Registration deadline is Monday, September 23.

(Courtesy of JSC) The Jerusalem Science Contest (JSC) is an unparalleled international competition for Jewish high school students in 11th and 12th grade, offering a unique opportunity to engage with cutting-edge science while exploring its relevance through the lens of Torah. With its rigorous academic structure, the contest challenges students to dive deep into the field of nanotechnology, while encouraging critical thinking through a Jewish framework.

The JSC is the premier program of Walder Science, an organization that has been enriching the lives of students in the Chicago area and beyond for over two decades. Founded by Dr. Joseph and Elizabeth (Shira Malka) Walder in 2000, Walder Science aims to provide high-quality science education through the prism of Jewish values.

This year, students will study the emerging field of nanotechnology, which has applications in everything from medicine to sustainable packaging. The program includes eight exams based on selected readings and video lectures, along with an individualized research project. It offers a rich combination of scientific study and Judaic learning, providing participants with an immersive and academically challenging experience. Daniel Alkhovsky, director of Walder Science, highlights the program’s impact: “Jerusalem Science Contest students are going to walk away with a really immersive experience in high-level science that they don’t have the opportunity to study in school— learning from experts, expert resources and even immersive research projects.”

Professor Oded Shoseyov, a world-renowned expert in nanobiotechnology at Hebrew University of Jerusalem, leads this year’s science curriculum. His expertise gives students access to groundbreaking research in bio-inspired nanomaterials, making the program a truly distinctive academic opportunity.

What makes the JSC particularly unique is its integration of Judaic learning into the science curriculum. As one parent, Philip Weisskop, shared, “I thought it was really amazing how they correlated the Judaics with the neuroscience.” The lectures teach students to approach scientific concepts through a lens of Jewish values, deepening their understanding of both disciplines.

Along with gaining new knowledge and skills, participants who complete all requirements receive a certificate of completion, which can be used for college credit at accepting institutions. The contest awards include prize money for the number of points participants score, an Israel trip for the top finalists, and funding to each school towards science equipment for each of their students that score above the contest average.

Finalists are invited to Chicago to present their research at the awards ceremony, “An Evening of Science Through a Jewish Lens,” which, like the trip to Israel, is held separately for male and female participants. The winners’ trip to Israel is a highlight of the program, blending cultural exploration with a firsthand look at Israel’s dynamic high-tech industry. As finalist Daniel Weisskop shared, “When I found out that I won, it felt like all that hard work had paid off, and I just won a trip to Israel, which was crazy. I loved every second of it. We got to see the high-tech side of Israel, which was also amazing.”

The Jerusalem Science Contest offers a one-of-a-kind learning experience, combining academic rigor, mentorship from world-class experts, and a deep connection to Jewish thought. For Jewish high school students passionate about both science and Torah, the JSC is an opportunity to grow intellectually, spiritually and personally.

To register and learn more, visit walderlab.org/jerusalem. The registration deadline is Monday, September 23.