Special Awards are donated by families, individuals, companies, organizations and groups to recognize deserving projects that deal with topics of interest to the donor.

BASEF Inspiration Awards

The “BASEF Inspiration Awards” generate interest and encourage participation in the Fair for both teachers and students.

BASEF Inspiration Student Awards

A minimum of 10 awards of $500 each for top projects based on merit judging marks that win $250 or less in other prizes and have not previously won a BASEF 500 or BASEF Inspiration award.

BASEF Inspiration Teacher Awards

Up to a maximum of 9 awards of $500 each for teachers of schools new* to BASEF. The teacher must have two or more projects displayed and judged at BASEF. The award is to be used in the classroom at the winning teacher’s discretion. The cheque will be sent to the teacher after the BASEF Award ceremony.
* Schools that have not had projects in BASEF for at least 5 years.

Artistically Inspired Display Awards

Two awards for $50 for projects with the most artistically inspired display

Association for Iron & Steel Technology Northern Chapter Awards

Two awards of $100 for outstanding projects related to metallurgy, materials science, or engineering

Bay Area Health Trust Award

The Paul Lakin/Bay Area Health Trust, Life Sciences Award

A $1500 McMaster Scholarship awarded to a senior (grade 11 or 12) student (for a pair project, split between 2 students) for an outstanding project demonstrating innovation and scientific excellence in the Life Sciences. Award to be redeemed upon acceptance and registration into any undergraduate program at McMaster University, Hamilton, ON.

Dr. Laura Blew Social Sciences Awards

Two awards of $50 for the best two Social Science based Projects

Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum (Hamilton Branch) Awards

Two awards of $100 for outstanding projects relating to mining, metallurgy and petroleum

Canadian Meteorological and Oceanographic Society

An award of $150 for the best project at any level in Meteorological and/or Oceanographic Sciences. This includes projects in weather, air quality, climate, climate changes and/or the oceans.

Canadian Nuclear Society (Golden Horseshoe Branch) Awards

Two awards of $125 for intermediate or senior projects and two awards of $75 for junior projects relating to nuclear science and engineering, energy research or climate sciences

Chairman’s Award

A project that exhibits good scientific, engineering or mathematical thought, but did not receive a merit award or any special awards.

Chemical Institute of Canada- Hamilton Section Awards

Three awards of $100 for the best three projects related to chemistry, chemical engineering, or chemical technology

Conservation Halton Awards

Two awards of $100 to projects that contribute to environmental research, protection, conservation, restoration or awareness by Halton students

Damani Award for Women in Biomedical Engineering

One award of $100 for a female student that demonstrates an excellent application of knowledge in engineering, biology and medicine for healthcare. Also the creative integration of a variety of engineering disciplines with the biomedical sciences for healthcare. Example disciplines may include material science, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, computer engineering, biotechnology, cellular and tissue engineering, and/or genetic engineering, etc.

Doris Casey and Gwen Nicolls Disability Solutions Awards

Two awards of $100 for projects showing the most innovative and creative technical solution focused on assisting individuals to overcome physical or cognitive disabilities

Dr. M. Doyle Biology Award

$250, plus a plaque and a trophy to the winner’s school for the best Biology project

Electrical Construction Association of Hamilton Award

Two awards of $250 for projects displaying the best and safest use of electricity in the most creative manner

Environmental Inspiration Award

One award of $250 for the best environmental project that addresses an environmental problem in an inspirational/innovative way.

Farncombe Family Digestive Health Research Institute

For projects that explore digestive health, related disease, general nutrition or the human microbiome in health or disease through experimentation or in depth literature will be eligible

Farncombe Family Digestive Health Research Institute Grand Award

One award of $750 plus a 4-week summer internship in a research lab in the Farncombe Institute at McMaster University, Hamilton, ON. The winner(s) will select from a summary of potential projects provided by the Farncombe research groups (although the winner(s) may propose a project in consultation with a research lab). Pair projects will be eligible and it is expected that they would do the internship together and split the monetary award ($375 each).

