Briefing on SSEF 2017

Briefing on SSEF 2017 25 May 2016 (Wed) Jointly organised by:

Introduction Overview Good Practices and Attitudes in science research Form Filling Procedures Preparing for the Fair Matters Relating to H3 Research Common Issues for SSEF 2016 Updates from Intel ISEF 2016

Introduction SSEF 2017 Intel ISEF 2017

Singapore Science and Engineering Fair (SSEF) 2017 8 & 9 Mar 2017 (Wed & Thu)* Open to all Sec Schs, JCs, IP Schs and CI students studying in Singapore aged 15 20 as of 1 May 2017 Secondary students younger than 15 (as of 1 May 2017) can participate in Junior Scientists category Organised by MOE, A*STAR and Science Centre Projects from the following programmes may participate in the SSEF: SRP (Science Research Programme) NRP (Nanyang Research Programme) SMP (Science Mentorship Programme) Schools / Cluster Science / Engineering Projects

Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (Intel ISEF) 2017 Top 6 SSEF projects will represent Singapore at Intel ISEF 2017 in Los Angeles, California, USA Singapore Citizens or PRs 14 19 May 2017 https://student.societyforscience.org/attendees

A*STAR Talent Search (ATS) 2017 To recognise students who have excelled in scientific research Must take part in SSEF 2017 http://www.science.edu.sg/ats

SSEF 2017 Good Practices and Attitudes in Science Research

Good Practices Protect the welfare of the student researchers Protect the rights and welfare of human participants Protect the health and welfare of vertebrate animal subjects Ensure proper and safe laboratory practices Protect the environment

Good Attitudes Open-minded Perseverance Diligent Integrity

SSEF 2017 Form Filling Procedures

Rules and Regulations Adhere strictly to Intel ISEF Rules and Guidelines https://member.societyforscience.org/document.doc?id=632 Research done between 1 Jan 16 31 Dec 16 Projects must be investigative by nature Individual or team projects; maximum of 3 members for team project Only one project submission allowed per student Continuation project will only be judged on work done from 1 Jan 16 31 Dec 16 (Continuation / Research Progression Projects Form 7 required)

Rules and Regulations Scientific fraud and misconduct are not condoned at any level of research or competition. Plagiarism, forgery, using other researchers work as one s own and fabrication of data will result in immediate disqualification. [Participants are reminded to include references for any materials cited in their project, including research plan, project summary, log book, report, poster, etc. References are also needed for images, graphs and tables. Any image/graph/table that is created by the participant must be clearly stated to avoid ambiguity of source.]

Project Categories Animal Sciences Biochemistry Biomedical and Health Sciences Biomedical Engineering Cellular and Molecular Biology Chemistry Computational Biology and Bioinformatics Earth & Environmental Sciences Embedded Systems Energy: Chemical Energy: Physical Engineering Mechanics Environmental Engineering Materials Science Mathematics Microbiology Physics & Astronomy Plant Sciences Robotics and Intelligent Machines Systems Software Translational Medical Science NOTE: Behavioral and Social Science is NOT offered. For more info on the categories and subcategories, refer to: https://student.societyforscience.org/intel-isef-categories-and-subcategories

SSEF/Intel ISEF Forms SSEF/Intel ISEF forms serve to: ensure safe and ethical laboratory practices and adherence to regulations protect the rights and welfare of the student researcher(s), human participant(s), and protect the health and welfare of the vertebrate animal subject(s) It is NOT an additional administrative burden but a necessary part of scientific research.

