Re4generon Science Talent Search

A New Era…

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First, let me reminisce.  Then, I will share some fantastic news.  And, then explain why it’s even more incredible than just fantastic.

Way, way back, at the time of the 1939 World’s Fair, G. Edward Pendray (from Westinghouse) and Watson Davis (Science  Service, founded by Scripps) conceived of a process to promote kids entering the field of science.  And, three years later (1942), the Westinghouse Electric Company took a chance on a concept. Its goal- sometimes called the Westinghouse Science Fair-  was to promote its image- and to promote the best of the best.

Over the years, some of the best, the brightest, the most innovative kids got a chance to show the world what kids- and science- is capable of providing the world.  How many kids? 147000, give or take, made the cut to compete in this prestigious Science Talent Search.   2920 made it all the way to DC to compete to be the best of the best.  (What?  You thought “Top Gun” was the vehicle for the most elite?  No way!)

And, these kids have gone on to win the Nobel Prize, Fields Medals, McArthur Fellowships- and others have gone on to become professors and business leaders to help change this world.  Just because they got the chance to show what they could do.

And, Westinghouse has disappeared.  OK.  By 1995, it had pretty much abandoned its basic business; it acquired CBS (as in TV) and renamed itself the CBS Corporation in 1997.  Which gave another one of the biggest and best tech companies in the world a chance to step up.

In 1998, the fair became known as the Intel Science Talent Search.  Intel.  The firm headed by Dr. Andy Grove.   And, for 18 years, that’s the way it’s been.  But, Intel announced it was moving on.  (I wonder how much of that change was related to the change in executive leadership of the firm.)

But,now, there’s a new sponsor.  Which means the Science Talent Search has progressed from a mainline industrial firm, to the next generation of business- computers- and now to biotech.  Regeneron Pharmaceuticals from Tarrytown, NY takes over the sponsorship for 2017.

Re4generon Science Talent Search

Regeneron, which treats eye diseases, cholesterol disorders, among its other medical research vanguards, has committed $ 100 million for the project- enough to carry the Search for a decade.  And, one that will double the amount of scholarship funds provided the winners.

$ 30 million of Regeneron’s money is targeted for underserved communities, to mentor students from those areas.  And, to train teachers in project-based learning in those regions.  (This is thrice the amount of the current Search’s budget for these items.)

And, here’s the incredible part. Regeneron is founded by two Science Talent Search competitors. Dr. Leonard Schleifer (neurologist) is the CEO for Regeneron, and competed in the Fair when he was a high school student in Forest Hills, New York (1970).  George D. Yancopoulos, Chief Science Officer, competed in the Fair in 1976, when he was a student at Bronx High School of Science.

How’s that for paying it forward?

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