The 22 ISEF categories
Every ISEF project competes within one scientific category. They span the life sciences, the physical sciences, mathematics, engineering, and computing. Find where your project belongs.
Living systems, from molecules to medicine
Animal Sciences ANIM
The biology of animals — physiology, behavior, ecology, genetics, and development.
Plant Sciences PLNT
Plant biology, growth, genetics, agriculture, and crop science.
Microbiology MCRO
Microorganisms — bacteria, viruses, and fungi — and their effects on life.
Cellular & Molecular Biology CELL
The structure and function of cells and the molecules that drive them.
Biochemistry BCHM
The chemical processes and substances that occur within living organisms.
Computational Biology & Bioinformatics CBIO
Using computing and large datasets to solve biological problems.
Biomedical & Health Sciences BMED
Disease, health, and medicine — diagnostics, treatment, and public health.
Translational Medical Science TMED
Turning laboratory discoveries into real medical treatments and tools.
Matter, energy, and number
Chemistry CHEM
The composition, structure, properties, and reactions of matter.
Physics & Astronomy PHYS
Matter, energy, and the universe — from particles to galaxies.
Materials Science MATS
Designing and understanding new materials and their properties.
Earth & Environmental Sciences EAEV
The planet’s systems — geology, climate, oceans, and ecosystems.
Mathematics MATH
Pure and applied mathematics, from theory to modeling.
Designing, building, and computing
Biomedical Engineering ENBM
Engineering for medicine — devices, prosthetics, and biomaterials.
Environmental Engineering ENEV
Engineering to protect, clean, and sustain the environment.
Energy: Sustainable Materials & Design EGSD
Generating, storing, and using energy sustainably.
Engineering Technology: Statics & Dynamics ETSD
Mechanical and structural engineering — forces, motion, and machines.
Robotics & Intelligent Machines ROBO
Robots, automation, and intelligent control systems.
Embedded Systems EBED
Computing built into devices — hardware and software working together.
Software Design SFTD
Algorithms, applications, and software systems.
Technology Enhances the Arts TECA
Technology that creates or enhances art, music, and design.
People, minds, and societies
Behavioral & Social Sciences BEHA
How people and societies think and behave — psychology, sociology, and linguistics.
How to pick your category
Your category should match the core question of your project, not just its subject area. A project on a bacterial sensor might fit Microbiology, Biomedical Engineering, or Embedded Systems depending on what you actually investigated.
Choose the category where your work is strongest and where judges can best appreciate your method. When in doubt, ask a teacher or mentor — and read recent winning projects in each category for guidance.
Found your category?
Learn how to turn your idea into a competition-ready project, or ask us for guidance on your path to ISEF.