Where the world’s young scientists compete.
ISEF is the world’s largest international pre-college STEM competition. This is your complete, independent English guide — how it works, how to qualify, the 22 categories, and how finalists prepare to compete.
Roughly 1,700 finalists. Nearly 70 countries. One week of discovery.
Each spring, the best young researchers on Earth bring their projects to a single hall to be judged by professionals — and to meet peers who share their curiosity.
The Olympics of pre-college science
The International Science and Engineering Fair has been run by Society for Science since 1950 — more than 75 years of celebrating young scientific achievement. Since 2020 it has been titled the Regeneron ISEF after its title sponsor.
Every year it brings together around 1,700 high-school finalists (grades 9–12) who have already won their local, regional, state, or national fairs. They compete across 22 scientific categories for a share of more than $7 million in awards and prizes, with the top individual awards reaching $100,000.
Beyond the prizes, ISEF is a launchpad: finalists join a global network of researchers, present to expert judges, and earn recognition that universities around the world take seriously.
How students qualify
You don’t apply to ISEF directly. Finalists earn their place by winning a Society-affiliated fair — one of 365 affiliated fairs across more than 60 countries, regions, and territories.
Do original research
Choose a question in one of the 22 categories and carry out a genuine, well-documented research or engineering project — individually or in a team of up to three.
Win an affiliated fair
Enter a Society-affiliated regional, state, or national science fair. Top projects are selected there to advance to ISEF as official finalists.
Compete at ISEF
Present your work to expert judges over a week of judging and public exhibition, competing for Grand Awards and 45+ organizations’ Special Awards.
22 categories, one fair
Every project competes within a scientific category — from the life sciences to engineering and computing. A glimpse of the field:
More than a competition
For ambitious students — and the families supporting them — ISEF is one of the most respected credentials in pre-college science.
University recognition
ISEF finalist status is recognized by selective universities worldwide as evidence of genuine research ability.
Real awards
More than $7M in awards each year, with top individual prizes of $100,000 and dozens of Special Awards.
A global network
Finalists meet peers, mentors, and Nobel laureates, joining a community that lasts long after the fair.
Authentic research
The process teaches the real scientific method — asking questions, testing, failing, and refining.
Your guide to ISEF
Everything you need, organized into clear sections.
About ISEF →
History, organizers, scale, and how the fair is structured.
Competition →
Format, rules, eligibility, judging, and the project process.
Categories →
All 22 scientific categories explained, with examples.
Resources →
How to prepare a strong project, abstract, and presentation.
Winners & Awards →
Grand Awards, Special Awards, and notable finalists.
News →
Updates, deadlines, and stories from each ISEF season.
Grand Awards & Special Awards
At the closing ceremonies, finalists compete for category Grand Awards and for the top prizes — including a $100,000 award for the most outstanding project. In addition, more than 45 professional organizations present their own Special Awards, scholarships, and internships.
See how the awards work and meet recent finalists in our Winners & Awards guide.
Frequently asked questions
What is ISEF?
Who can take part in ISEF?
How do students qualify for ISEF?
How many categories does ISEF have?
What awards can finalists win?
Is this the official ISEF website?
Have questions about ISEF?
Whether you’re choosing a project, looking for an affiliated fair, or preparing to compete — we’re happy to help you plan your path to ISEF.