The Canadian Science Fair Journal Joins Actua!

June 18, 2024

Actua, a leading science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) youth outreach organization, is pleased to announce the integration of the Canadian Science Fair Journal (CSFJ) as a new program. Under Actua, the CSFJ will continue to increase opportunities for young Canadians to engage in scientific research and share their discoveries on a national platform.

The Canadian Science Fair Journal, a project started and grown by Nina Acharya and Rhiannon Ng, two young women passionate about science and research, was previously supported by the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario. Under Nina and Rhiannon’s leadership, and with a team of passionate young leaders and volunteers, CSFJ has been a beacon for young scientists across Canada, offering a platform to publish their original research and projects from science fairs and other scientific competitions. CSFJ is now transitioning to be supported by Actua as part of their suite of programs.

“Integrating the Canadian Science Fair Journal with Actua’s other national programs is another way that the Actua network can engage youth in developing their scientific research skills by providing them an opportunity to share their scientific discoveries in a professional publication,” says Jennifer Flanagan, CEO of Actua.

“We’re so excited for this next era of the CSFJ within the wonderful Actua community. We want to offer our sincere gratitude to Dr. Dayre McNally and Katie O’Hearn at the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute for all their mentorship and support. The CSFJ began as a summer research project, and it has been a privilege to see it become an established program at Canada’s largest STEM learning organization.”- Nina Acharya, Co-Founder & Director of Operations, CSFJ

Actua has a long-standing commitment to providing transformative STEM experiences to youth, especially those underrepresented in STEM fields. Through the CSFJ, Actua will not only continue to offer hands-on, experiential learning opportunities but also support the publication and dissemination of youth-led research, fostering a culture of scientific inquiry and excellence among diverse youth from across the country.  

Importantly, Nina and Rhiannon will continue in advisory roles. Rhiannon currently studies medicine at McGill University and Nina is a DPhil student studying global health policy at the University of Oxford as a Rhodes Scholar.

About Actua

Actua is a leading Canadian science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) youth outreach organization. Each year, the Actua network engages over 375,000 youth in 600 communities across Canada in transformative STEM learning experiences that build critical skills and confidence. Actua focuses on engaging equity-deserving youth through specialized programs for Indigenous youth, girls and young women, Black youth, youth facing economic barriers and youth living in Northern and remote communities. Its major funding partners include the Government of Canada, RBC Foundation, Suncor Energy Foundation, TD Bank Group, Google.org, Toyota Canada Foundation, Enbridge, Cenovus, CIBC Foundation, Coveo, Scotiabank, Mastercard and Imperial.

About the Canadian Science Fair Journal Program

The Canadian Science Fair Journal (CSFJ) is Canada’s lead publication of original scientific research by children and youth from across the country. Since 2017, CSFJ has published over 200 innovative research projects by young scientists to a national and international readership. CSFJ aims to amplify youth voices in the research community while providing valuable mentorship in scientific writing and publication. For more information or to read our publications, visit csfjournal.com.