Judging

How does the selection process work?

• The Ontario Science Centre actively seek out and identify candidates that match the selection criteria.
• Through the fall and early winter, candidates short-listed against established criteria will be invited to submit an application form indicating qualifications, background and references.
• By March 2012, a selection committee will review the candidates, conduct phone interviews and reference checks as required, and prepare a short list of finalists for consideration by an external jury.

We look for individuals or groups who:

• are between the ages of 14 and 18.
• have used science and/or technology as the basis for developing creative and innovative ideas aimed at solving real-world problems.
• put their ideas into action, and as a result, have had a positive impact either in their own community or on a broader scale.

Know someone who might qualify? Contact us

The winner will be announced on this website on May 31, 2012.

What criteria do the judges use?

Judges will evaluate the finalist submissions on the following criteria:

• Innovative use of science and/or technology to address a significant real-world problem.
• Evidence of the successful implementation of the above, resulting in a positive impact either in the nominee's own community and potentially on a broader scale.
• The degree to which the nominee and his/her work has demonstrated the following skills, attitudes and behaviours of innovation: inspiration, creativity, collaboration, risk-taking and problem solving.

The Weston Youth Innovation Award is generously supported by The W. Garfield Weston Foundation and is administered by the Ontario Science Centre