NORTH CAROLINA (Nov. 29, 2023) — The North Carolina Science Festival (NCSciFest), the country's premier statewide celebration of science, proudly announces RTI International, a nonprofit research institute, as presenting sponsor for its upcoming 2024 edition.
"We are delighted to welcome RTI International as the presenting sponsor of NCSciFest 2024," said Todd Boyette, co-founder of NCSciFest and director of Morehead Planetarium and Science Center (Morehead). "Their strong belief in the promise of science makes them an ideal partner in our pursuit of advancing scientific knowledge and promoting STEAM education across North Carolina."
”We have been committed to science-based solutions since we were founded in the heart of Research Triangle Park 65 years ago,” said Eddie Story, RTI general counsel, corporate secretary, and executive vice president of Discovery Sciences and Technology Advancement and Commercialization. “Our partnership with NCSciFest is one way we continue to retain talent in North Carolina as we cultivate the next generation of scientists from the mountains to the sea.”
Established in 2010 by Morehead, NCSciFest has reached over 3.5 million participants of all ages, representing every county in the state since its inception.
Festival initiatives such as STEMville Science Spectacular, Duke Energy Science Nights, Statewide Star Party, SciMatch, and Science for All Summit facilitate meaningful interactions between educators, scientists, students, partners, sponsors, and the public.
“It is with immense gratitude that I express thanks to RTI International for their sponsorship of the NC Science Festival,” said Crystal Harden, director of Program and Inclusion Initiatives at Morehead. “This support will allow Morehead to continue a high level of science outreach and science communication across the state in April.”
With a 'Full STEAM Ahead' theme, NCSciFest made a significant impact in April 2023, orchestrating over 800 events across North Carolina and capturing the attention of 478,000 participants. Anticipation is building for the 2024 Festival, themed "State of Innovation," which will showcase North Carolina's influential role in pushing the boundaries of STEAM and related fields.
As the presenting sponsor for the upcoming festival, RTI will play a key role in providing foundational support for NCSciFest's endeavors to connect with the public throughout the year. "In alliance with RTI International, we are committed to our mission of providing North Carolinians with impactful opportunities to engage with the scientific world," said Boyette.
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ABOUT NORTH CAROLINA SCIENCE FESTIVAL
Founded in 2010, the North Carolina Science Festival is the first statewide science festival in the United States. Through a series of community-based events each April (hosted by schools, colleges, libraries, museums, parks, businesses, and other local organizations), NCSciFest celebrates the economic, educational, and cultural impacts of science in North Carolina. It is an initiative of Morehead Planetarium and Science Center at The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. For more information, please visit ncscifest.org.
ABOUT RTI INTERNATIONAL
RTI International is an independent, nonprofit research institute dedicated to improving the human condition. Clients rely on us to answer questions that demand an objective and multidisciplinary approach — one that integrates expertise across the social and laboratory sciences, engineering and international development. We believe in the promise of science, and we are inspired every day to deliver on that promise for the good of people, communities and businesses around the world. For more information, visit www.rti.org.
ABOUT MOREHEAD PLANETARIUM AND SCIENCE CENTER
Morehead Planetarium and Science Center is a unit of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Morehead serves North Carolina and beyond by bringing together the unique resources of UNC to engage the public for an enhanced understanding of science. For more information, please visit moreheadplanetarium.org.