YOUTH SCIENCE CANADA
Canadian students return home with top prizes from Taiwan International Science Fair

Youth Science Canada celebrates the outstanding achievements of Audrey Cowen and Lucas Wang, who represented Canada at the Taiwan International Science Fair (TISF) in Taipei, Taiwan, from February 2 to 6, 2026. The students competed against exceptional young scientists from 32 countries, showcasing the strength of Canadian youth in STEM.

Lucas Wang (left) and Audrey Cowen (right) proudly display their award medals at the Taiwan International Science Fair, held February 2-6, 2026, in Taipei, Taiwan. (Photo: Youth Science Canada)

Audrey Cowen, a grade 11 student from Toronto, Ont., earned first place in the Microbiology category for her project developing new ways to fight dangerous fungal infections. Cowen discovered that a compound produced by a common soil bacterium can effectively combat drug-resistant fungi, especially when combined with existing antifungal medications.

Lucas Wang, a grade 12 student from Burnaby, B.C., secured third place in the Physics & Astronomy category for his project using artificial intelligence to study how galaxies grow and evolve. Wang identified over 1,600 calcium absorption signatures in distant starlight, more than tripling the number known to scientists.

"Audrey and Lucas exemplify the world-class curiosity and ingenuity of Canadian youth," says Reni Barlow, executive director at Youth Science Canada. "Their success in Taiwan underscores Canada's strength as a global leader in youth STEM research, and we are proud to see them represent our country with such distinction."

The Taiwan International Science Fair is one of the world's premier youth STEM project competitions, bringing together top young scientists from across the globe to showcase innovative research projects. Both Wang and Cowen earned their spots on Team Canada through outstanding performances at the 2025 Canada-Wide Science Fair in Fredericton. Youth Science Canada has welcomed guest projects from Taiwan at the Canada-Wide Science Fair since 1991.

Team Canada delegations, coordinated by Youth Science Canada, represent the country at international youth STEM project competitions. Their remarkable accomplishments are made possible through the generous support of Youth Can Innovate, a program of the Gwyn Morgan and Patricia Trottier Foundation.

To stay up to date on Youth Science Canada programs, STEM project competitions, and events, please visit youthscience.ca.