Mathematics
1. Relevance to mathematical sciences (pure and applied mathematics, statistics and probability)
The topics for investigations could be pure mathematics including applied mathematics and statistics. In applied mathematics, the issues could be in all the subject areas mentioned in the section of “Research Area”. However, the leading factor for evaluation will be in the level of innovation of mathematical methodology in the project.
2. Originality in choice of subject for investigation and/or choice of techniques
Subjects for investigation could be either original problems or existing conjectures. A participating team is responsible for adequate literature review on the background or originality of its problems. A problem known to the learned community in general, but unknown to the participating teams do not constitute originality.
3. Creativity in problem solving and methodology
Successful projects, especially those in applied mathematics, are expected to either develop new methodology or to synthesize existing techniques. A routine application of existing methodology may not be competitive.
4. Rigor in mathematical development
Development of methodology and solutions are expected to demonstrate rigorous concepts and derivations.
5. Contribution and potential to future mathematical development
A project carries high merits if the results will induce other or further advance in mathematical sciences or if the methodology has potential for application in wider or other applications.
6. Scholarship and clarity of written report
A report has to be well written, with an abstract in less than one page, review of the background problems and methodology, and citation of references. The report must also make clear distinction between background materials and original contributions.
7. If applicable, scholarship and clarity of spoken presentation
An oral presentation should demonstrate the background of the problem, key background materials, and above all, the teams’ original contributions.
8. If applicable, demonstration of teamwork
In oral presentation, it is expected that every participating student will speak on behalf of the team in an organized manner.
9. If applicable, impact to subjects other than, but related to, mathematical sciences
In an applied mathematics project, the topics and results are expected to be relevant to its subject area. Its impact will carry merits, but such merits do not override the merit in the previous criteria, especially in Criteria 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5.
Physics
1. Relevance to physics sciences
2. Originality in choice of subject for investigation and/or choice of techniques :
Subjects for investigation could be either original problems or existing conjectures. A participating team is responsible for adequate literature review on the background or originality of its problems. A problem known to the learned community in general, but unknown to the participating teams do not constitute originality.
3. Creativity in problem solving and methodology:
Successful projects are expected to either develop new methodology or to synthesize existing techniques. A routine application of existing methodology may not be competitive.
4. Rigor in physics development:
Development of methodology and solutions are expected to demonstrate rigorous concepts and derivations.
5. Scholarship and clarity of written report:
A report has to be well written, with an abstract in less than one page, review of the background problems and methodology, and citation of references. The report must also make clear distinction between background materials and original contributions.
6. If applicable, scholarship and clarity of spoken presentation:
An oral presentation should demonstrate the background of the problem, key background materials, and above all, the teams’ original contributions.
7. If applicable, demonstration of teamwork:
In oral presentation, it is expected that every participating student will speak on behalf of the team in an organized manner.
8. As well as focusing on the academic originality of the research, the review committee should also pay special attention to the academic ethics and integrity of the participating teams.
Chemistry
1. Disciplinary relevance
Research topics must be related to the discipline of chemistry. The main factor considered during evaluation is what specific problem is to be solved by this research.
2. Originality of research topics and research methods
The proposed problem to be solved must be clear and specific. Subjects for investigation could be either original problems or existing conjectures. A participating team is responsible for adequate literature review on the background or originality of its problems. A problem known to the learned community in general, but unknown to the participating teams do not constitute originality.
Reports that provide only research ideas will not be considered for an award. Substantial research results must be included.
3. Accuracy of concepts and validity of conclusions
Concepts mentioned in the report must be presented accurately. The interpretation of data obtained through the research (both from experiments and theoretical calculations) must be robust, but it does not necessarily preclude alternative interpretations.
4. Truthfulness of research process
The submitted research reports must be completed by the participating student(s) under the guidance of the team instructor(s). No researcher (including graduate students) from any university or research institution shall complete any part of the research on behalf of the participating student(s). In case any part of the research process cannot be completed without external assistance, such as the operation of certain experiment equipment or tests, the names of the persons who have offered assistance and the nature of said assistance must be clearly specified in the report.
5. Contribution and potential to future Chemistry development :
A project carries high merits if the results will induce other or further advance in Chemistry sciences or if the methodology has potential for application in wider or other applications.
6. Compliance with academic norms
The research report should be written in accordance with academic norms and include at least the following sections: 1) title; 2) abstract; 3) introduction to research background and existing research; 4) research materials and approaches; 5) conclusion; 6) discussions; 7) bibliography; 8) acknowledgement of contributions of each member of the team. The research report must clearly distinguish original contents from existing materials that only provide background information. Any existing research not contributed by a member of the team must be clearly referenced.
