Google Science Fair: shortlist announced

Google has announced the 15 global finalists shortlisted to win the 2014 Google Science Fair, an online competition for 13–18-year-old students.

Now in its fourth year, the Google Science Fair has inspired students from around the world to find their inner researcher and develop solutions to global issues. Pupils can enter the competition either as individuals or in teams of two or three. The grand prize is a 10-day trip to the Galápagos Islands, an experience at the Virgin Galactic Spaceport and $50,000 in scholarship funding.

Previous winners have investigated all aspects of science, but chemical research has consistently been at the heart of the award. This year’s finalists continue the trend, with two entries dealing with problems of a chemical nature.

Hayley Simon shares the two chemical entries: Cleaning the world with sunscreen and pencils and a water purifying device.