Special Award Sponsors

Special Awards are awards sponsored by businesses, organizations, or college/university departments that demonstrate the sponsor's support of research in a field that they consider interesting, valuable, or critical to the future. Special Awards are a critical part of the GSEF process, because they help our students understand how their research fits into a real-world context and is valued by professionals in the field, as well as providing incentives to STEM students above and beyond the GSEF awards.

The University of Georgia's Office of Academic Special Programs would like to thank the following organizations for their support of Special Awards at the Georgia Science & Engineering Fair.

American Meteorological Society

AMERICAN METEOROLOGICAL SOCIETY AWARD: Certificate awarded to high school projects demonstrating creative scientific endeavor in the areas of atmospheric and related oceanic and hydrologic sciences.

The American Meteorological Society (AMS) is the nation's leading scientific and professional society advancing the atmospheric and related sciences, technologies, applications, and services for the benefit of society. Founded in 1919, the AMS has a membership of more than 14,000 professionals, students, and weather enthusiasts. AMS offers numerous scholarships and fellowships to support students pursuing careers in the field.

American Psychological Association

AMERICAN PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION AWARD: Certificate awarded to middle and/or high school projects demonstrating outstanding research in psychological science.

The American Psychological Association is the largest scientific and professional organization representing psychology in the United States. APA is the world's largest association of psychologists, with nearly 130,000 researchers, educators, clinicians, consultants and students as its members. APA’s mission is to advance the creation, communication and application of psychological knowledge to benefit society and improve people's lives.

ASM Materials Education Foundation

ASM MATERIALS EDUCATION FOUNDATION AWARD: Medallion and certificate awarded to outstanding middle and/or high school projects in materials science: use of materials-related concepts, demonstration of some aspect of materials paradigm, clarity in presentation, clear understanding of scientific method, aesthetics/layout of project, neatness.

The ASM Materials Education Foundation provides for the advancement of scientific and engineering knowledge through its support of education and research. Thanks to the hard work on the part of ASM volunteers and staff, the foundation is able to provide exciting opportunities for young people, encouraging them to pursue careers in materials, science, and engineering.

Association for Women Geoscientists

ASSOCIATION FOR WOMEN GEOSCIENTISTS AWARD: Certificate awarded to female middle and/or high school students exemplifying innovativeness and excellence in geoscience with projects that increase awareness of geosciences, illustrate the interdisciplinary nature of geosciences, or promote sensitive to the earth as a global system.

The Association for Women Geoscientists is an international organization devoted to enhancing the quality and level of participation of women in geosciences and to introduce girls and young women to geoscience careers. Membership is open to anyone who supports AWG's goals. Its members include professional women and men from industry, government, museums, academia, and K-12 teachers; students; retirees; and others interested in supporting AWG’s goals. AWG’s diverse interests and expertise cover the entire spectrum of geoscience disciplines and career paths, providing unexcelled networking and mentoring opportunities. Its membership is brought together by a common love of earth science and the desire to ensure rewarding opportunities for women in the geosciences.

Augusta University

AUGUSTA UNIVERSITY AWARD: $100 cash award and certificate awarded to middle or high school project promoting healthy lifestyles or disease prevention, or demonstrating excellence in biomedical research. Preference to non-team projects.

Located in Augusta, Georgia, Augusta University is a public research university and medical center dedicated to training the next generation of innovators, leaders and health care providers. Home to three campuses in Augusta and various satellite locations across Georgia, Augusta University is at the forefront of groundbreaking research focused on improving and enriching the human experience. Offering undergraduate programs in the liberal arts and sciences, business and education as well as a full range of graduate programs and hands-on clinical research opportunities, Augusta University is Georgia’s innovation center for education and health care.

Biophysical Society

BIOPHYSICS AWARD: $100 cash award awarded to high school project demonstrating excellence in biophysics research. Preference to non-team projects.

The Biophysical Society was founded in 1958 to lead the development and dissemination of knowledge in biophysics. It does so through its many programs, including its meetings, publications, and committee outreach activities. The Society's members, now over 9,000, work in academia, industry, and in government agencies throughout the world.

Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health

BOEHRINGER INGELHEIM ANIMAL HEALTH BIOTECHNOLOGY AWARD: $100 - $200 cash award and engraved plaques awarded to middle and high school projects demonstrating superior work and understanding of the science and method used in microbiology, cellular & molecular biology, computational biology & bioinformatics, or biomedical & health science. Preference to non-team projects.

