UOIT announces three-year sponsorship to provide greater opportunities for young scientists
January 17, 2006
OSHAWA, Ont. - The University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT) is excited to announce a three-year sponsorship agreement that will help enhance opportunities for today's young scientists. Ontario's newest university has joined Sci-Tech Ontario as the organization's third-largest sponsor.
Sci-Tech Ontario is a non-profit organization that supports Ontario's 30 regional science and technology fairs in a variety of ways, including travel assistance for, and recognition of, Team Sci-Tech Ontario. Sci-Tech Ontario also promotes the teaching of project-based science by providing curriculum resource materials and workshops to Ontario's teachers.
"As educators, we have an important role to play in engaging today's youth in the pursuit of science and discovery," said Dr. Richard Marceau, provost at the University of Ontario Institute of Technology. "We are delighted to partner with Sci-Tech Ontario to nurture today's young scientists and provide greater opportunities for them to achieve their goals.
Since 2000, Sci-Tech Ontario has been working to expand and provide support to all Regional Science Fairs across the province. Sci-Tech Ontario has also expanded the recognition available to young scientists throughout Ontario by systematically establishing new sponsored awards in different thematic areas. Through its innovative programs, Sci-Tech Ontario is providing opportunities for students to explore and understand science."We are extremely pleased to welcome the University of Ontario Institute of Technology as one of our major partners," said Dr. David Wardlaw, Chair of Sci-Tech Ontario and Head of Chemistry at Queen's University. "Sci-Tech Ontario is all about young scientists and youth science in Ontario. One of Sci-Tech's goals is to help in securing Ontario's future as a leader in science, technology and innovation and the UOIT sponsorship provides a big boost in this direction."
"Science Fair has presented me with opportunities that very few other teenagers get to experience," said Natalie Raso, EnCana Best in Fair Winner at Canada Wide Science Fair 2005. "These experiences may not have been available to me without Sci-Tech Ontario's financial, educational and moral support at every step of the way."
About the Partnership
The University of Ontario Institute of Technology will become the official university partner of Sci-Tech Ontario by providing $35,000 per year for the next three years to be used to assist Sci-Tech Ontario in sponsoring its operations and programs, including the 30 regional science fairs taking place across Ontario during March and April of each year.
UOIT will also sponsor a new regional science fair award for all regional science fairs in the province. The award will be called the "University of Ontario Institute of Technology Innovation Award." Two awards of $100 each will be provided for each Regional Science Fair (RSF) in Ontario for the Junior, Intermediate or Senior projects demonstrating the most innovative development, adaptation, or use of technology in any subject area.
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.
About Sci-Tech OntarioSci-Tech Ontario is a non-profit, volunteer-based organization. Sci-Tech's mission is to promote, support and recognize youth engagement in scientific inquiry and research. To achieve this goal, Sci-Tech works in partnership with the education community, government and industry. For more information, please visit the Sci-Tech Ontario website www.scitechontario.org.
For more information, contact:
Deborah Reid
Sci-Tech Ontario Co-ordinator
416.729.0240
deb@reidandassociates.ca
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
