ITT Introduces Two New Initiatives For Young Scientists and Water Journalists

ITT is taking its commitment to clean water to deeper levels. 

With two announcements during the Stockholm Water Symposium, held in August in Sweden, ITT expanded its participation in the annual Stockholm Junior Water Prize competition for 2006 -- and beyond. The company continues to look for ways to engage the curiosity and studious energy of high school students around the world, and to encourage their involvement in solving the growing water crisis.

"With a billion people lacking clean water and millions of lives lost each year to water-borne disease, it is imperative that we spread the message to many more people. We cannot possibly think or communicate enough about this issue," ITT CEO Steve Loranger said in his address to the World Water Week audience.  

Loranger announced that beginning in 2006, ITT will sponsor participation by Sri Lankan students in the Stockholm Junior Water Prize. The award honors the best research projects by teenagers on the topics of water conservation and management.  Sri Lanka now joins a growing list of countries -- Argentina, Canada, China, France, Holland, Sweden and the United States -- taking part in the competition thanks to ITT’s sponsorship. In the wake of the devastating tsunami of December 2004, the company got heavily involved in water relief efforts in Sri Lanka and saw firsthand the desperate need for solutions to the country's water woes. [Click here to read more about the tsunami relief efforts.]

"The resolution to Sri Lanka's water problems," said Loranger, "will likely come from the next generation of citizens, working together with the Sri Lankan government. These students must be encouraged to pursue water-related careers."

Also beginning in 2006, the company will inaugurate the ITT Award for Excellence in Student Water Journalism, with national contests in the United States and Sweden. The awards will recognize the best reporting on water issues by high school students, and winners will earn a small scholarship and a trip to the 2006 Stockholm Water Symposium to report on the student research showcased there, and to help raise awareness of water and ecological issues upon their return home.

 

The 2005 Stockholm Junior Water Prize Award was won by three South African students -- Motobele Motshodi, Sechaba Ramabenyane and Pontso Moletsane (pictured above, l. to r., accepting their award from Princess Victoria of Sweden). The students developed an irrigation system which uses light detection to control water pipe valves. By automating irrigation so it occurs mostly at night, less water is lost to evaporation. ITT is a sponsor of the international finals and numerous national competitions – including Sri Lanka beginning in 2006.