Innovative medicines for people and animals have for more than 130 years been what the research-driven pharmaceutical company Boehringer Ingelheim stands for. Boehringer Ingelheim is one of the pharmaceutical industry’s top 20 companies and to this day remains family-owned. Day by day, some 50,000 employees create value through innovation for the three business areas human pharmaceuticals, animal health and biopharmaceutical contract manufacturing. In 2016, Boehringer Ingelheim achieved net sales of around 15.9 billion euros. With more than three billion euros, R&D expenditure corresponds to 19.6 per cent of net sales.

Social responsibility comes naturally to Boehringer Ingelheim. That is why the company is involved in social projects such as the “Making More Health” initiative. Boehringer Ingelheim also actively promotes workforce diversity and benefits from its employees’ different experiences and skills. Furthermore, the focus is on environmental protection and sustainability in everything the company does.

Georgia Aquarium, Inc.

GEORGIA AQUARIUM CONSERVATION AWARD: Two tickets to the Georgia Aquarium, behind-the-scenes tour, and job shadowing opportunity awarded to middle and high school projects demonstrating exceptional insight and creativity in research relating to conservation, environmental protection, sustainability, or another field with the potential to provide a healthier planet for both people and animals.

Georgia Aquarium is a nonprofit committed to inspiring awareness and preservation of our oceans and aquatic animals worldwide. By educating guests and sparking the interest of school groups, Georgia Aquarium inspires conservation. The Sponsored Education Admission (SEA) program sponsors Aquarium admission from Title I schools and nonprofits in Georgia. Aquarium staff have also built partnerships with local schools that allow students to collaborate with Georgia Aquarium staff using project-based learning. These partnerships include Lovett School students getting hands-on experience with animal behavior training, and Ray Davis Middle School students receiving science fair mentoring. Georgia Aquarium also has an internship program for students 18 years or older which provides pre-professional, experiential learning opportunities for individuals working towards our mission. Sponsoring school groups, collaborating with students’ projects and providing internships allows Georgia Aquarium to dedicate time to spreading knowledge of the ocean and aquatic world to the up and coming generation.

Georgia Science Teachers Association

GEORGIA SCIENCE TEACHERS ASSOCIATION AWARD FOR CREATIVE PROBLEM SOLVING: $100 cash award and certificate awarded to middle and high school projects demonstrating creative use of scientific thinking to solve a problem.

GSTA is an organization that seeks to help expand the levels of student achievement. We are the premier organization for sharing best practices in science education in the state of Georgia. Our primary means of networking and collaboration occurs each year at our annual conference. Please browse our website and discover the resources and information available. The GSTA Foundation is a nonprofit branch of the GSTA organization.

Inspiring Excellence, Inc.

INSPIRING EXCELLENCE AWARD: $50 cash award and certificate awarded to middle and/or high school projects demonstrating the following traits: interest, desire, enthusiasm, perseverance, diligence, scholarship, and a positive attitude. $100 cash award and certificate to a teacher demonstrating untiring dedication, selfless commitment, and continuing support of science. Preference to non-team projects.

Inspiring Excellence Inc. is a non-profit organization established in 1999 to encourage elementary and high school science fair participants and their teachers to continue their efforts in science. We give monetary awards that recognize exceptional enthusiasm, effort, and scientific curiosity. By 2015, more than 45 volunteers presented 560 student awards and 65 teacher awards in eight states. Inspiring Excellence was founded by a science fair winner.

Mercer University School of Medicine

MERCER UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF MEDICINE AWARD: $100 - $300 cash award and certificate awarded to middle and high school life sciences projects that focus on research related to the study of a disease process, the development of new therapies, or the understanding of social behaviors or environmental factors contributing to population health risks. Preference to non-team projects.

The mission of the Mercer University School of Medicine focuses on training physicians to meet the healthcare needs of rural and underserved areas of Georgia. The School encourages young scientists in these areas to set high educational goals and challenge themselves to become tomorrow’s healthcare providers and leaders in our state. The Mercer University School of Medicine Scholarship Award goes to outstanding projects in life sciences research that may lead to new discoveries in the diagnosis and treatment of disease or in understanding the causal factors of population health risks.

Meunier Carlin & Curfman, LLC

MEUNIER CARLIN & CURFMAN YOUNG INVENTOR'S AWARD: Ten hours of legal assistance toward a patent application awarded to middle or high school project demonstrating innovation and high likelihood of success in pursuit of a patent. Project constitutes patentable subject matter (process, machine, manufacture, or composition of matter, or any improvement thereof) and is novel, non-obvious, and useful.

