More than 250 high school students mark UOIT's first-ever Energy and the Environment Day
February 20, 2006
UOIT officially announces partnerships to promote youth science
OSHAWA, Ont. - More than 250 high school students and teachers had the opportunity today to learn about the latest science- and engineering-based research at the University of Ontario Institute of Technology's (UOIT) first-ever Energy and the Environment Day.
To help engage students in the pursuit of science and discovery through education, they heard from lead researchers in areas of advanced energy systems, fuel cell and hydrogen technologies, environmental sustainability, and aquatic toxicology. Students also had the opportunity to tour Canada's largest geothermal well field, which is installed at UOIT, along with the university's biology labs; learn about renewable energy during a presentation from the Durham College and UOIT Solar Car Team; visit Friends of Second Marsh; and learn about youth science initiatives.
"We have been pleased to present this event as part of our ongoing goal of connecting our researchers with Ontario's youth, and in demonstrating our commitment to applying scientific and engineering expertise to address society's pressing problems," said Dr. William Smith, dean, Faculty of Science at UOIT.
The day also marked the official launch of UOIT's major partnerships with Youth Science Foundation Canada (YSF), and Sci-Tech Ontario at a media conference held during the lunch break. Both organizations are dedicated to promoting and enhancing youth science initiatives.
"As educators, we have an important role to play in opening doors for today's youth by providing the latest scientific knowledge and leading-edge technology," said Dr. Richard Marceau, provost at UOIT. "By partnering with Youth Science Foundation Canada and Sci-Tech Ontario, we'll help the next generation of emerging scientists reach key discoveries sooner."
With its sponsorship of YSF, UOIT has become the official 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," said Reni Barlow, executive director of YSF.
With its three-year sponsorship of Sci-Tech Ontario, UOIT becomes the organization's official university partner. "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."
The day's events were generously sponsored by Youth Science Foundation Canada, Sci-Tech Ontario, Ontario Power Generation, Durham Strategic Energy Alliance, Friends of Second Marsh, Veridian Corporation, Oshawa Public Utilities Commission and Zerofootprint.
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.
Backgrounder
About the Youth Science Foundation Partnership
With its sponsorship of YSF, UOIT has become the official sponsor of Team Canada.
Since 1995, Youth Science Foundation Canada (YSF) 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.
With its sponsorship of YSF, UOIT has become the official sponsor of Team Canada.
Since 1995, Youth Science Foundation Canada (YSF) 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.
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.
About 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 416.895.3276
Backgrounder
About the Sci-Tech Ontario 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 Sci-Tech Ontario
Sci-Tech Ontario is a non-profit, volunteer-based 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 also promotes the teaching of project-based science by providing curriculum resource materials and workshops to Ontario's teachers.
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. Since 2000, Sci-Tech Ontario has been working to expand and provide support to all Regional Science Fairs across the province.
Sci-Tech 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 is providing opportunities for students to explore and understand science. For more information, please visit the Sci-Tech Ontario website www.scitechontario.org.
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
