Thirty Outstanding Middle School Scientists, Engineers and Innovators Named Finalists in Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge

Representing 14 states, finalists will compete in Washington, D.C., for more than $100,000 in awards

WASHINGTON, Sept. 18, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Society for Science today announced the 30 finalists in the Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge (Thermo Fisher JIC), the nation’s premier middle school science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) competition. The Thermo Fisher JIC, a program of Society for Science, aims to inspire young scientists, engineers and innovators who will solve the grand challenges of the future.

The 30 finalists were selected by a nationwide panel of scientists, engineers and educators from the Top 300 Junior Innovators announced earlier this month. The finalists will participate in Thermo Fisher JIC Finals Week (Oct. 25–30) in Washington, D.C., where a panel of judges will evaluate their scientific research along with their communication, creativity and collaboration skills during team challenges.

“Congratulations to the Top 30 Thermo Fisher JIC finalists,” said Maya Ajmera, President and CEO of Society for Science and Executive Publisher of Science News. “Their innovative projects showcase the bright future of STEM. These young people remind us of the importance of nurturing scientific curiosity from an early age and investing in STEM education.”

Thermo Fisher’s sponsorship of the Junior Innovators Challenge continues its longstanding commitment to widespread and equitable access to STEM education. Together with Society for Science, Thermo Fisher is helping to increase the number of students who enter the competition and nurture a future STEM talent pool that is more diverse than ever.

“This year’s Thermo Fisher JIC finalists and their impressive projects serve as inspiration to any young person with an interest in STEM,” said Dr. Karen Nelson, Chief Scientific Officer at Thermo Fisher Scientific. “As a company committed to nurturing a STEM workforce that reflects the world around us, we hope all finalists bring this remarkable experience back to their communities to help spark passion and confidence among future competitors.”

Thermo Fisher JIC finalist fast facts:

• They represent 14 states, led by California and Texas.
• The most popular project category is Environmental & Earth Sciences.
• More than half identify as female.

A full list of the finalists can be viewed here: https://www.societyforscience.org/jic/2024-finalists/

Thermo Fisher JIC reaches 65,000 students annually through the Society’s Affiliated Fair Network. Students who are named in the top 10% of their local affiliated science fair are eligible to enter the Thermo Fisher JIC, the only middle school STEM competition that leverages Society-affiliated science fairs as a critical component of the STEM talent pipeline. All finalists receive a $500 cash award and will participate in the Thermo Fisher JIC Finals Week in Washington, D.C., where they will compete for the following awards:

• $25,000 Thermo Fisher Scientific ASCEND (Aspiring Scientists Cultivating Exciting New Discoveries) Award, which will go to the student who demonstrates mastery of all STEM fields and exemplifies how research, innovation and teamwork come together to impact our everyday lives.
• $10,000 Broadcom Coding with Commitment^® Award, presented to a finalist whose project and performance combines expert STEM knowledge and passion for helping or improving one’s community through computation/coding.
• $10,000 DoD STEM Talent Award, which will be awarded to a finalist who demonstrates excellence in science, technology, engineering or math, along with the leadership and technical skills necessary to excel in the 21^st century STEM workforce.
• $10,000 Lemelson Foundation Award for Invention, awarded by The Lemelson Foundation to a young inventor creating promising solutions to real-world problems.
• $10,000 Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Award for Health Advancement, which recognizes the student whose work and performance show the most promise in health-related fields and demonstrates an understanding of the many social factors that affect the health of communities.
• First and Second Place Awards issued in each category of STEM of $3,500 or $2,500, respectively, to be used toward a STEM summer camp experience.
• Team Award, sponsored by Teaching Institute for Excellence in STEM (TIES), which awards a $200 gift card to a science supply company in support of their interests in STEM to each member of the team that best demonstrates an ability to work together and solve problems through shared decision making, communication and scientific and engineering collaboration.

Thermo Fisher JIC recognizes finalists’ schools with $1,000 each to use toward STEM activities.

About Society for Science
Society for Science is a champion for science, dedicated to promoting the understanding and appreciation of science and the vital role it plays in human advancement. Established in 1921, Society for Science is best known for its award-winning journalism through Science News and Science News Explores, its world-class science research competitions for students, including the Regeneron Science Talent Search, the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair and the Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge, and its outreach and equity programming that seeks to ensure that all students have an opportunity to pursue a career in STEM. A 501(c)(3) membership organization, Society for Science is committed to inform, educate and inspire. Learn more at www.societyforscience.org and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Snapchat (Society4Science).

Contact:

Gayle Kansagor

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