The 52nd Annual Ohio Junior Science and Humanities Symposium [JSHS] begins its opening session this Thursday at 8:30 A.M. in Olscamp Hall, followed by ongoing presentations throughout the morning and afternoon.

All events are open to the public.

The event offers a platform for the state’s leading high school students conducting original research in the STEM [science, technology, engineering, math] fields to present their work to professionals at the top of their respective disciplines.

“There’s very little like this around the country,” said Emilio Duran, Ohio JSHS director. “There’s a lot of science fairs, but this is way beyond that.”

The symposium is also a prestigious competition, where students contend for a variety of notable awards, scholarships and a chance to advance to compete at the National JSHS.

“It’s high stakes,” Duran said. “The topics and the level of these presentations – it’s unbelievable. These kids are remarkable.”

The JSHS Program was first developed by the U. S. Army Research Office over 50 years ago to promote, encourage and recognize the nation’s best scientific researchers at the high school level. It now receives the combined support of the Army, Navy and Air Force.

The Ohio JSHS is hosted by the Northwest Ohio Center for Excellence in STEM Education and the School of Teaching and Learning at the University.

“It’s just an honor to be involved with these students,” Duran said. “We have an opportunity to see what the top kids in Ohio are doing in our own backyard.”

Following another session of presentations throughout Friday morning, awards will be presented at 2:30 P.M. in Olscamp.