YOUTH SCIENCE CANADA
Canada-Wide Science Fair returns to in-person format in 2023

Canada-Wide Science Fair, the country's largest annual youth STEM event, will return to an in-person format next year and will be held May 14 to 19 at the Edmonton Convention Centre. The last two CWSF events have been virtual.

"There is something magical and unforgettable about experiencing STEM and the creative power of ideas in person," says Reni Barlow, executive director at Youth Science Canada, organizer of the Canada-Wide Science Fair. "STEM projects transferred well to the virtual world, and we'll continue to grow our online platform, but there are significant benefits when people can experience the event live with the ability to connect in-person with the innovators behind the projects."

The stage is being set for grade 7 to 12/Cégep students selected at regional fairs across the country to compete with their STEM projects during the weeklong event. In 2022, during the 60th anniversary CWSF event, held virtually from May 16 to 20, $942,600 in prizes and scholarships was given to a total of 201 students. The last time Edmonton hosted the CWSF was in 1999. Some 20 years later, YSC is expecting to attract 10,000 in-person visitors during the public viewing days, and more than 30,000 through the online portion of the event.

"Returning to Edmonton has been one of our priorities for three years since we had to cancel the 2020 event," says Jamie Parsons, chair of the Youth Science Canada board. "Youth Science Canada exists to inspire and help Canadian youth to remain curious and do STEM projects regardless of their cultural background, socioeconomic status, or geographic location. We're looking forward to having teachers, parents and the Edmonton community join us in person, and welcoming the rest of the country through our virtual platform".

Youth Science Canada will share further details on CWSF 2023 Edmonton in early 2023. For additional information on Youth Science Canada and to stay up to date with the latest news, please visit youthscience.ca.