The Navy watched the next generation of marine engineers test their design skills at the 13th International Submarine Races (ISR), held at the Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC) Carderock Division, June 22-26.

Assistant Chief of Naval Research Capt. Rob Palisin and other senior leaders from the Office of Naval Research (ONR) attended the ISR, co-hosted by ONR, NSWC Carderock and the Program Executive Office Submarines. During the biennial event, students design, build and race a one- or two-person, human-powered submarine down a 100-meter underwater course. Most teams were from high school or college, but one team, Kids Into Discovering Science, had students as young as elementary school age.

"This event requires students to have knowledge of STEM [science, technology, engineering and mathematics] disciplines that will be crucial for our nation moving forward," said Kurt Yankaskas, ISR executive director and ONR program officer. "As students go through the process of designing, building and testing their submarines, the skills learned are the same ones needed in our future scientists and engineers."

ONR leaders said that a firm understanding of STEM disciplines is important to the nation, the Navy and naval STEM programs, which are coordinated within ONR. The focus of naval STEM is not only to support the development of future scientists and engineers, but also continue the advancement and training of the current naval workforce.

Submarine design and competition fits nicely into those goals, said officials.

"ISR is a fantastic event that brings students and naval personnel together at an active military installation," said Dr. Michael Simpson, ONR director of education and workforce. "Members of the current and future work forces walk away from this experience with an expanded knowledge base and enthusiasm for the future. It's a win in every way."

The ISR race saw 25 teams from around the globe compete for various cash prizes. This year's overall performance winner went to team OMER 9, from Ecole de Technologie Superieure, in Montreal, Canada. The University of Warwick, from Coventry, United Kingdom, won the award for innovation for their sub HPS GODIVA. WASUB 5, from the Netherlands Delft University of Technology, came away with the absolute speed award, and a new world record for a one-person propeller submarine at 7.42 knots.

Other competing teams included: Springstead High School; Florida Atlantic University; Central High School; Old Saybrook High School; Sussex County Technical School; Kids Into Discovering Science, a nonprofit organization; Texas A&M; University of Michigan; University of Washington and Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University; Universidad Veracruzana; University of British Columbia; Ecole Polytechnique de Montreal; Inholland University of Applied Science; Higher College of Technology Abu Dhabi; Rhein-Waal University of Applied Science; Sultan Quaboos University; University of Auckland; University of Southhampton; University of Bath; Newcastle University; and Plymouth University.

For more news from Office of Naval Research, visit www.navy.mil/local/onr/