WEST CHESTER, PA — Over 375 young scientists from 50 schools convened at the West Chester University Student Recreation Center on March 11 and 12 to compete in the 2025 Chester County Science Research Competition (CCSRC). Organized by the Chester County Intermediate Unit (CCIU) and sponsored by CCRES and the Children’s Fund of Chester County, the event celebrated ingenuity and discovery across 15 categories ranging from botany to computer science and engineering.
The competition hosted two distinct fairs, welcoming students from grades 4-12. The Dr. Jonas Salk Fair, for grades 4-5, and the Dr. Lucy Balian Rorke-Adams Fair, for grades 6-12, provided platforms for presenting rigorous research developed over months. A total of 72 judges lent their expertise to the Rorke-Adams Fair and 45 judges to the Salk Fair, with each volunteer offering specialized knowledge from diverse fields.
Participants presented their projects to judges through interviews, during which they answered questions and received constructive feedback. Judges deliberated in groups by category to identify the best projects. Both fairs concluded with an open house, where families explored the innovative work on display and attended the Salk Fair awards ceremony.
Special recognition went to Jai G. from Great Valley, whose project “Color Assist” earned the prestigious Best of Fair award at the Salk Fair. Winners of the Rorke-Adams Fair will be announced at an awards ceremony on March 18.
Judges praised the creativity and dedication of the participants. “I think it’s all about the student curiosity and the thinking they have in order to design their project,” said Dr. Shikhar Arggarwal, a volunteer judge. “They’re very excited about it, and I am totally impressed.” Fellow judge Mary Curley highlighted the valuable communication skills students gain, noting, “Participants not only present their work but defend their work and show what they’ve learned from it. That’s a hidden benefit.”
Kathy Gurnee, special events coordinator for the CCIU, emphasized the importance of the competition. “The Chester County Science Research Competition is a great opportunity for young minds to experience real-world scientific inquiry,” she said. “Students don’t just learn about science – they become scientists.”
The CCIU expressed gratitude to West Chester Borough Police and West Chester University Public Safety officers for their support during the event.
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