ALBUQUERQUE, New Mexico — The message to nations seeking a prosperous future was summed up in three words by the chairman of computer giant Intel, Monday at the International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) in Albuquerque. “Education, education, education.”

Dr. Craig R. Barrett made the remarks to a group of educators and scientists gathered at the ISEF, which Intel sponsors. He later encouraged students to pursue their dreams in science and engineering careers.

Barrett said Intel earlier had focused on colleges and universities to stress the importance of science and mathematics education, but he said the corporation had expanded its efforts to elementary, middle and high schools, noting that students needed a solid foundation to progress to careers that will benefit humanity.

“It’s kindergarten through 12th grade that really makes a difference,” Barrett said. “If you don’t start there, it’s too late.”

The Intel chairman said teachers should receive continuous training so they can help youngsters to aspire to greater heights, and he stressed the importance of having teachers who are able to inspire interest and passion.

Later at the New Mexico Expo, the more than 1,500 student finalists and thousands of participants gathered for the opening ceremonies where they were treated to a culturally diverse program including Mexican-American music and dancing and a keynote speech by Dr. Angela Belcher of Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Belcher described the amazing research of her cross-discipline team that is working to create bio-technology in which viruses are altered to redirect bacteria to perform a variety of tasks beneficial to mankind.

The group already has made breakthroughs in creating organisms that produce micro-batteries and already is working on other applications, including biologically produced photovoltaic solar cells and micro-electronics.

Barrett attended the event and visited briefly with the Saudi delegation, led by Vice Consul Hazim Al-Rasheed of the Kingdom’s Houston Consulate and Saudi Aramco long-range planner Jamal Al-Dabal who also is serving as an ISEF judge.

In his address, Barrett advised the student finalists of the more than 50 nations gathered there to get the best education possible and select their careers carefully.

“If you’re going to work for 45 years after college, you’d better do something you love to do,” he said.

The Science Fair continues through Friday, when more than $3 million in college scholarships and internships will be awarded.