Venus sprang whole, in all her splendor, from the head of Zeus. In contrast, the great accomplishments of mere mortals do not burst upon the world spontaneously and whole. Whether discovering a new star, identifying a novel immunology technique, or establishing a new international organization, accomplishment proceeds step by step. The goals of the Network of Youth Excellence (NYEX) are significant and noble: fulfilling them will be an enormous task. NYEX will succeed, and succeed it will, by doing many small things well. Small does not mean inconsequential. The challenges for which science seeks solutions are global: eradicating disease, eliminating starvation, rebuilding the environment, developing renewal energy, exploring unknown micro- and macro- universes, ensuring personal safety and international security. Nurturing the next generation of scientists is critical in addressing these challenges, and developing a culture of worldwide scientific collaboration is essential to expeditious progress and the survival of humankind. Success will be measured by small, significant, continual gains. NYEX will evolve and grow stronger as we learn from each other how to develop innovative collaborations.

As a member of NYEX, the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy (IMSA) was eager to contribute to the organization’s goals. Following the 2002 NATO Advanced Research Workshop, IMSA hosted three NYEX students who worked with researchmentors at Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory, Loyola University Medical Center, and Northwestern University. This one small step offers a model for future collaborations

IMSA is a three-year public residential high school for students talented in science and mathematics. Located near Chicago, it offers one of the most rigorous high school academic programs in the United States. Student who are accepted by IMSA have demonstrated exceptional academic abilities and potential. In addition to college prep and university level classes, IMSA offers a voluntary Mentorship Program in which students participate in research side-by-side with some of the area's leading researchers. Over one hundred institution and several hundred individual mentors have partnered with IMSA in the mentorship program, believing that if we are to have the scientists and scholars we need in the future, it is necessary to encourage students while their interest is keen, to provide them with the opportunity to develop and share knowledge gained through research for the benefit of others and the advancement of society.

Although IMSA is situated in a near-ideal location for research, with Chicago universities, medical centers, museums, and corporations generously welcoming our students, it is not perfect. Students have up to a three-hour commute each way between IMSA and their mentor site. On average of three Wednesdays a month, students have no class obligations and are free to work with their mentors, limiting research to about 20 days during the school year. Despite this schedule and due to their hard work and their mentors’ commitment, students have achieved significant outcomes such as publishing in peer-reviewed journals, presenting papers at national and international conferences, and winning research competitions. These successes reflect the many students who work on their projects during vacations, on weekends, and during IMSA’s Intersession. It was during Intersession 2003 that NYEX students came to the United States to work with IMSA mentors.

IMSA’s winter term begins with a weeklong Intersession. Intersession is an island of opportunity for intensive pursuit of a personal interest, without the distractions and obligations of other classes. Students choose from a menu of activities such as classes outside the regular curriculum, educational travel, and research. This concentrated period of time is perfect for scientific and scholarly projects, and for inviting students from other countries to experience the research environment in the United States. In January 2003, Elza, Kriszta, and Zholt from the Hungarian Research Student Association spent two weeks in the Chicago area. The first week was devoted to experiencing Chicago: the second, to research.

Four key factors were critical in creating this opportunity, and ensuring its success: the use of existing resources, controlled costs, community support, and student selection.

IMSA thrives within a network of supportive resources. Most importantly in this initiative, IMSA mentors welcomed the students into their laboratories: Dr. Charles Webber of Loyola University Medical Center mentored Elza in immunology research, Zholt worked with Dr. Don Edward at Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory in physics, and Dr. Zoltan Oltvai hosted Kriszta at Northwestern University Medical School in the Department of Pathology. . Prior to the visit, students and mentors communicated through the Internet, and mentors provided students with reading materials related to their projects. The mentors and their facilities provided materials and research supplies.

Costs were limited to the price of airline tickets. While the cost of tickets is not insubstantial, the absence of other costs for lodging, meals, and transportation made this experience reasonably affordable. IMSA students who were off-campus during the week of Intersession offered their rooms, so IMSA dormitories provided free housing for the three students. The food service provided meals at no cost. Buses chartered by the mentorship program provided transportation between IMSA and the mentors’ facilities.

