Pembina Trails students attend International Science Youth Forum

Students from Fort Richmond Collegiate recently attended the International Science Youth Forum (ISYF) in Singapore, proving once again that Pembina Trails students can accomplish anything.

The ISYF, hosted by Hwa Chong Institution, is an exceptional program which brings together young scientists from around the world and gives them the opportunity to learn from experts and from each other. Students have the opportunity to meet and learn from Nobel Laureates and to take part in master classes.

Students are selected for participation based on the FRC guidelines for student selection, as well as the following Hwa Chong guidelines:

• be within the top 5% of their respective school cohorts
• have substantial experience in science research or competitions
• possess enthusiasm and strong interest in forging ties with fellow students from all over the world

The program seeks to inspire passion for science amongst youth, establish cooperation and friendship amongst young, talented science students and build capacities of science educators. The 9^th Annual ISYF was held from January 15 to 20, 2017 and focused on the theme "Innovation for a Better Life."

Two students who participated in the 2017 forum shared their experience.

Prasana Subedi was "ecstatic" when she received the invitation to attend the event. "I was incredibly excited to be able to share my research with others on an international level, and learn what students are doing in other parts of the world," she said.

Every day, Prasana challenged herself both intellectually, learning something new each day, and socially, making new friends. For Prasana, attending the event was one of the best experiences of her lifetime: "It is so important for students to have the opportunity to experience international events such as ISYF so we can expand our horizons and our understanding of what we are capable of. If there is a single thing I've learned in the Nobel Forum, it is that with perseverance and passion, anything is possible."

Geemitha Ratnayake described the experience at ISYF as "an amazing learning opportunity" and said that "the science component was incredibly eye opening. I had the opportunity to do many hands-on activities that were lots of fun. I also got to learn from the vast knowledge of the Nobel Laureates and eminent scientists."

"International events like this one are incredible experiences for students," Geemitha believes. "Exposure to many different cultures at a young age is a very good way to teach tolerance and acceptance, and international events are a great way of accomplishing this goal. This event also opened my horizons to science everywhere. Finally, there were dialogue sessions and master classes with some of the most accomplished scientists and mathematicians in the world and their words have inspired me in ways I did not think was possible."

We look forward to more Pembina Trails students participating in ISYF 2018.