Shota Rustaveli Nationas Science Foundation and the Ministry of Education and Science of Georgia announce a competition “Leonardo Da Vinci” for schoolchildren–inventors. The aim of the contest is to promote creative thinking among schoolchildren and getting them interested in technical innovations. Minister of Education and Science of Georgia Dimitri Shashkini and General Director of Shota Rustaveli National Science Foundation Sulkhan Sisauri introduced the program of this competition and conditions of participation to the schoolchildren gathered at Free University.

The contest will encourage gifted schoolchildren and will support enhancing their practical skills.

VII-XII graders of all general educational institutions are eligible to participate in the competition. They can take part both as an individual and as a team member. Application must be accompanied by the description of invention and its illustration draft/model. Applications must be turned in from March 2 till April 12 at Shota Rustaveli National Science Foundation or at respective Educational Resource Center.

Application materials will be assessed by the competent jury; winners will be selected in two age categories. The winners will be awarded with medals and cash prizes, grand prix holder will be sent abroad to participate in a study tour.

Additional information on the contest can be obtained from the web sites of the Ministry (www.mes.gov.ge) and Shota Rustaveli National Science Foundation (www.rustaveli.org.ge)