Additional survey highlights
Of 350 ABC participants surveyed:
How ABC works
Some 1,200 students across Canada have taken part in the challenge since 1994, a competitive process designed to introduce hundreds of students each year to the real world of biotechnology through projects of their own design.
Each student (or team) works with a mentor for advice and access to equipment and supplies.
Cash prizes (plus, in some cities, university scholarships or summer jobs) are awarded at regional competitions, which are supported by local companies, educational institutions, industry organizations and government agencies. More than 100 organizations are partners in this educational outreach initiative.
Many regional events also feature lectures by leading local biotech researchers, science workshops for students and teachers, and biotech exhibits.
Regional winners compete in an annual national challenge (with a prize pool of $16,000 in 2004), conducted for the past two years from Ottawa by teleconference with eminent national scient
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