We believe every child deserves an opportunity to explore. Explore to learn more, discover our beautiful planet with a scientific approach, and grow as warmhearted, well educated global citizens.
With our vision of training a new generation of Mongolian paleontologists, ISMD launched the Young Scientists Program (YSP) in 2018. The program is an opportunity for middle and high school students living in rural areas of Mongolia. We provide them with a chance to meet and learn from various professionals in different scientific disciplines. The program seeks to inspire students to study science and support their intellectual growth.
Our first 4 Young Scientists
Over the course of the one year program, students study paleontology and other fields of science from real scientists, complete an internship at the ISMD – Moveable Dinosaur Museum, join an expedition with paleontologists in Mongolia, and have the opportunity to travel to the US to participate in a paleontology summer camp and visit museums. Furthermore, the successful program participants will have a chance to work on a research project and present the result at the annual meeting of the Society of Vertebrate Paleontology.
The Young Scientists Program offers its participants valuable experiences, knowledge, and personal growth through:
Receiving book donations from the United States
Connecting with national and international experts in various science disciplines
Listening to lectures and workshops from Mongolian and American scientists
Going on museum field trips to the capital city of Mongolia
Completing English training programs and English Summer camps
Receiving coaching & support from ISMD staff
Joining in a paleontology excursion
Interning at the ISMD Mobile Dinosaur Museum
Receiving a grant to travel to the US to participate in the Paleontology Summer Camp at ALF Museum of Paleontology, Claremont, California and enjoying cultural experiences in several other locations.
Young Scientists Program History
2018-2019
The first year of the Program ran in the remote little town named Bulgan soum in the Gobi Desert, Mongolia. A small group of students participated and received the opportunity to attend the Paleontology Summer Camp run by the Raymond M. Alf Museum of Paleontology, in Claremont, California. 2018-2019 >>
2019-2022
In light of the COVID-19 Pandemic, many activities had to be postponed, but the program continued with a variety of in-person and online activities. By 2022, 2019-2020 participants were able to finally undertake the travel components of the program. 2019-2022 >>
2023-2024
For the first time since the COVID-19 Pandemic, a new group of Young Scientists have joined the program.
Posted: February 18, 2021 by Bolortsetseg Minjin
Young Scientists Program
With our vision of training a new generation of Mongolian paleontologists, ISMD launched the Young Scientists Program (YSP) in 2018. The program is an opportunity for middle and high school students living in rural areas of Mongolia. We provide them with a chance to meet and learn from various professionals in different scientific disciplines. The program seeks to inspire students to study science and support their intellectual growth.
Over the course of the one year program, students study paleontology and other fields of science from real scientists, complete an internship at the ISMD – Moveable Dinosaur Museum, join an expedition with paleontologists in Mongolia, and have the opportunity to travel to the US to participate in a paleontology summer camp and visit museums. Furthermore, the successful program participants will have a chance to work on a research project and present the result at the annual meeting of the Society of Vertebrate Paleontology.
The Young Scientists Program offers its participants valuable experiences, knowledge, and personal growth through:
Young Scientists Program History
2018-2019
2019-2022
2023-2024
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Gretchen Augustyn
Gerry Ohrstrom
Thomas Jackson
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