SSEF/Intel ISEF Forms Participants need to read the forms carefully before completing them: MM/DD/YY format for ALL dates; ambiguous cases could imply non-compliance with SSEF/Intel ISEF rules Need to take note whether forms should be completed BEFORE or AFTER research In the research plan, state very clearly which steps are carried out by student/s and which are carried out by qualified adults If there are deviations to the original research plan, those changes must have been approved and be recorded in the project summary

SSEF/Intel ISEF Forms Please use the Intel ISEF form wizard to generate the list of forms required for your project so that you won t miss out any required form: https://apps2.societyforscience.org/wizard/ index.asp

SSEF/Intel ISEF Forms Download forms from: https://member.societyforscience.org/document.doc?id=401 Every student or team must submit forms 1 (Checklist for Adult Sponsor) 1A (Student Checklist) + Research Plan/Post Project Summary 1B (Approval Form) (every member of team projects must complete) Additional forms required 1C : If work conducted in regulated research institutions (RIs), note that BSL2 projects must not be conducted in school labs 7 : for Continuation / Research progression projects + previous year abstract & research plan

Terms of Reference Adult sponsor teacher, parent, professor, and/or other professional scientist where student is attached to Preferably the school teacher Designated supervisor adult who is supervising student experimentation School-based: teacher Research institute-based: research mentor Qualified scientist - doctoral/professional degree in a scientific discipline that relates to the student s area of research

Research Involving Human Participants Additional forms required if projects involve Human Participants Qualified Scientist Form 2 (if applicable) Human Participants Form 4 + Human Informed Consent form Sample Survey form (if applicable)

Research Involving Vertebrate Animals Additional forms required if projects involve Vertebrate Animals Qualified Scientist Form 2 (if applicable) Vertebrate Animal Form 5A (if done at nonregulated RI) / Vertebrate Animal Form 5B (if done at regulated RI) PHBAs Risk Assessment Form 6A (if applicable) Human & Vertebrate Animal Tissue Form 6B (if applicable) IACUC Approval (if applicable)

Research Involving PHBAs, Hazardous Chemicals, Activities & Devices Additional forms required if projects involve Potentially Hazardous Biological Agents (PHBAs) Qualified Scientist Form 2 (if applicable) Risk Assessment Form 3 (if applicable) PHBAs Risk Assessment Form 6A Human and Vertebrate Animal Tissue Form 6B (if tissue is involved) Hazardous Chemicals, Activities & Devices Qualified Scientist Form 2 (if applicable) Risk Assessment Form 3

Scientific Review Committee (SRC) Composition of the SRC must include: a minimum of three persons a biomedical scientist with an earned doctoral degree an educator at least one additional member

Institutional Review Board (IRB) Composition of IRB must include: a minimum of three members an educator a school administrator (preferably principal or vice principal), include an individual who is knowledgeable about and capable of evaluating the physical and/or psychological risk involved in a given study. This may be a medical doctor, nurse practitioner, physician s assistant, registered nurse, psychologist, licensed social worker or licensed clinical professional counselor.

No Adult Sponsor, parent or other relative of the student(s), the Qualified Scientist, or the Designated Supervisor who oversees the project may serve on the SRC/IRB reviewing that project.

Prior Approval Before Experimentation Scientific Review Committee (SRC) approval required for studies involving Vertebrate Animals Potentially Hazardous Biological Agents Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval required for studies involving Human Participants SRC/IRB may be school-based or at RIs; set up of school-based SRC/IRB must be endorsed by Fair Director

Approval for projects conducted at research institutes can be granted by school-based SRC and IRB

Setting up School s SRC/IRB For schools that are interested to set up their own SRC/IRB, please seek Affiliated Fair approval by sending the necessary documents and forms to: Science Centre Singapore SSEF Secretariat 15 Science Centre Road Singapore 609081

Registration & Project Submission Online Registration 1 Nov to 1 Dec 2016 Projects without registration by 1 Dec 2016 will not be considered Look out in email for more details Submission of Entry Forms Deadline 11 Jan 2017 (Wed) to Science Centre Singapore Late entries will not be accepted Non-compliance with safety & ethical guidelines will be disqualified

Enhancement of Online Security WoG IT security measures put in place Manage security of online data Protect students and teachers personal information Possible implications: Changes to the online registration system Information will be collected via excel through teachers