Farncombe Family Digestive Health Research Awards

Two Awards of $250 each

Gowling WLG Innovation Awards

Runner-up

An award of $200 for the runner-up for an excellent project demonstrating potentially patentable subject matter

Grand Winner

An award of $300 and a complimentary one-hour consultation with a patent or trademark agent at the Gowling WLG Hamilton Office for the best project demonstrating potentially patentable subject matter

Hamilton Academy of Dentistry Awards

Three awards of $250 (first), $150 (second) and $100 (third) for Intermediate or Senior projects related to dentistry or the delivery of dentistry

Hamilton Chamber of Commerce Innovation Awards

Three awards of $250 (first), $150 (second) and $100 (third) for the most deserving projects by students from Hamilton with potential commercial applications focused on improving our local environment, communities or quality of life

Hamilton Pakistani Physicians Association Awards

Three awards of $250 (First), $150 (Second), and $100 (Third) for projects (any level) that demonstrate personal initiative and present an innovative solution.

Hamilton Wentworth Occasional Teacher Awards

Environment & Education Award

One award of $50 for a Junior project that most effectively educates others about an environmental issue

Healthy Lifestyles Award

One award of $50 for a Junior project that most effectively educates others regarding the role of nutrition and/or exercise in maintaining a healthy lifestyle

Presentation & Aesthetics Award

One award of $50 for a Junior project that demonstrates a high level of visual appeal, creativity, and overall quality of presentation

Hillfield Strathallan College Awards of Excellence

Life Sciences Award

One award of $100 for a junior project that best displays excellence in life sciences

Physical Sciences Award

One award of $100 for an intermediate project that best demonstrates an understanding of the scientific process in the physical sciences

Innovation Award

One award of $100 for a senior project that best displays innovation related to environmental sciences or biotechnology

Hillfield Strathallan College Entrance Scholarship Award

One award of a $5000 entrance scholarship towards tuition fees to a grade 8 or intermediate project

John W. Howard Materials Research Award

One award of $100 for a project demonstrating innovation in engineering materials

IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers) Hamilton Section Awards

Two awards of $100 for projects showing the best use of Electronics in a Science or Engineering project

Indigenous Peoples of Canada Scientific Study Awards

Three awards of $140 (first), $80 (second) and $80 (third) for projects that demonstrate the application of established scientific methods to topics relevant to the culture, heritage or issues of the indigenous peoples of Canada

International Science & Engineering Affiliated Fair Awards

Prize: Certificates &, letters

American Meteorological Society

For 2 projects in the areas of atmospheric, and related oceanic and hydrologic sciences

American Psychological Association

Creative scientific endeavour in the areas of atmospheric and related oceanic and hydrologic sciences

 ASM Materials Education Foundation Award

The best materials engineering project

      1. Use of materials-related concepts
      2. Demonstration of some aspect of the materials paradigm, i.e., structure-
        processing-properties-performance relationships
Association for Women Geoscientists

A project by a female(s) exemplifying high standards of innovation and scientific excellence in the geosciences

Intel Excellence in Computer Science

US$200 for the best intermediate or senior project in computer science

MU Alpha Theta

Most challenging, original, thorough and creative investigation of a problem involving mathematics

Ricoh USA, Inc.

Outstanding project that addresses issues of environmental responsibility and sustainable development

Society for In Vitro Biology

An Outstanding Grade 11 project in the areas of in vitro biology or tissue culture

U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID)

Science Champion Award: The most outstanding project to solve an important global  development challenge.

Prize also includes a Social Media Kit

Yale Science & Engineering Association

An Outstanding Grade 11 project in Computer Science, Engineering, Physics or Chemistry

Prize includes a medallion & a certificate

Laurentian Chapter of SETAC Award

Two awards of $100 for the best projects and presentations on a topic related to environmental toxicology, chemistry, pollution, contamination, remediation or environmental protection

Dr. Colin J.L. Lock Memorial Chemistry Award

One award of $100 for a project demonstrating the best application of chemistry

Mahut-Brent Award for Women in Science and Engineering

Awarded for an outstanding project by a female student that demonstrates an excellent application of scientific thought and creativity towards a subject matter that the participant is passionate about. Prize is $100, a giant microbe and a certificate.

McMaster University Awards

Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology Award

One award for $100 for an outstanding senior or intermediate project connected to chemistry or chemical biology

Department of Chemical Engineering & Chemical Engineering Club

One award of $250 for an outstanding intermediate or senior project demonstrating aspects of chemical engineering

Department of Materials Science and Engineering

Three awards of $100 and a trophy, one at each level, to projects displaying the best innovative use, design, or testing of materials.

