News & updates
ISEF news & updates
Season announcements, deadlines, results, and guidance for students preparing for the International Science and Engineering Fair.
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How to Choose a Strong ISEF Research Question (Before You Pick a Category) — 2026
A practical framework for choosing an ISEF research question that is narrow, testable, and feasible: the four feasibility filters, the originality test, and the mistakes that sink China-based students.
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The ISEF Research Timeline: A 12-Month Project Calendar Working Backward From May (2026)
A month-by-month ISEF project calendar built backward from May finals: when to start your research, lock a question, run experiments, hit your affiliated-fair deadline, and prep judging.
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ISEF vs Science Talent Search vs JSHS: Which US Science Competition Fits a China-Based Student (2026)
ISEF, the Regeneron Science Talent Search and JSHS are three different research competitions with very different eligibility. A 2026 comparison for China-based international-school students on which path is actually open to you.
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The ISEF Judging Interview: How to Prepare for the 15 Minutes That Decide Your Award (2026)
ISEF Grand Awards are decided in live judging interviews, not on paper. A practical 2026 playbook on how the interview works, what to rehearse, and how China-based finalists can present clearly under pressure.
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The ISEF Display Board and Forms Checklist: What You Actually Have to Submit (2026)
ISEF is won in the lab but lost on paperwork. A practical 2026 walkthrough of the display board size limits, the 250-word abstract, and the Form 1/1A/1B/2A approval chain for China-based finalists.
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Is ISEF Worth It for College Applications? An Honest Look (2026)
An honest 2026 look at what Regeneron ISEF actually signals to admissions, why independent research is respected, and how to make it count — never a guarantee.
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The ISEF Abstract: How to Write One (Structure & the 250-Word Limit) (2026)
Write an ISEF abstract that works: the official 250-word / one-page limit, the Purpose-Procedure-Results-Conclusions structure, what to leave out, and what judges read it for.
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ISEF for International Students: Eligibility & the China Pathway (2026)
How international and China-based students reach Regeneron ISEF: the grades 9-12 eligibility rules, the affiliated-fair route (China = CASTIC pathway), and a realistic timeline. Cites societyforscience.org.
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The 22 ISEF Categories Explained (2026): What Each Covers
A plain-English reference to all 22 Regeneron ISEF categories for 2026 — what each one covers and the kind of project that fits — including the new Technology Enhances the Arts category. Use it to find where your research belongs before you register with an affiliated fair.
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What Is ISEF? A Complete 2026 Guide for International Students
ISEF, the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair, is the world’s largest pre-college science research competition, run by the Society for Science. This independent guide explains how it works — the affiliated-fair path to the global finals, the science categories, who can enter, and how international and China-based students take part.