Taiwan International Science Fair 2015

We spoke to our Director, Richard Myhill about his experience at the 14th Taiwan International Science Fair last month.

The 14th Taiwan International Science Fair (TISF) recently took place in Taipei (5-10th February 2015) and I had the pleasure of experiencing it first-hand.  150 student science projects made it through to the international finals, with 500 students taking part and 21 countries represented this year in the biggest ever TISF. The event was hosted at the impressive National Science and Education Center in Taipei.

Students had prepared projects across all STEM subjects, from using new materials to make “green” plastic, to ways of reducing the damaging effects of blue light emitted from electrical devices, to possible health benefits from apricot kernels (once the cyanide is extracted!), to using waste materials to make wood substitutes, to steady devices for video camera use and much more.

During the opening ceremony I gave the key note lecture on “Creative Learning – The Importance of Thinking outside the Classroom”.  I looked to the issue that in an ever changing learning environment, those students that wish to succeed, must not only do well in school but also be creative about the opportunities they seek outside the classroom.  The importance of extracurricular activities to supplement learning is vital, including working on innovative science projects, attending competitions and fairs and other outreach educational activities. Science today is a global endeavour and students must look outside national borders and become familiar with the world context. A wonderful example would be to attend LIYSF 2015.

TISF gave students a great chance to showcase their projects as well as learning more about the Taipei region and mixing with students from other cultures. The network of volunteer student ambassadors from local schools did a fantastic job of sharing their culture and country with others.
During the closing ceremony, President Ma Ying-jeou of the Republic of China – Taiwan, spoke to students and handed out the top prizes. President Ma commented that:

“the perseverance that scientific research demands, an abundance of creativity, and an international perspective are precisely what young people need for the 21st century. And [he] trust[s] that these special qualities are the most precious gifts that you will glean from this international science fair.”

Congratulations to all the 500 students present at TISF 2015, everyone gained a great deal from participating in this wonderful event. The TISF team headed by Director Chu Nan-Shyan and the Ministry of Education and did a great job in organising and hosting TISF 2015.