UPDATE: Regeneron ISEF winner withdraws project, returns $50,000 prize
Following my scoop from 4 days ago…
…. tonight there is a major update. It is worth noting that this was a Friday night news dump, in an attempt to bury it.
Statement from the Society for Science
''During the 2024 Regeneron ISEF competition, Krish Pai, 17, was announced as one of this year’s $50,000 Young Scientist Award winners. Soon thereafter, the Society for Science received allegations regarding the scientific integrity of Mr. Pai’s research project. Per the Society’s defined process, a thorough investigation was immediately conducted. The Society presented its findings and additional questions to Mr. Pai, who then opted to withdraw his project and decline the awards.
Because no runner up was determined during the onsite judging process, this award will not be reassigned.''
https://www.societyforscience.org/press-release/statement-from-society-for-science/
So, the project has been withdrawn, and the money returned.
Success?
These are my initial thoughts, per my DMs with someone:
I am the first to break this update, I think.
Now that something has happened, CNN can cover it. Cowards.
Here are some initial takes from Twitter:
What do you think?
I think you're gonna need a bigger belt to add this notch too.
But yes, it is shameful that one of the kids who deserved to win didn't and the sponsors were too cowardly to make the proper award.
The kid is 17 which makes him an adult in many jurisdictions. This was grand larceny by fraud and there should be some criminal sanctions applied. He is young enough that this should not destroy his entire life, but some example should be made - and apparently to include his mother who may well have knowingly aided and abetted.