Faculty of Engineering Entrance Awards

Five awards of a $1,000 entrance scholarship for projects demonstrating excellence in Science or Engineering research, to be redeemed upon acceptance of admission to either of the Faculties of Science or Engineering

School of Geography and Earth Sciences Awards
Earth or Environmental Science Award

An Award of $ 100, for an outstanding project in earth or environmental science

Geography or Social Science Award

An Award of $ 100, for an outstanding project in geography or social science

Women in Engineering Entrance Awards

Two awards of a $1,000 entrance award for projects led by female students that demonstrate excellence in health sciences, science or engineering, to be redeemed upon acceptance of admission to the Faculty of Engineering

Mechanical Contractors Association of Hamilton Award

One award of $250 for the best engineering project, intermediate or senior level

Michael G. DeGroote Institute for Infectious Disease Research (IIDR) Awards

Grand Award

$100 for the best senior student project in infectious disease, drug discovery or human health. This award also includes a one hour consultation with Dr. Dawn Bowdish, of IIDR to discuss with the winner(s) and their families about science/university/careers. Also, an article about the winners and their projects will be published in the IIDR newsletter.

Research awards

Two awards of $50 for excellent student projects in infectious disease, drug discovery or human health.

Nelson Steel Awards

Two awards of $100 for outstanding junior projects related to two of the following fields: Steel, Environmental or Chemistry

New Health Scientist Awards

One award of $50 for a worthy project at the Junior level showing good potential for improving the health of our community

Nikola Tesla Innovation Awards

Projects which best display the most innovative application of the body of knowledge associated with Nikola Tesla’s work, and/or acknowledgement in the display of Nikola Tesla’s contribution by way of his work and inventions.

Nicola Tesla Innovation Awards

One award each for Gold ($250), Silver ($150), & Bronze ($100)

Nicola Tesla Honourable Mention Awards

Twenty (20) Honourable Mention Awards at $50 each for projects with electricity as a key element

Oakvillegreen Conservation Association Award for the Environment

An award of $100 for the project that best promotes understanding and stewardship of the environment.

Primary Fluid Systems Awards

Twenty Awards of $100 to outstanding projects in Earth and Environmental, Engineering or Physical Sciences categories

Procor Engineering Awards

Three awards of $150 (senior), $100 (Intermediate) and $50 (Junior) for an excellent Engineering project at each level

Professional Engineers of Ontario-Hamilton/Burlington Chapter Awards

Three awards of $250 (first), $150 (second) and $100 (third) for deserving, exceptional, outstanding projects in Engineering at any level

Professional Engineers Ontario – Oakville Chapter Awards

Three awards of $200 for deserving engineering projects, one at each level

Rotary Club of Hamilton-East Wentworth Awards

Three awards of $250 (first), $150 (second) and $100 (third) for the best three projects from schools situated in the Hamilton core and/or Red Zone areas displaying high academic achievement and striving to excel in science and technology

Society of Tribologists & Lubrication Engineers – Hamilton Section Awards

Two awards of $250 for projects that utilize the principles of tribology (friction, wear and lubrication) to solve a technical problem

SPIE – The International Society for Optics & Photonics Awards

Three awards of US$250 (first), US$150 (second) and US$100 (third) for projects in optics or photonics where students apply optics or photonics technology, techniques or principles to their projects. To be requested by the winners after the fair

Talkit.ca Computer Engineering Awards

One award of $100 (first) and one award of $50 (second) for outstanding projects using computer electronics or software

Ted Rogers Innovation Award – Rogers Communications Inc.

One award of $100, a T-Shirt and a certificate for a project that best demonstrates commercial potential.

The Paul Lakin/Bay Area Health Trust, Life Sciences Award

A $1500 McMaster Scholarship awarded to a senior (grade 11 or 12) student (or for a pairs project, split between 2 students) for a project demonstrating innovation in the Life Sciences. Award to be redeemed upon acceptance and registration into any undergraduate program at McMaster University, Hamilton, ON.

The Research Institute at St. Joe’s Hamilton, Health Research Awards

Two awards of $100 at the intermediate level and two $50 awards at the junior level for outstanding projects that use strong scientific principles in exploring or solving a problem related to human health issues and communicates the results of their project through an effective visual display

University of Ottawa Admission Scholarship

One award of a $1000 admission scholarship (or two $500 scholarships for a pairs project) for a deserving Senior project

Water Environment Association of Ontario Award

An award of  $100 for a project focused on innovative ideas for preserving and/or enhancing Ontario’s water environment.