The external community also contributed to the success of the visit. The week prior to Intersession, the students stayed with a family in the community and were able to visit the highlights of Chicago. The Field Museum of Natural History, the Art institute of Chicago, and the Adler Planetarium provided complementary entrance to the students and their hosts. Before starting their research, students and mentors met each other informally over brunch. IMSA students organized some activities during the evenings. Many people contributed to this experience and ensured its success.

A fourth factor in the success of the initiative was the student selection. Each of the students was appreciative of what the mentors provided, gracious and responsible at all times, and flexible and understanding when things didn’t go perfectly. IMSA required one of the delegation to be at least 21 years of age and willing to assume responsibility for the students. Elza, a medical student, filled this role, and also had the opportunity to master a novel immunology technique that she brought back to Hungary to teach others. Having these students with us for two weeks was important in developing a working relationship within the international scientific community. On a personal level, it was absolutely delightful hosting Elza, Kriszta, and Zsolt!

The following summer, a reciprocal visit was made by an IMSA student to participate in Hungary’s summer science camp for top high school researchers. The hosts covered all expenses in Hungary, so again cost was limited to airfare. Because of her visit, Jeanie strengthened working relationships between IMSA and NYEX, resulting in a high level of interest among IMSA students to participate in NYEX activities. IMSA student are working on contributions to the NYEX Website including interviews with scientists, sample protocols, and research products. Students meet biweekly at IMSA to discuss progress on NYEX and WAYS (World Academy of Young Scientists), the NYEX partner organization for young scientists beyond high school.

Where do we go from here? Science wears a cloak of mystery, creating the perception that is it too complicated for ordinary people to participate in or even to understand. Nothing could be further from the truth: science is all around us, and we use it every day to make sense of our world and our place in it. Traditionally, the opportunity to do research was reserved for graduate students, or infrequently for exceptional university students nearing the end of their undergraduate careers. Opening the door to young people and inviting them to participate as colleagues in research makes evident the reality that science belongs to everyone and everyone has a place in science. Traditionally, research has been competitive, closely guarded to protect profits, careers, strategic advantage, proprietary information, and national interests. There is an urgent need for scientists to collaborate on a global level to find answers to problems that harm all humankind. Self-interest is ultimately self-destructive. People may be able to identify the borders between countries: disease, starvation, toxic pollution, and poverty do not. The chance circumstances that give individuals or nations access to enormous resources do not convey the exclusive right to their use: the human genome is the legacy of all humankind, not just the wealthy; access to scientific medical care is a fundamental human right, not a privilege for the few; the knowledge of how to exploit the environment does not convey the right to extract its treasures for private benefit or to destroy it for short-term gain.

When eager young scientists and scholars begin serious research in high school, what discoveries will be made in those extra six, seven, or eight years they are expanding existing knowledge? When scientists (and policy makers) collaborate rather than compete to solve the world’s problem, how much more quickly and safely will solutions be found? When poor countries and their disadvantaged youth become actively involved in the scientific inquiries that address problems in their own communities, how much more will the standard of living improve for all? By nurturing scientific talent, promoting international cooperation, improving existing programs, and introducing scientific initiatives where they do not currently exist, NYEX has the power to change the culture and practice of science.

What small step can you take that will carry NYEX forward with you? Can you identify a scientist to mentor on-line? Can you host a student? Can you raise money? Can you help plan a conference? Can you advise new mentors how to be successful? Can you counsel students so they will be successful? Can you share a protocol on-line to help students without mentors set up a project? Can you help students edit papers for conferences? Can you inspire colleagues and students to become involved?

The Network of Youth Excellence is an organization of unlimited potential. The challenge of the Network of Youth Excellence is that if we leave here and do nothing, nothing will change. The thrill of the Network of Youth Excellence is that it will become what we make of it.