BUDDING SCIENTIST AWARD:

Beautiful Minds is an intellectual incubator workspace in Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics (STEM). “Beautiful Minds Youth Mentoring Budding Scientist Award” is designed to recognize and mentor North American Odia youths who have the potential to do pathbreaking research and development in the field of STEM. The Competition intends to promote excellence by encouraging students to undertake individual or team STEM oriented research projects. It fosters intensive research that improves students’ understanding of the value of scientific study and consideration of future careers in these disciplines. The proposed contest also nurtures problem-based learning in our North American Odia youth. The proposed award is to foster futuristic leaders to be global ready citizens.

Process:

1. Submit a research proposal (pdf document) based on STEM introducing your topic, the problem statement/the plan of  research/hypothesis, the research methodology, tools, and procedures of collecting data, literature review supporting which sources you’re using, how you’re using them, and why they’re relevant, suppositions and implications, summary/conclusion. Submit a small video clip introducing yourself, your career goals, and your intended research project. (Deadline 30th April).
2. Selection of semifinalist by our review committee.
3. Based on request periodical mentoring will be available over zoom. 
4. All the semifinalists will get opportunity to present at the convention in a science fair setting, where few basic materials will be provided for contestants on request. 
5. Contestants are responsible to bring their own model and/or presentation materials. 
6. At the end of the presentation, group of invited scholars will do a brief seminar and judge for the BMYM Budding Scientist Award. 
7. There will be three winners. The first prize is $1000, second prize is $650, and the third prize is $350. All the winners will be announced and awarded on the last day of convention.

Judging Criteria:
The judges will use these criteria to evaluate all aspects of the projects and presentations:

1. Problem Statement: Does the project address a pressing STEM related question or major issue?
2. Creativity: Is the project original and imaginative? What is the origin of the student’s interest in the topic? Did the student develop new  solutions or procedures?
3. Field knowledge: Does the student demonstrate strong knowledge of the area of inquiry? Does the student’s work demonstrate a high level of intellectual input? Do the findings substantially add to the understanding of the area investigated?
4. Comprehensiveness: Are sufficient details provided so that others can replicate the work? If the work is experimental, are the variables and controls clearly defined? Are the procedures well-defined? Were tools for measurement and analysis chosen and used appropriately? Does the Research Report fully explain the project itself or is further explanation needed? 
5. Interpretation: Has the student stated the interpretations and conclusions clearly? How scientifically reasonable and credible are the data, interpretations, and conclusions? Do the conclusions and interpretations follow from the results presented? Are appropriate statistical tests employed, if appropriate? 
6. Literature: Does the report reference appropriate related works and place the study in a proper context? Are all sources used in the research listed as references? Are the references cited within the text?
7. Future work: Is there a discussion of future or follow-up research? If so, what further data would be needed? What are possible applications of the work? 
8. Expression & Clarity: Is the project understandable? Is the material presented logical and coherent? Are the key points, problems, and solutions stated clearly and precisely? Does the student use table and figures appropriately, including correct labeling of axes? Was the Research Report carefully proofreading for spelling and grammar? 
9. Presentation: Is the method of presentation consistent with the nature of the work and with scientific practice in the discipline involved? Clear and precise presentation with a well-articulated voice will be encouraged.

Additional Criteria for Team Projects: