York University researchers supporting York Region science fair this Saturday, April 6 in Richmond Hill available for interviews

April 03 2024, Toronto – Improving the quality of life of Alzheimer’s patients, how artificial intelligence can help in battling wildfires and dual defense systems to tackle auto theft are some of the STEM projects young scientists will show off at the York Region Science and Technology Fair (YRSTF) this Saturday, April 6. Top projects will receive gold, silver and bronze medals and secure the honour of representing York Region at the Canada Wide Science Fair in Ottawa this year.

This is the ninth year York University is supporting the event. More than 130 York Region science students in Grades 7 through 12 have prepared 78 projects – either an innovation or discovery. The science fair will also include an alumni panel with former YRSTF gold medalists who went on to compete nationally.

YRSTF Youth Science Canada Regional Coordinator Nathalie Rudner and York University professors Robert Tsushima (Chair, Department of Biology), Regina Lee (Professor, Department of Space Engineering) and Rebecca Pillai Riddell (Professor, Department of Psychology) will be able to speak to media about the event. 

Dozens of judges, including York professors and graduate students, will review the submissions and the gold-medal winners will move on to represent the region and compete at the national level at the Canada-Wide Science Fair. The winners will be among 500 students from across the country vying for the title of Canada’s best science fair project.

York Region District School Board and the York Catholic District School Board are among the major sponsors of the fair, which is a partnership effort between York Region Science and Technology Fair Organizing Committee and York University. 

WHO: Grades 7 to 12 high school students from more than 20 York Region schools.
WHAT: York Region Science and Technology Fair.
WHEN: Saturday, April 6, noon to 12:30 p.m., media sneak-peak of student projects; 3:30 to 5 p.m., community viewing of student projects. Please reach out for requests for earlier times.
WHERE: Our Lady Queen of the World Catholic Academy, 10475 Bayview Avenue, Richmond Hill, L4C 3P2. 

York University is a modern, multi-campus, urban university located in Toronto, Ontario. Backed by a diverse group of students, faculty, staff, alumni and partners, we bring a uniquely global perspective to help solve societal challenges, drive positive change, and prepare our students for success. York's fully bilingual Glendon Campus is home to Southern Ontario's Centre of Excellence for French Language and Bilingual Postsecondary Education. York’s campuses in Costa Rica and India offer students exceptional transnational learning opportunities and innovative programs. Together, we can make things right for our communities, our planet, and our future.