Founded by leading practitioners from long-established Intellectual Property firms, Meunier Carlin & Curfman focuses on the essential elements of IP legal practice. Meunier Carlin & Curfman’s clients benefit from the responsive personal service, minimal conflict issues and rate structure of a smaller firm. Yet, the team of patent attorneys and agents offers unrivaled skill, experience and depth of technical knowledge.

This award may be awarded after GSEF is over.

Mu Alpha Theta

MU ALPHA THETA MATHEMATICS AWARD: Certificate awarded to high school projects demonstrating challenging, original, thorough, and creative investigation of a problem involving modern mathematics.

Mu Alpha Theta was formed over 50 years ago to develop strong scholarship in Mathematics and to promote the understanding and enjoyment of the subject. The Mu Alpha Theta Award is given to the most challenging, thorough, and creative investigation of a problem involving mathematics accessible to high school students. Components of the investigation may include, but are not limited to, mathematical proof, mathematical modeling, statistical analysis, visualization, simulation, and approximation.

National Aeronautics & Space Administration (NASA)

NASA EARTH SYSTEM SCIENCE AWARD: Certificate awarded to middle and/or high school projects demonstrating insight into Earth’s interconnected systems and incorporate studies of the different components of Earth systems, their interactions, and their evolution over time.

The purpose of NASA’s Earth science program is to develop a scientific understanding of Earth’s system and how it responds to changes that occur as a result of natural and human-made causes. NASA is involved in numerous research and educational efforts, working to find answers to questions related to these complex interactions. Through a variety of Earth system satellite missions, NASA is striving to provide researchers and scientists with the data they need to find these answers. Students are encouraged to use data that is being gathered and provided for NASA to assist them in their Earth system science projects.

National Association of Biology Teachers

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF BIOLOGY TEACHERS AWARD: Certificate awarded to middle and high school projects demonstrating excellence in biology/life science.

The National Association of Biology Teachers is the “leader in life science education.” Since its inception in 1938, thousands of educators have joined NABT to share experiences and expertise with colleagues from around the world, keep up with trends and developments in the field, and grow professionally. NABT empowers educators to provide the best possible biology and life science education for all students.

National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)

NOAA TAKING THE PULSE OF THE PLANET AWARD: Medallion and certificate awarded to middle and/or high school projects aligning with NOAA’s mission to understand and predict changes in climate, weather, oceans, and coasts; to share knowledge and information with others; and to conserve and manage coastal and marine ecosystems and resources. Preference to non-team projects.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is the United States government agency with a mission of science, service, and stewardship. Its mission touches the lives of every American, protecting life and property and conserving and protecting natural resources.

Office of Naval Research

NAVAL SCIENCE AWARD: Medallion and certificate awarded to selected middle and high school students who are citizens or permanent residents of the United States or its territories at the time of their selection. Preference to non-team projects.

The Naval Science Awards Program is a U.S. Navy and Marine Corps program that encourages our nation's students to develop and retain an interest in science and engineering. NSAP recognizes the accomplishments of eligible students at regional and state science and engineering fairs and the International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) in producing and presenting quality science and engineering projects. The Office of Naval Research (ONR) sponsors NSAP for the U. S. Navy and Marine Corps. ONR coordinates, executes, and promotes science and technology programs of the Naval services through universities, government laboratories, and nonprofit and for-profit organizations. Fostering an academic interest in Naval-relevant science and engineering from high school through post-doctoral levels is of great importance to ONR.

PCOM Georgia

PCOM GEORGIA OSTEOPATHIC MEDICINE AWARD: $100 cash award and engraved plaque to a middle or high school project that exhibits the most creative use of promoting preventative health care or demonstrating excellence in preventative healthcare research.

PCOM Georgia is a private, not-for-profit branch campus of the fully accredited Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, a multi-program institution with a more than century-old tradition of educational excellence. PCOM Georgia offers a range of health-related degree programs, enabling students to gain an education close to home with the aim of serving the health needs of their communities and the region. The 23-acre campus, located at 625 Old Peachtree Road in Suwanee, includes the 172,000-square-foot Old Peachtree building which features large and small classrooms, conference areas and study spaces. The Old Peachtree building also houses research and multi-use basic science laboratories, an anatomy laboratory, the Simulation Center, three pharmacy practice labs, a large osteopathic manipulative medicine practice suite and the Physical Therapy Education Center. A second campus building, the 21,000-square-foot Northlake building, houses offices for administrative personnel, admissions, marketing and communications, human resources and alumni relations.

Ricoh Americas Corporation

RICOH SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT AWARD: Certificate awarded to middle and/or high school projects focusing on principles and technical innovations that increase our ability to grow environmentally friendly and socially responsible businesses that protect the environment, address pollution prevention, and use resources in a sustainable business manner.

