$5,000 more needed to send pioneering students to global science fair

In March, HVAC&R News covered the story of three Darwin year 12 students whose prize-winning experiment on cooling efficiency in classrooms has the potential to save millions of dollars and thousands of tonnes of carbon emissions every year.

At that time, Pothik Vincent Mondol, Monishi Rangchak Tripura, and Mohammad Niyaz Hasan needed to raise $30,000 to attend the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) in Los Angeles from May 11–17, 2024.

A month later, the boys have raised the lion’s share of the required funds. However, they’re still $5,000 short. If they don’t raise that money by next Wednesday, April 10, they won’t be able to attend the fair.

The opportunity of a lifetime

Stuart Garth from the Australian Science and Engineering Fair (AUSSEF) has been helping the students raise funds for the trip.

“The three Northern Territory students will each receive a life-changing experience by representing Australian STEM students at ISEF,” Garth says.

“ISEF fosters cross-cultural connections with students and scientists from around the world, instilling a deep hunger to continue pursuing scientific research, and inspiring the next generation of STEM students.”

Garth adds that companies that sponsor the students will get good bang for their buck.

“AUSSEF has a database of 3,000+ Australian schools through which it informs and promotes AUSSEF activities and sponsors,” he says.

“Major ISEF events will be live-streamed and specific videos will be produced for each sponsor that they can use on their website to demonstrate their support of Australian STEM students. Sponsors will also receive daily updates from ISEF, which can also be used for promotional purposes.”

So far, the students have received sponsorship from:

• The NT Department of Education 
• Industry Capability Networks Northern Territory 
• Darwin Kitchens & Cabinets 
• Young Change Agents 
• Consulting Environmental Engineers
• Several generous private donors.

You can contact AUSSEF Coordinator Stuart Garth at [email protected] if you or your company are able to sponsor these pioneering students. Alternatively, you can make a tax-deductible donation directly to AUSSEF.