YOUNG SCIENTISTS INNOVATION: CALL FOR CONCEPT PAPERS
The Uganda National Council for Science and Technology (UNCST) is organizing the 2010 National Science Week (NSW) from 20th-24th September 2010 as part of its strategy to promote Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) in Uganda. The theme of the Week is “Science, Technology and Innovation for National Development”. The NSW seeks to raise awareness on the pivotal role of science and technology in Uganda’s socio-economic development process, and to reflect on the achievements and progress towards enhancing Uganda’s national STI capacity.
One of the events planned in the 2010 NSW is a Young Scientists Innovation Competition, which will be hosted by Gulu University in Northern Uganda. The Competition is aimed at helping students and the public gain better understanding of how science, technology and innovation relate to their daily lives, and overall national development.
Car made by Makerere University students
In this regard, UNCST wishes to call for concept papers from interested student participants on scientific and technological innovations.
Guidelines for participation
The innovations will be judged using the following criteria;
- Relevance of the innovation
- Scientific importance of the innovation
- Potential application
Originality
- Market /commercialization potential
- Relevance to socio-economic development of Uganda
- Reliability/adoptability
- Appropriate use of local materials
Participation
- Only students of senior secondary schools are eligible to participate in this competition.
- An innovation team should consist of a maximum of 2 students.
- Each innovation team should comprise of an O and A’ Level student
- An innovation concept submitted by one person only will not be considered.
Topics
- ICT
- Biological and ecological sciences
- Physical sciences (Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics)
- Social and Behavioral Sciences
- Technological/Engineering Sciences
The concept paper must not exceed 500 words. It should briefly but clearly describe the student’s innovation and its relevance to society. Such innovation could be as a result of a student’s science project or their own initiative.
Selection process
An independent Committee of the UNCST shall review the concept papers and make a shortlist of concept papers that it will facilitate to be developed further by the proponents. The UNCST Committee will award marks based on the guidelines given above. Selected proponents will be requested to obtain recommendations from their School Head Teachers. They will also be invited to Gulu University for the final competitions. Modest prizes and recognition will be given to top innovation projects.
Submission:
The concept papers should be submitted to the Executive Secretary of UNCST at the address below not later than 25th June 2010. Submissions are acceptable in hard copies or via e-mail at ysip@uncst.go.ug This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it ; a.atero@uncst.go.ug This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .Only short listed proponents will be contacted.
Please Note: Late submission of concept papers will not be allowed, and any evidence of teacher’s input into the concept paper will lead to automatic disqualification of the student from the competition.
For more information about the Student Science Innovation Competition and the 2010 NSW in general, please contact:
The Executive Secretary
Uganda National Council for Science and Technology
Plot 3/5/7 Nasser Road, Kampala
P.O.Box 6884 Kampala
Tel: 256 414 705 500
Fax: 256 414 234 579
Website: www.uncst.go.ug