The ‘Initiative for Research & Innovation in Science – IRIS’ is a research based science fair initiative for students, with an objective to inspire budding scientists in India. IRIS is an exemplary example of a public – private partnership heralded by Department of Science & Technology (DST), Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and Intel for empowering the next generation of innovators.

IRIS promotes and nurtures science and scientific research amongst young Indian innovators, recognizes and rewards outstanding projects and provides a platform for these geniuses to represent India at global science competitions like the Intel International Science & Engineering Fair (Intel ISEF) and International Exhibition for Young Inventors (IEYI) and Stockholm International Youth Science Seminar (SIYSS).

In today’s global environment, it is essential to encourage originality of thought to enrich the quality of human capital and build a pipeline of world class talent in the country. In its sixth year now, the fair receives innovative project entries from school students across the country. The students participate by sending synopsis across 10 categories: Behavioural Sciences, Bio-Chemistry, Botany, Chemistry, Computer Science, Engineering, Environmental Science, Mathematics, Physics, and Zoology.

IRIS is different from most state/school board science fairs as it seeks to nurture innovative problem solving and a systematic approach to experimental science. The scientific direction to this fair is provided by a team of volunteer scientists from various national labs and universities as TIFR, NPL, IISC, HBCSE etc.
Though various science fairs in the country are affiliated to IRIS, most students participate directly by submitting a summary of their projects and description of experiments carried out. The best approximate 150 projects from across the country compete at the National Fair, held in the last week of November or first week of December every year.
Over three action packed days, the IRIS National Fair is an amazing experience! The brightest young minds from across India get a chance to interacting amongst themselves and also with top scientists who come not only to judge the projects, but also to share their experiences..

There are of course fantastic prizes for innovative projects in all subject categories, and special awards for junior participants from class 5-8. The best projects from class 9-12 also have a chance to represent India at the Intel ISEF (International Science and Engineering Fair) the following year.

Remember, only investigative research-based projects qualify for IRIS.. It’s not only great fun, but perhaps the beginning of a most wonderful journey into the world of science and technology.

Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (Intel ISEF), USA

The Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) began in 1950 as a platform to encourage pre-college students to conduct scientific research. It has grown in size and prestige to become the crowning achievement in the U.S., and internationally, in high school science competitions. Intel ISEF brings together more than 1,200 students from over 40 nations to compete for over 900 prizes. There is US$ 4 million to be won including scholarships, tuition grants, internships, scientific field trips and the grand prize: a trip to attend the Nobel Prize Ceremony in Stockholm, Sweden. Science Service founded the ISEF in 1950 and Intel is the title sponsor of this prestigious international competition.

For Indian students who participate and win in the IRIS National Fair, the cherished grand prize is the opportunity to participate with the worlds’ best innovators at Intel ISEF.
At the IRIS national Fair, 6 individuals and two teams are selected and attend coaching camps wherein their progress is reviewed by the SRC team

The Intel ISEF 2011, was held from May 08-13 in Los Angeles, CA brought together over 10,000 people, including 1,500 of the brightest young minds nationally and internationally as student science fair Finalists, as well as their teachers and science fair directors, and other interested parties. Through their independent research projects, student Finalists vied for over $4 million in scholarships, internships and other awards offered in 18 different mathematic, sciences, and engineering judging categories as well as a Team category. Intel ISEF 09 student Finalists are expected from almost every U.S. state and over 56 countries and territories.