Project Submission Deadline 11 Jan 2017 (Wednesday) Both hardcopy and softcopy submissions Items to be submitted with entry form 1. Cover Page 2. Project Abstract (not more than 250 words) 3. Project Report 4. Research Plan 5. SSEF/Intel ISEF Forms 1, 1A, 1B + additional forms where applicable Details of submission requirements and forms can be found at: http://www.science.edu.sg/ssef

Submission of hard copies for SSEF Step 1 IN THE FOLDER Place the items below in one clear folder, it should consists of: One set of completed SSEF entry forms and SSEF Form 1, 1A, 1B, 1C (if necessary) + additional forms where applicable One set of project documents containing the items below in a plastic sleeve - Cover page - Project abstract - Project report - Research plan & project summary

Step 2 Place the neatly into an envelope, with the assigned code stated on the envelope (top right corner), to be submitted to: Science Centre Singapore c/o Fair Director (SSEF 2017) 15 Science Centre Road Singapore 609081 Please submit your envelopes by 11 Jan 2017 (Wednesday). It is preferred if your school is able to compile all the envelopes and submit together. Please refer to SSEF website updates for any changes in submission requirements

Preparing for the Fair Project Display Judging Criteria

Project Display Only shortlisted projects from the pre-judging round will be displayed at the fair Project Log Book For judges reference at the Fair Poster 1 m wide and 1.5 m height (Portrait) Laptop (Optional) One 5-amp electrical point will be provided Experimental Setup (Optional) Comply with Intel ISEF Display and Safety Regulations: pg 23 of https://member.societyforscience.org/document.doc?id=632

Judging Criteria SSEF 2017 Pre- Judging criteria Weighting (%) SSEF 2017 Final Judging criteria Weighting (%) Research Question/Problem 10 Research Question/Problem 10 Design and Methodology 20 Design and Methodology Execution 25 Execution 25 Creativity 20 Creativity 20 20 Presentation (based on written report) 25 Presentation (Total 25%) Poster Interview 7 18

Matters relating to H3 Science Research

Guidelines on the use of H3 Science Research Projects for SSEF H3 Science Research examination documents are NOT permitted for exhibition, competition or publication without the authorisation by the Chief Executive, SEAB. Written request to SEAB is necessary for any H3 Science Research examination documents to be used for SSEF.

Guidelines on the use of H3 Science Research Projects for SSEF Time Frame Candidates must submit the H3 science research papers to the examining agencies and clear the Oral Defence of the science projects before the start of the SSEF in March. Candidates should not have any further contact with NUS/NTU/equivalent examination authority upon submission to the examining agencies when preparing for SSEF.

Guidelines on the use of H3 Science Research Projects for SSEF Materials Candidates should not use the same H3 examination documents submitted to the examining agencies for the SSEF. The written report submitted for the SSEF is different from the H3 Science research paper submitted as an examination work. The mode used for the SSEF s oral presentation (poster) is different from the H3 Oral Defence (e.g. PowerPoint). Candidates should not make reference to the work submitted for the SSEF as having been an examination submission (e.g. by removal of examination labels, candidate index, title of H3 programme and examining agency).

Guidelines on the use of H3 Science Research Projects for SSEF Results Candidates should not use the results obtained from the SSEF as a basis to contest the results awarded by SEAB for the H3 science research programmes.

Guidelines on the use of H3 Science Research Projects for SSEF Declaration (Teachers to note) Candidates in the H3 Science research programmes are required to submit a declaration form (Annex A) to CPO (MOE) and acknowledge the conditions and implications for participation in the SSEF. Schools will collate and submit the declaration forms by first week of December 2016.

