Edmonton to host Canada-wide STEM event

Inquisitive students across Canada will have the City of Edmonton on their minds for at least the next eight years as Youth Science Canada announces today that the city will host the 2020, 2023 and 2026 editions of Canada’s foremost youth science event, the Canada-Wide Science Fair (CWSF). 

“We’re very happy for the City of Edmonton and especially for our participants and their families,” says Reni Barlow, executive director at Youth Science Canada, organizers of the CWSF. “The city has demonstrated complete support for the Canada-Wide Science Fair, and the field of STEM in general, and we’re excited to see how their resources help aid these hardworking students.”

The weeklong Canada-Wide Science Fair typically attracts more than 10,000 visitors, who attend to view top projects developed by some 500 students in the area of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). In addition, visitors experience interactive and inspiring hands-on exhibits from universities, colleges, the private sector, museums, and research agencies, as well as demonstrations, presentations, and workshops as part of STEM Expo. At each CWSF, more than one million dollars in combined prize money, awards and scholarships are given out.

“We couldn’t be happier to welcome Youth Science Canada and CWSF to Edmonton,” said Amanda Joblinski, regional coordinator for the Edmonton Regional Science Fair. “The future of our city and country resides squarely on the shoulders of these young people, whose ability to investigate questions and develop innovations is paramount in building a better tomorrow. We’re prepared to help them out in any way we can.”

Edmonton Expo Centre will hold the official awards ceremony

With the support of Intact Foundation, the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) and Edmonton Tourism, organizers have secured leading venues to welcome students, visitors and other CWSF participants. In a departure from previous years—where university residences and gyms have traditionally hosted the fair—the main event will be held at the Shaw Conference Centre. The Edmonton Expo Centre will hold the official awards ceremony.

“The CWSF has given us a unique opportunity to highlight all that Edmonton has to offer, and to use our strengths to inspire the country,” Says Anna Look, director of meetings and conventions at Edmonton Tourism. “As a provincial capital, we’re extremely proud to be representing Canada’s youth.”

Partnering with Telus World of Science Edmonton, participants will be invited to an educational event held by the broad-based science centre. The University of Alberta and the Edmonton Regional Science Fair are among other organizations who will host STEM experiences throughout the week.

Edmonton has already made its mark in the science community as it continues to grow into a Canadian tech and AI capital, drawing attention from relevant industries and government departments.

For more information, visit www.youthscience.ca.