One of the new projects done by ZEPS (Znanstveno edukacijski programi za srednjoškolce, or the Scientific Educational Program for Highschoolers), an organization aimed at giving students in Croatia the opportunity to collaborate with university professors on various projects, is SIZI (“Smotra inovacija i znanstvenih inovacija”), a competition between high school students based on scientific research and study in all areas of science.
Generally, science competitions for high school students provide a platform for young people to show their creativity, problem-solving skills, and scientific knowledge. These competitions not only foster a passion for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) but also prepare students for future careers in innovation and research.
SIZI will give high school students in Croatia a chance to show their knowledge in science, gain new experience and learn more about their science of interest. The participation in the competition is a unique experience that will give high school students the insight concerning working in sciencein the future.
The application is open to all high school students living in Croatia that show interest in science and want to utilize their knowledge in sciences to design a new scientific study or innovation. In order to apply, the high school students must design a unique scientific project with the support of a mentor. The only requirement regarding the choice of mentor is that they have to have some experience in the chosen field of science. Therefore, the mentor chosen in the project can either be a teacher, parent, college professor or a scientist.
A detailed plan of the scientific project needs to be developed according to the rules and format provided by the organisation which can be visible under the project name (SIZI), in the guide titled “Vodič za prijavu na Smotru inovacija i znanstvenih istraživanja te Pravilnik Smotre inovacija i znanstvenih istraživanja” (Guide for Applying to the Innovation and Scientific Research Exhibition and Regulations of the Innovation and Scientific Research Exhibition). Afterwards, the student, with the help of their mentor, is obliged to complete the initial application form (“Inicijalni obrazac za prijavu”) until the 28th of February 2025. In the initial application form the student needs to include all the planning of the scientific research and various forms that regard their work on the project. After completing the scientific project, the student will write a short reflection and conclusion to their project and complete the final application form (“ Završni obrazac za prijavu”).
The competition will be held on the 11th of April 2025 in XV. gimnazija in Zagreb (Jordanovac 8, Zagreb) where the students that chose to participate will be able to meet other science enthusiasts in Croatia and will have the chance to showcase their scientific projects to successful Croatian scientists. At the competition, a committee of qualified scientists and professors will grade the scientific projects of various students and the top contenders will receive prizes and the chance to make themselves recognizable in the world of future scientists.
