant student life, leading-edge research, and hands-on skills. As Ontario's first laptop-based university, UOIT offers career-focused undergraduate and graduate degree programs in the fields of business and information technology, sciences, engineering, nursing, social science, and education. The university is committed to research excellence and has attracted significant research grants and awards including a Tier 1 Research Chair. Sharing facilities and selected services with Durham College, UOIT has attracted over 3,000 students since its inception in 2003. To find out more, visit www.uoit.ca or call 905.721.8668.

Youth Science Foundation Canada
Since 1962, Youth Science Foundation Canada has played a vital role in nurturing the scientific impulse of our youth - encouraging them to develop scientific and technological knowledge and skills. Fired by the tireless energy of over 8,000 volunteers: educators, scientists and parents across a network of over 100 local organizations, YSF works to capture their imaginations and broaden their access to science. Our goal is to ensure all young Canadians have the chance to peer through the lens of a microscope and be mesmerized by what they see. For more information about YSF Canada, contact Laura William at 416.895.3276.

About Ontario Tech University
A modern, forwarding-thinking university, Ontario Tech advances the discovery and application of knowledge to accelerate economic growth, regional development and social innovation. We inspire and equip our students and our graduates to make a positive impact in a tech-focused world. For us, it’s not only about developing the next tech breakthrough. Understanding and integrating the social and ethical implications of technology differentiates us as university. Learn more at ontariotechu.ca.

Media contact
Heather Middleton
Communications and Marketing
Ontario Tech University
905.721.3111 ext. 2197
heather.middleton@dc-uoit.ca