There have been some significant changes to the application process.
- ALL students who participated previously MUST apply for pre-approval and file a Form 7 with their applications. The SRC will determine if their project qualifies as a “continuation project” or not.
- Minimum requirements for all project types have been updated for the 2026 fair, including minimum requirements for machine learning/AI projects.
- ALL participants must document their process and results in a project notebook or logbook, which must be brought on both Check-in Day and Judging Day.
Speak Your Science: Oral Presentation Workshop Feb 26th 6:30pm
Speak Your Science: Oral Presentation Workshop was on February 26, 2026 (6:30–7:30 p.m., via Zoom). This workshop was part of our student-led pilot program designed for first-time STEM fair participants, this session offered guidance to help newcomers feel confident and prepared. Slide presentation is available here.
Focused specifically on oral presentation skills for Judging Day at the Synopsys Championship, students learned how to clearly explain their research, structure a concise presentation, highlight key findings, and respond confidently to judges’ questions. Participants heard practical advice from experienced student researchers to build the communication skills needed to present with clarity and confidence. The workshop also featured a speaker panel of successful fair alumni who have won at ISEF; they shared their experiences, offered insights on what sets strong presentations apart, and participated in a live Q&A session with attendees.
Beyond “It Worked!” Webinar : Data Analysis and Abstract Writing Jan 29 6:30pm
Science fairs aren’t just about cool projects—they’re about thinking like a scientist. In every strong project, there’s a clear problem or claim, a procedure that tests it, and data that backs it up. Slide presentation is available here.
They broke down how to collect and analyze data so your results actually mean something, not just “it worked” or “it didn’t.” They saw how graphs, patterns, and evidence help you prove your claim—or revise it.
They also demystified the abstract: the short summary judges read first. Think of it as the trailer for your project—what you tested, how you tested it, and what you discovered—all in a few powerful sentences.
By the end, they knew how to turn their experiment into a clear, convincing science story.
The Scientific Review Committee (SRC) and IRB will have 2 meetings before the final SRC pre-approval deadline. Applications that are submitted by November 3 will be reviewed before the rush at the November 14 deadline.
Teacher Workshop for 2025-2026:
Sponsoring teachers are expected to understand and abide by fair rules. This year’s Teacher Workshop video and slide presentation is available here.
Virtual Student Clinics: Saturday, Nov 1 at 11am and 1pm
Two virtual Question and Answer sessions were held—one on “How to Start a Project” on Nov 1st at 11:00am and another one which focused on “Engineering Research Projects” was held on Nov 1st at 1:00pm.
We recommend that teachers, students, and sponsors (including those supervising PSPs – privately sponsored projects) attend the session that best suits your needs to ask questions and get guidance. The Engineering Research Project clinic (slide presentation can be found here) focused on an introductory overview of engineering-oriented research project design, proposal preparation, Minimum Quality Requirements, aspects requiring SRC pre-approval, tips for project success and a Q&A. The How to Start a Project clinic (slide presentation can be found here) was designed to guide students through the creative process of developing and refining their own innovative project ideas.
Scientific Integrity Webinar
On September 25, the Regeneron Science Talent Search (STS) webinar series offered a session on Scientific Integrity. Relevant and open to ALL student science competition entrants and educators, Society staff hosted a conversation centered on the moral and ethical responsibilities of student researchers in an age of misinformation and technological advancement. With practical tips for young scientists and adult supporters alike, this is one session you don’t want to miss.
See recorded webinar here.
Field of Study Reminder
As a reminder, students may not do any health-related project that involves diagnosis or treatment without supervision of a doctor.
Research Class/Science Club Reminder
As of August 2024 High School Teachers with a Research Class and/or Science Club must submit a formal request yearly for additional projects to the SRC by submitting this form. This year the deadline is Sept 29, 2025. Further details about Application Limits can be found here.
Research Teachers Conference Lottery!
Join 200 U.S. high school teachers in Washington, D.C. for this inspiring weekend of all-expenses-paid, peer-led professional development. Attendees will share best practices, troubleshoot challenges and explore strategies for supporting student research projects.
The conference takes place October 3-5, 2025. Click here to learn more about eligibility! Lottery closed July 18.
The Society for Science has partnered with Rise
Rise is a program that finds promising young people and provides them with opportunities that allow them to work together to serve others, by providing resources like including higher education scholarships and a global network. To read more about this program click HERE.
The Society for Science offers Funding for Teachers
STEM Research Grants provide support to middle and high school teachers engaging their students in authentic science research – and the application opens soon!
Teachers can apply for up to $5,000 to purchase specialized equipment, or for $1,000 in pre-selected STEM kits. Full time educators employed in the United States are encouraged to sign up here to be notified when the application opens. Priority consideration is given to schools who support low income students or those underrepresented in STEM fields.
Invitation to apply for the (free) Advancing STEM Research Teaching Program (ASRT)
The application will launch in October and closes in mid/late November.
This professional development program for high school teachers is completely free thanks to funding from Regeneron and Carl Zeiss Microscopy. Over the past 5 years, individual teachers, groups of teachers and Science Fair Directors have applied, been accepted, and benefitted from this very customized ASRT program.
If one or more of the “Top 10 mistakes teachers make….” have impacted you, or the high school teachers in your region, when guiding your students through planning, working on, and presenting STEM Research projects, you/they should consider applying for the free, customized, in-person, Advancing STEM Research Teaching Program.
Society Update: Applications for the Advocate Program
Sign up to be notified when the application opens. This program provides a stipend, training, and year-round support to teachers and mentors who help students from traditionally underrepresented groups and low-income households enter STEM research competitions. Click here for eligibility requirements. Please share with your educator networks!
Enroll your school in Science News for Middle and High Schools
Calling all science teachers: would you like a free tool that helps your students apply curricular topics to real-world scenarios, practice reading comprehension, and explore the world of science?
Science News Learning in High Schools and Middle Schools aims aims to boost science literacy for every student – and gives you easy ways to bring today’s science developments into your teaching. Your school’s participation is free. Sign up today to ensure your sponsored spot for the next school year!
