|
|||
|
September 25, 2008 Julie Dudley, Director of Communications, the Davidson Institute for Talent Development, issued the following statement concerning questions raised about a Davidson Fellow. We are proud of the 127 Davidson Fellows we have recognized since 2001. The work of each Davidson Fellow represents a significant advancement in his/her field of study, as well as a positive contribution to society. Each application for a Davidson Fellows scholarship undergoes a rigorous evaluation process handled by an independent panel of judges who are Ph.D.s in the student’s particular area of research. The independent panel thoroughly reviews the student’s work to ensure the student’s idea is new or newly configured, and demonstrates a significant advancement in the student’s field of study. Questions were recently raised about the submission of a 2008 Davidson Fellow, 12-year-old William Yuan. Mr. Yuan’s work is wholly his own, and in his application he credited sources. The independent review committee carefully scrutinized his application. As is often the case with scientific advancements, Mr. Yuan’s work builds upon pre-existing research, including that done at Georgia Tech Research Institute and the University of Notre Dame. Mr. Yuan’s application properly cites the previous work done, by whom and where. Mr. Yuan significantly modified and improved upon existing technology, in the view of the experts who judged his application, and for that he received a Davidson Fellows scholarship. After concerns were raised about Mr. Yuan’s receipt of this scholarship, the judges carefully reviewed his application again and focused especially on the use and reference of other scientists’ work. The judges confirmed that without a doubt Mr. Yuan’s work is his own. In addition, all recent speculation about Mr. Yuan’s work is baseless as his work remains confidential and those who have questioned it have not seen it. We at the Davidson Institute for Talent Development have been dismayed over the unfounded accusations hurled at a 12-year-old, especially at a time when this talented young man should be savoring the highly deserved honor he has received. We commend media who have thoroughly examined the facts of the story, such as KATU-TV of Portland, Ore., http://www.katu.com/news/local/28432984.html, and discredited those seeking to damage Mr. Yuan’s reputation. | |||
|
Davidson Institute
for Talent Development |
