Participating in the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) is one of the most prestigious opportunities for high school students to present original STEM research on a global stage. Because ISEF highlights rigorous methodology, innovation, and clarity in communicating scientific impact, the competition can feel demanding and highly competitive. This guide breaks the process down simply, helping you understand what ISEF looks for and how to prepare a strong submission.

What Kind of Work Can You Submit?

The competition accepts individual or team research projects across ~22 STEM categories, including scientific experimentation, engineering design, mathematics, and computer science. Each project must present a clearly defined research question, demonstrate strong scientific or engineering methodology, and show meaningful innovation or analytical sophistication.

Research must be completed within ISEF’s official timeframe:

• No more than 12 months of continuous work, and

• Not started more than 18 months before the competition year.

Projects that extend previous work must show substantive scientific progress, such as exploring new variables or methods. Simply repeating prior experiments with larger sample sizes is not allowed.

Students cannot apply directly to ISEF; they must first qualify through an ISEF-affiliated fair.

Eligibility

Students currently enrolled in high school (grades 9–12) who have not reached age 20 by May 1 of the competition year may participate. Projects may be submitted individually or in teams of up to three, and each project must be original, comply with ISEF research rules, and receive all required approvals before experimentation.

To attend ISEF, a student must be selected as a finalist by an ISEF-affiliated local, regional, or national fair. All projects must comply with the official International Rules for Pre-college Science Research.

Prizes

ISEF awards millions of dollars in prizes and scholarships each year:

• Grand Awards (1st–4th place) across all categories

• Special Awards from government agencies, universities, and industry partners

• Scholarships, internships, research trips, equipment grants, and more

• Top awards include significant cash prizes and global recognition

Finalists also gain exposure to world-class scientists, researchers, and STEM leaders.

Submission Process

Students submit their projects through their affiliated fair, not directly to ISEF.

Once selected as finalists, students complete:

• Finalist Questionnaire

• Official Party Registration

• Required safety and paperwork forms

• A virtual project booth

• Abstract and project documentation updates

Registration for ISEF opens in mid-February, managed through the fair’s director. Finalists attend ISEF as part of an Official Party consisting of students, an Adult-in-Charge, and additional approved members.

Tentative Timeline

June–December

• Complete all required research forms before starting the project

• Conduct research (only one project per student/team)

January–April

• Compete at affiliated fairs (local, regional, state/national)

• Qualify as a finalist through one ISEF-affiliated fair

• Submit Finalist Questionnaire & Official Party Registration within 12 days

• Submit virtual booth materials within 12 days of assignment

• Submit abstract revisions (April deadline)

May 9–15, 2026

• Regeneron ISEF held at the Phoenix Convention Center

Announcements, logistics, and updates are published by Society for Science.

RISE Tips for Getting Accepted

Based on award-winning ISEF submissions reviewed by RISE, competitive projects typically demonstrate:

• A precise, testable research question grounded in scientific reasoning

• Depth of background research and clear knowledge of prior literature

• Strong methodological design with careful control of variables and rigorous analysis

• Originality—new hypotheses, applications, or engineering optimizations

• Full adherence to ISEF ethical and safety standards

• Clear, well-organized data presentation

• Independence in thought and execution, with mentorship used for refinement only

• Interdisciplinary awareness linking findings to real-world significance

• Confident scientific communication during interviews

• Effective time management and reproducibility within ISEF’s research limits

Application Deadline

ISEF follows an annual cycle. While students don't have specific deadlines, they should monitor the Society for Science website and their affiliated fair announcements for relevant updates.

Sample Projects

The virtual showcase for all 2025 projects can be found here. Other past finalist abstracts, project summaries, and examples of high-quality work are available on the Society for Science website. Reviewing these offers insight into the rigor, innovation, and clarity expected at the international level.

RISE Research Program

If you’re a high school student aiming for competitive STEM competitions, RISE Research provides one-on-one mentorship with scholars from leading universities worldwide. With individualized support for designing and executing research projects, students often produce publication-quality work while strengthening their academic portfolio. The program is flexible, globally accessible, and open year-round. Visit the RISE Research website to learn more about eligibility, pricing, and how to begin your research journey.