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Arianwen Ledesma Rollan, a 17-year-old Filipino student from Cebu City, has won the “First Award” given by the Qatar Foundation, Research and Development in Medical Science, for her research on the antitumor properties of malunggay (Moringa oleifera), according to Intel Corp.
The research of Rollan, the only Filipino among the 10 recipients of the award, was cited at the 2016 Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (Isef) in Phoenix, Arizona, which was held from May 8 to 13. The fair is considered the world’s largest high-school science research competition. A cash award of $1,000 went with the citation.
The competition honors the world’s most promising student scientists, inventors and engineers. Finalists are selected annually from hundreds of affiliated fairs. Their projects are then evaluated on-site by about 1,000 judges from nearly every scientific discipline, each with a Ph.D. or the equivalent of six years of related professional experience in one of the scientific disciplines.
Through a global network of local, regional and national science fairs, millions of students are encouraged to explore their passion for developing innovations that change the way people work and live.
Each May, a group of these students is selected as finalists and given the opportunity to compete for about $4 million in awards and scholarships.
The 2016 Isef featured more than 1,700 young scientists selected from 419 affiliate fairs in 77 countries, regions and territories.
Eighteen-year old Han Jie (Austin) Wang of Vancouver, Canada, received the first place Gordon E. Moore Award and $75,000 for developing microbial fuel cells (MFCs) that convert organic waste into electricity more efficiently.
Wang has identified specific genes in genetically enhanced E. coli bacteria that enabled them to generate power efficiently.
“Intel congratulates this year’s winners and hopes that their works will inspire other young innovators to apply their curiosity and ingenuity to today’s global challenges,” said Rosalind Hudnell, vice president in Human Resources and director of Corporate Affairs of Intel Corp., and president of the Intel Foundation.
“This international science and engineering exhibition is an excellent example of what can be achieved when students from different backgrounds, perspectives and geographies come together to share ideas and solutions,” she said.
“Intel sees the potential in aspiring young people who have an unquenchable curiosity in the things around them. We are proud that this curiosity resulted in Arianwen’s research being recognized in this year’s Isef among other projects from young innovators around the world,” said Calum Chisholm, Intel Philippines country manager.
He said, “We and Intel are optimistic that these aspiring scientists and engineers will be able to continue to pursue their passions, and we are dedicated to foster their creativity, curiosity, and ingenuity to contribute to the future.”
Meanwhile, aside from the top winners, about 600 finalists received awards and prizes for their innovative research, including 22 “Best of Category” winners, who each received a $5,000 prize.
Also, the Intel Foundation awarded $1,000 grant to each winner’s school and to the affiliated fair they represent. PNA