Common Issues for SSEF 2016 Form Filling IRB

Form Filling Dates (MM/DD/YR) Missing signature(s) Missing / incomplete information within the form Incomplete forms Dating before experimentation

IRB No IRB approval Unable to obtain IRB approval from Research Institute Did not realize that the project requires IRB approval

Breakdown of SSEF 2016 Project Submissions 44.1%

Which forms were missing? For project done at a research institution / industrial setting Risk Assessme nt form Project involving Human Participant(s ) and done at research institute Project involving Potentially Hazardous Biological Agents Project involving Human & Vertebrate Animal Tissue

Updates from Intel ISEF 2016 Changes

Changes RI includes industrial setting Vertebrate projects bird & reptile eggs (3 days before hatching) PHBA only edible mushrooms are exempted from prior SRC approval PHBA insertion of antibiotic resistance markers for clonal selection is permitted

Changes PHBA may not genetically engineer organisms with multiple drug resistance traits & that may affect the ability to provide effective treatment of infections

Top 4 reasons for FTQ Human subjects with no prior IRB approval Vertebrate & Animal without prior approval BSL2 work in BSL1 setting (e.g. culturing unknown bacteria) Dealing with PHBAs at home

ATS 2017 Application Judging Criteria Rewards Activity Schedule

ATS Process SSEF Judging 8-9 March 2017 ATS Shortlisting Round ATS Final Judging Round ATS & SSEF Award Ceremony Eligible SSEF award winners will be contacted to attend Shortlisting Round. 15-min interview inclusive of 5 min poster presentation 8 finalists will be selected to go on to Final Judging Round. 25-min interview inclusive of 10 min ppt presentation Judged by ATS committee including Chief Judge Winners will be announced at ceremony

ATS Participant Requirements All ATS participants have to take part in SSEF. Only one member from each SSEF team is eligible (new rule from 2016 onwards). Singaporean/ PR Aged between 15-21yrs (as of 1 Jan 2016). Only individual category. No team category for ATS. Scoring Scheme Potential to Pursue R&D Careers / Vision and Goal 40% Depth of Understanding of Project 20% Creative Ability / Independent Thinking 20% *To indicate during SSEF registration Scientific Attitude / Motivation and Interests 20%

Award First ATS 2016 Awards Student Awards Prize Cash prize and sponsored overseas conference trip worth S$5,000 in total + Trophy + Certificate Points awarded to school 5 Second S$3,000 + Trophy + Certificate 3 Third S$2,000 + Trophy + Certificate 2 Commendation S$1,000 + Certificate 1 School Awards (According to points awarded) Award First Second Third Prize Cash prize of S$5,000 + Certificate Cash prize of S$3,000 + Certificate Cash prize of S$2,000 + Certificate

Contact Details For SSEF & ATS matters: Ms Pamela Loke Tel : 6425 2590 Email : PAMELA_LOKE@science.edu.sg

Junior Scientists Category

Key Information 5 categories Bio / Phy / Chem / Math / Engineering Open to Sec Students below 15 y/o (as of 1 May 2017) Different forms from SSEF Hardcopy submission only Only individual submissions allowed Period of research 1 Jan to 31 Dec 2016

Timeline

Activity Schedule Online registration of projects 1 Nov - 1 Dec 2016 ATS and SSEF Joint Award Presentation Ceremony April 2017 Submit project by 11 Jan 2017 SSEF Winners SSEF top winners go to Intel ISEF 14 19 May 2017 Prejudging Results Mid-Feb 2017 ATS Winners SSEF judging 8 & 9 Mar 2017 ATS short-listing March 2017 ATS finalists ATS final judging April 2017

Contacts

Contacts Ms Pamela Loke 6425 2590 Pamela_LOKE@science.edu.sg For ATS and SSEF matters Mr Benjamin Choo 6879 6228 Benjamin_CHOO@moe.gov.sg Ms Grace Leong 6879 6587 Grace_LEONG@moe.gov.sg For SSEF Matters Mr Ang Keng Kiat 6879 6949 ANG_Keng_Kiat@moe.gov.sg

End of Briefing Q&A time For updates on SSEF and ATS, please visit www.science.edu.sg/ssef