7. If applicable, scholarship and clarity of spoken presentation
An oral presentation should demonstrate the background of the problem, key background materials, and above all, the teams’ original contributions.
8. If applicable, demonstration of teamwork
In oral presentation, it is expected that every participating student will speak on behalf of the team in an organized manner.
9. Academic ethics and integrity
Biology
1. Disciplinary relevance
Research topics must be related to the discipline of biology, which can be either empirical results obtained through experiments or purely theoretical analysis (for example, results of bioinformatic analysis). The main factor considered during evaluation is what specific problem is to be solved by this research.
2. Originality of research topics and research methods
The proposed problem to be solved must be clear and specific. Subjects for investigation could be either original problems or existing conjectures. A participating team is responsible for adequate literature review on the background or originality of its problems. A problem known to the learned community in general, but unknown to the participating teams do not constitute originality. Reports that provide only research ideas will not be considered for an award.
3. Accuracy of concepts and validity of conclusions
Concepts mentioned in the report must be presented accurately. The interpretation of data obtained through the research (both from experiments and theoretical calculations) must be robust, but it does not necessarily preclude alternative interpretations.
4. Compliance with academic norms
The research report should be written in accordance with academic norms and include at least the following sections: 1) title; 2) abstract; 3) introduction to research background and existing research; 4) research materials and approaches; 5) conclusion; 6) discussions; 7) bibliography; 8) acknowledgement of contributions of each member of the team. The research report must clearly distinguish original contents from existing materials that only provide background information. Any existing research not contributed by a member of the team must be clearly referenced.
5. If applicable, scholarship and clarity of spoken presentation
An oral presentation should demonstrate the background of the problem, key background materials, and above all, the teams’ original contributions.
6. If applicable, demonstration of teamwork
In oral presentation, it is expected that every participating student will speak on behalf of the team in an organized manner.
7. Academic ethics and integrity
Computer
1. Disciplinary relevance
Research topics must be related to the discipline of computer science, which can be either fundamental theoretical research or explorations of technical problems.
2. Significance of proposed research topic
The proposed research topic must be of theoretical relevance, technological innovation, and practical value and should have certain impacts on the development of a particular branch of computer science and technology.
3. Theoretical and technological originality
The research question must be clearly defined. The proposed topic must either be related to an original scientific question or significantly improve an existing research with innovative results. The working process of the research shall be clearly explained in the report. Additionally, the derivation of theory must be detailed and clear, with complete theoretical proof or algorithm implementation.
4. Robustness of research results
The research report should provide detailed experiment results and discussions. Participants are advised to submit videos, executable packages, and source codes to prove the authenticity of research process.
5. Teamwork Spirit
In case of team participation, each member must make concrete contributions to the research and avoid freeriding. All team members must participate in the oral defense, presenting part of the report and answering the questions from the judges.
6. Compliance with academic norms
The research report should be written in accordance with academic norms and include at least the following sections: 1) title; 2) abstract; 3) introduction to research background and existing research; 4) research materials and approaches; 5) details of theory derivation or algorithm implementation; 6) conclusion; 7) discussions; 8) bibliography; 9) acknowledgement of contributions of each member of the team. The research report must clearly distinguish original contents from existing materials that only provide background information. Any existing research not contributed by a member of the team must be clearly referenced. During the oral defense, participants must specify research background, key research materials, and all original contents in the team’s final report.
7. Academic ethics and integrity
Economic and Financial Modeling
1. Relevance to economics sciences (including finance).
The scope of study covers all fields of economics (including finance). The research topic has direct contribution or methodological contribution to the interpretation of economic problems.
2. Originality in choice of subject for investigation and/or choice of techniques:
Subjects for investigation could be either original problems or existing conjectures. A participating team is responsible for adequate literature review on the background or originality of its problems. A problem known to the learned community in general, but unknown to the participating teams do not constitute originality.
3. Scientific and rigorous
The method and conclusion must be correct, and the concepts, deduction and empirical test process involved in the subject must be scientific and rigorous.
4. Scholarship and clarity of written report:
A report has to be well written, with an abstract in less than one page, review of the background problems and methodology, and citation of references. The report must also make clear distinction between background materials and original contributions.
5. If applicable, scholarship and clarity of spoken presentation:
An oral presentation should demonstrate the background of the problem, key background materials, and above all, the teams’ original contributions.
6. If applicable, demonstration of teamwork:
In oral presentation, it is expected that every participating student will speak on behalf of the team in an organized manner.
7. Academic ethics and integrity