Ricoh is a global technology company specializing in office imaging equipment, production print solutions, document management systems and IT services. Ricoh has a long-standing environmental mission and commitment to sustainability, bringing corporate, social and environmental responsibilities into balance.

Sigma Xi, CDC Chapter

SIGMA XI, CDC CHAPTER PUBLIC HEALTH SCIENCE AWARD: $100 - $250 cash award and certificate awarded to middle and high school projects demonstrating excellence in public health research or related field, including but not limited to medical, microbiology, biochemistry, epidemiology, or behavioral science.

Sigma Xi, The Scientific Research Society is the international honor society of science and engineering. One of the oldest and largest scientific organizations in the world, Sigma Xi has a distinguished history of service to science and society for more than one hundred and twenty five years. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Chapter of Sigma Xi promotes education and careers in public health science and related disciplines.

Society for In Vitro Biology

SOCIETY FOR IN VITRO BIOLOGY AWARD: Certificate awarded to outstanding 11th grade projects related to plant or animal in vitro (out of the organism) biology or tissue culture. Preference to non-team projects.

The Society for In Vitro Biology (SIVB) was founded in 1946 as the Tissue Culture Association to foster exchange of knowledge of in vitro biology of cells, tissues and organs from both plan and animals (including humans). The focus is on biological research, development, and applications of significance to science and society.

SPIE - The International Society for Optics & Photonics

SPIE OPTICS & PHOTONICS SCIENCE FAIR AWARD: $50 - $250 cash award and certificate to middle and high school projects with scientific research and engineering applications of optical, photonic, imaging and optoelectronic technologies.

SPIE, the international society for optics and photonics, was founded in 1955 to advance light-based technologies. Serving 255,000 constituents from 183 countries, the not-for-profit society advances emerging technologies through interdisciplinary information exchange, continuing education, publications, patent precedent, and career and professional growth. In 2019, SPIE provided over $5.6 million in community support including scholarships and awards, outreach and advocacy programs, travel grants, public policy, and educational resources. The SPIE awards program serves to recognize outstanding contributions from individuals throughout the scientific communities.

United States Agency for International Development (USAID)

USAID SCIENCE CHAMPION AWARD: Certificate to high school projects that have potential to make an impact on addressing international development challenges.

USAID is the world's premier international development agency and a catalytic actor driving development results. USAID's work advances U.S. national security and economic prosperity, demonstrates American generosity, and promotes a path to recipient self-reliance and resilience. USAID recognizes that young scientists have the potential to significantly impact the lives of people around the world.

United States Air Force Research Laboratory

U.S. AIR FORCE ACHIEVEMENT AWARD: U.S. Air Force backpack and certificate awarded to high school projects that best promote aerospace, aeronautical, or technical endeavors that offer air force applicability.

The Air Force Research Laboratory is a global technical enterprise, boasting some of the best and brightest leaders in the world. We are Revolutionary, Relevant, and Responsive to the Warfighter. We defend America by unleashing the unconquerable power of scientific and technical innovation. Our mission is leading the discovery, development, and integration of affordable warfighting technologies for our air, space, and cyberspace force.

United States Forest Service Southern Research Station

U.S. FOREST SERVICE BEST INTEGRATION OF SOCIAL & PHYSICAL NATURAL SCIENCE AWARD: Engraved plaque to middle and high school projects that integrate social/behavioral with physical science and addresses environmental perception, community proximity to environmental contamination, cost/benefit analysis of environmental remediation or programming, outdoor recreation, land management, watershed restoration.

The U.S. Forest Service is a multi-faceted agency that manages and protects 154 national forests and 20 grasslands in 43 states and Puerto Rico. The agency’s mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of the nation’s forests and grasslands to meet the needs of present and future generations.

United States Metric Association

U.S. METRIC ASSOCIATION AWARD: Certificate awarded to middle and/or high school projects demonstrating best use of the SI metric system.

The US Metric Association (USMA), Inc., is a national non-profit organization that was founded in 1916. USMA advocates completing the US conversion to the International System of Units, known by the symbol SI (ess-eye) and also called the metric system. The process of changing measurement units to the metric system is called metric transition or metrication.

University of Georgia Cellular Biology Department

UGA CELLULAR BIOLOGY DEPARTMENT AWARD: Engraved plaque and certificate awarded to middle and high school projects related to cellular biology. Preference to non-team projects.

