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 ISEF Works: Affiliated Fairs to the Global Finals (2026 Guide)
ISEF works like a pyramid: you cannot enter directly. You complete an original research project, present it at a local ISEF-affiliated fair, and only the top nominated projects advance to the global finals each May. This independent guide explains the affiliated-fair path, how international and China-based students qualify, and how to plan backwards from your…
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What ISEF Judges Are Really Looking For
A polished poster is not enough. Here are the four qualities ISEF judges weigh most, and how to show them in your interview.
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How to Choose Your ISEF Category (All 22, by Strength) — 2026 Guide
Your ISEF category is not paperwork — it decides who judges your project and which projects you are measured against. With 22 categories for 2026, the right choice matches your project’s core contribution (its method and finding), not the topic that sounds most impressive. This independent guide shows how to choose by strength, including what…