Two Vancouver students, Ann Wang and Angela Cao, have won top honours at the 35th European Union Contest for Young Scientists (EUCYS), held from September 9 to 14, 2024, in Katowice, Poland. Competing against 140 young scientists from 37 countries, they earned their spots after receiving the Best Project Awards at the 2024 Canada-Wide Science Fair in May for the leading Canadian youth STEM projects in discovery and innovation. Ann Wang secured second prize (€5000) for a project entitled Eradicating Cystic Fibrosis Biofilms by a Novel Non-Toxic, Multi-Pathway Salicylate Therapy. Wang’s research also earned a special award from the Medical University of Silesia, recognizing the groundbreaking nature of the project in addressing a critical health issue. Angela Cao received a third prize (€3500) for the project S2S: AI-Powered Translation Between Sign and Spoken Languages. The project’s innovative use of artificial intelligence could help to bridge communication gaps between the deaf and hearing communities. Ann and Angela’s wins mark the third consecutive year that Canada has won two Core Prizes at EUCYS, underscoring the nation’s commitment to nurturing young scientific talent. Thanks to the support of the Gwyn Morgan and Patricia Trottier Foundation, Youth Science Canada continues to provide young researchers with opportunities to excel internationally through its Team Canada delegations.
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