More than 140 students from around the state will compete for science geek supremacy at West Virginia University this weekend.

WVU and the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Energy Technology Laboratory are co-hosting the 23rd annual West Virginia Science Bowl, a regional competition featuring some of the state’s best science and math students.

Twenty-four teams will compete for the title of state champion, who will go on to represent West Virginia in the National Science Bowl in Washington, D.C. in April.

The West Virginia Science Bowl – an all-day event Saturday (Feb. 1) – will pit teams against each other in a fast-paced, quiz-style competition focusing on STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) subjects. Students will also compete in a robotics competition, explore a college fair and have opportunities to meet with STEM professionals.

Nigel Clark, associate vice president of academic strategic planning at WVU, highlighted the importance of engaging youth in the STEM fields. Clark, also a professor in the Benjamin M. Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources, will deliver a keynote address at the competition.

“In the last five years, the National Academies have highlighted our urgent need to educate the next generation of scientists and technologists who will sustain our economic success,” Clark said. “These young leaders in the Science Bowl are entering a complex world with rapidly changing technology and societal demands. We are proud to host their competition in Morgantown and send the winners to Washington.”

The event kicks off at 8 a.m. in the WVU Mountainlair, where Rep. David McKinley, R-W.Va., will give a welcome address. The winning team will receive a five-day, expenses-paid trip to the National Science Bowl.

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