PHILADELPHIA SECTION OF IFT &

THE DELAWARE VALLEY SCIENCE FAIR

Philly IFT:  Founded in 1939, the Institute of Food Technologists is a nonprofit scientific society with 28,000 members working in food science, food technology, and related professions in industry, academia and government.  One of our goals is to advance the science and technology of food through the exchange of knowledge.  The Philadelphia Section is the local branch of this organization and includes members from Pennsylvania, Delaware and New Jersey. 

The DVSF:  The Delaware Valley Science Fair (DVSF) is the culmination of science fairs held in southeastern Pennsylvania, southern New Jersey and the state of Delaware.  The first round of fairs takes place in the counties in the area.  The first and second place winners in the various science categories (including but not limited to biochemistry, botany, chemistry, physics, mathematics, computer and earth sciences.) for each grade 9 to 12 and for the grades 6-8, go on to the DVSF.  The winners from the DVSF and the other area fairs in the United States and abroad go to the International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF), which is held in a different city each year.  The first ISEF was held in Philadelphia in 1950: the 50th anniversary was celebrated in Philadelphia in 1999.  For more information on the fair see: www.drexel.edu/dvsf/

Judging:  Judging is done by volunteers from the Section. The Career Guidance Chairman coordinates judging.  Our thanks to Jay Fox, who has led our efforts for many years.  See IFT website Officers

Prizes:  The Philadelphia Section of the Institute of Food

Technologists presents awards for the best projects in food science or technology displayed at the Delaware Valley Science Fair.  We offer first, second and third place awards for both the upper division (grades 9-12) and the lower division grades 6-8).  Prizes will be based on funds available. Currently the prizes are:

Upper Division            Lower Division

First Place       $250                    $125

Second Place      $200                    $100

Third Place       $150                    $ 75 

Awards Banquet:  Student award winners will be honored at the May meeting of the Philadelphia IFT section.  The section provides free meals for 1 student and 2 guests, which could include 2 parents, or 1 parent and 1 advisor.  Additional family members may attend, but will be asked to pay for their meals.  Students are expected to display their posters during the networking/cocktail hour, which is usually held prior to the program and dinner. (Meal reservations should be made in advance using the IFT website. See Upcoming Meetings for details).