The Department of Cellular Biology at the University of Georgia offers students a high quality education and hands-on experience, with our highly qualified faculty and diverse areas of research. We offer a BS, MS and PhD in Cellular Biology. The Bachelor of Science degree in Cellular Biology is a liberal arts degree. Although it is not a preprofessional program, the major in Cellular Biology is often chosen by students who wish to prepare themselves for professional studies in medicine, veterinary medicine, dentistry, or optometry, as well as by those who intend to pursue graduate studies leading to an M.S. or Ph.D. Cellular Biology is a young discipline in biological sciences and encompasses many of the recent dramatic discoveries relating to the mechanisms of cell life, developmental biology, and immunology.

University of Georgia Mathematics Department

UGA MATHEMATICS DEPARTMENT AWARD: $100 cash award and engraved plaque awarded to middle and high school projects exhibiting a particularly high level of pure or applied mathematical sciences. Preference to non-team projects.

The University of Georgia Department of Mathematics offers four degrees: Bachelor of Science (B.S.), Master of Arts (M.A.), Master of Applied Mathematical Sciences (M.A.M.S.), and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), as well as a Double Dawgs 5-year program which combines the B.S. and M.A. in Mathematics.

University of Georgia Microbiology Department

UGA MICROBIOLOGY DEPARTMENT AWARD: Engraved personal plaque and school plaque awarded to outstanding middle and high school projects related to microbiology. Preference to non-team projects.

Founded in 1952 in the Franklin College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Georgia, the Department of Microbiology has enjoyed sustained growth and has developed an international reputation in prokaryotic biology. The department has approximately 40 faculty affiliates who lead vigorous and innovative research programs in a wide variety of areas of microbiology.

University of Georgia Physics & Astronomy Department

UGA PHYSICS & ASTRONOMY DEPARTMENT AWARD: Physics book set awarded to outstanding middle and high school projects demonstrating excellence in physics and/or astronomy, scientific innovation, and presentation skill.

University of Georgia Undergraduate Admissions

UGA CHARTER SCHOLARSHIP: $2,000 per year scholarship awarded to high school students who are admitted to and commit to attend UGA. Pre-application required.

Last year, UGA awarded more than $7 million in scholarships and awards from University Foundation funds to undergraduate students. Approximately 14% of enrolled first-year students received an academic scholarship from UGA. The UGA Charter Scholarship is typically awarded to 225-275 new students demonstrating outstanding achievement in academics and other criteria contained in the Philosophy Statement of Admissions. The scholarship is renewable for eight semesters with full-time enrollment and a 3.0 UGA GPA.

USDA Richard B. Russell Agricultural Research Center

AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH SERVICE AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN AGRICULTURAL SCIENCE: Engraved plaque awarded to middle and high school projects incorporating the science of agriculture.

ARS conducts research to develop and transfer solutions to agricultural problems of high national priority and provide information access and dissemination to: ensure high-quality, safe food, and other agricultural products; assess the nutritional needs of Americans; sustain a competitive agricultural economy; enhance the natural resource base and the environment; and provide economic opportunities for rural citizens, communities, and society as a whole.

Water Environment Federation

STOCKHOLM JUNIOR WATER PRIZE: Nomination to compete in the Stockholm Junior Water Prize state finals awarded to high school projects related to water quality, water resource management, water protection, and wastewater treatment.

The Stockholm Junior Water Prize (SJWP) is the most prestigious international award for a water-related science project at the high school level. The Stockholm International Water Institute (SIWI) established the SJWP competition in 1997 to mirror the Stockholm Water Prize, the world’s most prominent award for outstanding achievements in water-related activities. The international competition is an impressive week-long event that occurs during World Water Week each August or September in Stockholm, Sweden; and, the award is presented by a member of the Royal Family. WEF and its Member Associations have been organizing the U.S. competition for two decades, and are nationally sponsored by Xylem Inc.

The Water Environment Federation (WEF) is a not-for-profit technical and educational organization of 36,000 individual members and 75 affiliated Member Associations representing water quality professionals around the world. Since 1928, WEF and its members have protected public health and the environment. As a global water sector leader, our mission is to connect water professionals; enrich the expertise of water professionals; increase the awareness of the impact and value of water; and provide a platform for water sector innovation.

Yale Science & Engineering Association, Inc.

YALE SCIENCE & ENGINEERING ASSOCIATION AWARD: Medallion and certificate awarded to 11th grade students with outstanding projects in the areas of computer science, engineering, physics, or chemistry.

YSEA connects alumni with students, the University, and each other to strengthen the Yale science and engineering community. It comprises alumni working together to strengthen Yale's education of leaders for a world increasingly dominated by science and technology.

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