Canada Wide Science Fair, web image
FORT McMURRAY — Four students from the Wood Buffalo Regional Science Fair are preparing to represent the region at Canada’s largest national youth STEM competition later this month in Edmonton.
Arhaan Kureshi, Shayan Awan, Riley Saha Haldar and Navindu Aken Pathrana have qualified for the 2026 Canada-Wide Science Fair following their success at the regional level.
The national competition, hosted by Youth Science Canada, will take place May 23 to 30 at the Edmonton EXPO Centre and the University of Alberta.
Nearly 400 student finalists from across Canada are expected to attend, presenting science, technology, engineering and mathematics projects while competing for roughly $2 million in scholarships, awards and prizes.
Youth Science Canada says the annual event is the country’s largest youth STEM gathering.
“We’re thrilled to bring the Canada-Wide Science Fair back to Edmonton, a city with deep roots in scientific research and an enthusiasm for supporting the next generation of innovators,” executive director Reni Barlow said in a statement.
“The fair gives Canada’s top young scientists a platform to share their discoveries and connect with peers from coast to coast to coast who are just as passionate about STEM as they are.”
Student finalists will spend the week at the University of Alberta participating in project judging, networking opportunities, lab experiences and STEM-related activities.
Members of the public will also have opportunities to attend portions of the competition.
Public viewing of student projects is scheduled to begin May 24, while the STEM Expo on May 28 and 29 will feature more than 50 universities, companies, research organizations and government agencies offering interactive exhibits alongside the student displays.
Youth Science Canada says last year’s event attracted more than 8,000 in-person visitors and more than 10,000 online participants through its virtual programming.
The national science fair will conclude with an awards ceremony at Edmonton’s Northern
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