This week, the brightest young minds from across the country converged in Edmonton, Alberta, for the prestigious Canada-Wide Science Fair (CWSF) 2026. Among the hundreds of participants were the five finalists representing the Quinte Regional Science and Technology Fair, who returned home this weekend having left a significant mark on the national stage.
The week-long event provided an immersive experience for the students, blending rigorous academic competition with opportunities for cultural and scientific exploration. While based at the University of Alberta—where the students resided throughout the week—the finalists participated in a whirlwind schedule that included intensive project judging, specialized laboratory workshops, and tours of Edmonton’s local cultural and historical landmarks.
For the Quinte finalists, the CWSF journey represented the culmination of months, and in some cases years, of dedicated research and experimentation. Their projects, which spanned disciplines from Environment and Climate Change to Health and Wellness to Digital Technology, were tested by panels of esteemed judges, academics, and industry experts.
The pinnacle of the week took place at the Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium, where a grand awards ceremony was held to honor the innovation and excellence of the student competitors. Team Quinte performed exceptionally well, showcasing the caliber of local scientific education and the initiative of the region’s youth.
Among the accolades brought home by the Quinte delegation were:
Surya Narayan Santhakumar: Won specialty award – The Engineering Innovation Award
Alicia Zhang: Won a bronze medal in the Junior Division
Charlotte Guan: Won a bronze medal in the Junior Division
Eli Poyner: Won a bronze medal in the Intermediate division and a Shad Scholarship Award
“We are immensely proud of all the time, effort, and intellectual problem solving these amazing students have poured into their work,” said Scott Berry, one of the Delegates with Team Quinte. “Watching them present their findings alongside the best young scientists in Canada is truly remarkable. They have represented our region with expertise, intelligence, and genuine curiosity.”
The CWSF is more than a competition; it is a platform designed to encourage the next generation of researchers, engineers, and problem-solvers to tackle the world’s most pressing challenges. By exposing students to a national peer group, the fair fosters a collaborative environment that often serves as a launching pad for future careers in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics).
For the Quinte finalists, the experience was about more than just medals and certificates. The week allowed them to expand their personal networks, exchange ideas with peers from different provinces, and engage directly with the scientific community in Edmonton. From the quiet intensity of the judging sessions to the friendships and the connections made this week are expected to last a lifetime.
As the event draws to a close, the Quinte delegation is preparing for their return journey. The finalists are scheduled to arrive back in the Quinte area on Saturday, May 30th, carrying with them not only their awards but a wealth of new knowledge and inspiration.
Their success is a celebration of the support system behind them—including dedicated teachers, mentors, local sponsors, and parents—all of whom have played a vital role in fueling the scientific passion of these students. As these young innovators return to their classes and communities, they carry the momentum of a successful national campaign, serving as an inspiration for future participants in the Quinte Regional Science and Technology Fair.
