Mr. and Mrs. Stanley Lopata of the Lopata Research and Development Corporation have recognized the importance of encouraging the development of creativity in young minds, particularly as it relates to solving scientific and technical problems. In order to foster creativity they have established an endowment to stimulate student interest in creative problem solving and provided recognition for demonstrating outstanding creativity.

The purposes of the award are to: 1) Encourage students to broaden and hone their creativity and develop analogous reasoning and problem solving skills and; 2) To identify and reward students whose problem solving ability and creative talents indicate potential for significant contributions to the fields of science, mathematics or technology.

Each year a student who demonstrates the most unique, creative and appropriate proposal for the solution of a scientifically or technically based problem will be recognized with an award plaque and, in addition, a cash honorarium will be given to the winner upon enrollment in the college or university of choice in the state of Missouri. The award is administered by Science Education Programs Office.

All students participating in the Junior Science, Engineering and Humanities Symposium are eligible to participate. Any time within the first three weeks of the program students may submit a proposal for the solution of a real scientific or technical problem, process or phenomenon to a panel of judges for critique and evaluation. The overall project must be the unique and sole work of the individual or group of individuals submitting the proposal. The proposal must be in hard copy and can not be longer than 6 double spaced 8 1/2 x 11 pages with not less than 2 cm margins on all edges. The font size cannot be smaller than 12. Drawings, charts, tables, diagrams, sketches, schematics, or photographs may be appended and are not counted in the 6 pages.

Proposals may be submitted by individual or by teams with up to four members. Winning team members will divide the honorarium equally. Each proposal must be accompanied by a submission form attached as a cover sheet.

All proposals must be accompanied by the official Submission Form as a cover sheet and submitted to the Director of the Junior Science, Engineering and Humanities Symposium on or before February 10. Late proposals or those not precisely fitting the prescribed format cannot be accepted or considered. FAX or electronic transmission of proposals are not acceptable.

Each proposal will be evaluated on its individual merit with respect to: 1) Creativity and uniqueness of solution; 2) Practicality and workability; 3) Demonstration of the understanding of the scientific enterprise; 4) Overall knowledge of the topic; 5) Clarity, directness, succinctness, format and professional style of presentation; 6) Significance and reality of the problem; and 7) Degree of side effects or impact on existing systems.

The information provided must stand alone on its merits and completeness. Any data or supportive information from sources other than the submittee(s) must be identified and fully referenced. Conciseness must be exercised. Solutions or ideas must be within the natural or physical parameters as opposed to the supernatural.

Decision of the judges is final and resubmission or reevaluations will not be allowed.