ISEF Research Paper Template and Guidelines

If you’re taking part in ISEF and want to get familiar with the template, rules, and guidelines for an ISEF research paper, this guide walks you through them.

If you’re a young scientist competing in the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF), understanding the research paper template and guidelines is important. These rules keep your project aligned with ethical standards, safety protocols, and scientific rigor. Here are the essential components of an ISEF research paper.

Crafting an outstanding ISEF research paper

• Virtual display (ProjectBoard):
  • Regeneron ISEF paperwork: submit the following in the Finalist Questionnaire:
    • Official Abstract (250 words)
    • Regulated Research Institutional Setting Form 1C
    • Continuation Form 7 (if applicable)
  • Project presentation: this replaces the traditional poster as the main way to present your project’s content. There are three suggested templates by project type (Science, Engineering, and Mathematics/Computer Science). Submit it by the deadline for Display & Safety inspection.
  • Quad chart: summarize your project on a single page for a quick judge overview. Keep it visual and concise.
  • Project video (optional): a video of up to two minutes summarizing your project for a general audience, featuring the finalist(s) prominently on screen.
• In-person display (physical display board):
  • Physical display board: provide a board for the finalist exhibit hall, using the same core materials as your virtual display to avoid duplicate work. Correct any infractions identified in the virtual display before printing or building the final board.
  • Display & Safety (D&S) inspections: both virtual and in-person displays undergo D&S inspections. Ensure adherence to the International Rules & Guidelines, and that all written materials are in English.
• Additional notes:
  • Active links are not permitted in the virtual display.
  • Research paper or notebook images should not be part of your virtual display.
  • An optional 1-minute demo video is allowed if applicable to your project.

• Human participant rules:
  • Prohibited medical procedures: students are prohibited from independently diagnosing disease, administering medication, or performing medical procedures on human participants. You may observe and collect data on medical procedures, treatment efficacy, and diagnosis only under the direct supervision of a licensed health care professional. Students are prohibited from drawing blood or conducting any other medical procedure on anyone except themselves.
  • Professional feedback: IRB review and pre-approval are required when a student-designed invention, prototype, or application is tested by human participants other than the student researcher(s) or a single adult guardian/sponsor/QS/DS when an adult tester is required. This includes surveys on potential use or opinions of the invention or product by the general public. Professional feedback from experts in the field is exempt from this requirement.

• Vertebrate animal rules: vertebrate animals, as covered by these rules, are defined as:
  • All nonhuman vertebrates (including fish) at hatching or birth.
  • Live nonhuman vertebrate mammalian embryos or fetuses.
  • Tadpoles.
  • Bird and reptile eggs starting three days (72 hours) prior to hatching.
  • Exception: zebrafish embryos may be used up to seven days (168 hours) post-fertilization without being considered a vertebrate. However, if they survive past 7 days, they must be considered a vertebrate animal, and the entire study is subject to all the rules.
• Potentially Hazardous Biological Agents (PHBA) rules: all studies involving prions or prion-like proteins are prohibited.
• Display & safety regulations:
  • Maximum size of project: depth (front to back) 30 inches / 76 cm; width (side to side) 48 inches / 122 cm; height (floor to top) 108 inches / 274 cm.
  • Position of project: the fair-provided table or freestanding display must be parallel to and positioned at the back curtain of the booth. Projects may not lean against the back curtain.
  • Forms required to be visible: required forms may go on the front edge of the table, the display board, or a freestanding acrylic frame on the tabletop or floor. Forms required at all projects include the original Official Abstract and Certification approved by the ISEF Scientific Review Committee.

1. Title page and abstract

The title page sets the tone for your paper. It should include:

• Title: a clear title that conveys the essence of your research.
• Author(s): your name and any collaborators, acknowledging mentors if applicable.
• School affiliation: your school or institution.
• Date: use the MM/DD/YY format.

The abstract is your research’s elevator pitch. In about 250 words, summarize:

• Problem statement: the research problem or question.
• Methodology: your approach (experimental, observational, theoretical, etc.).
• Results: your key findings.
• Conclusions: the significance of your work.

Free science fair and presentation resources.

2. Introduction

The introduction is the gateway to your research. Make it strong:

• Context: the broader context of your topic and why it matters.
• Significance: why your research is important.
• Research question or hypothesis: your central question or hypothesis.

3. Background and literature review

This section provides context and shows your understanding of existing research:

• Background: the historical context or previous studies related to your topic.
• Literature review: cite relevant research and explain how your work builds on it.

How to Win Regeneron ISEF: Rishab Jain’s Winning Project

4. Methods

The methods section is the backbone of your research. Be meticulous:

• Experimental design: describe your research design in detail.
• Data collection: how you gathered data (surveys, experiments, observations, etc.).
• Analysis techniques: the statistical methods you used.
• Variables and controls: clearly define your variables and control measures.

5. Results

Present your findings logically and transparently:

• Data presentation: use tables, graphs, and figures to illustrate your data.
• Interpretation: give context for each result.
• Avoid bias: stay objective and transparent.

Free STEM guide with a list of 50+ opportunities, competitions, internships, and more.

Math competitions for students worldwide.

Biology competitions.

Psychology competitions.

6. Discussion

This is where you dig into the heart of your research:

• Interpretation: analyze your results. What do they mean?
• Implications: the broader implications of your findings.
• Limitations: any limitations or unexpected outcomes.

7. Conclusion

Summarize your research effectively:

• Restate findings: recap your main results.
• Broader impact: how your work contributes to the field.
• Future directions: areas for further exploration.

8. References

List all the sources you cited. Proper citations are essential for academic integrity.

Key guidelines for success

1. Adhere to the International Rules: familiarize yourself with the ISEF rules, use the required forms to document compliance, and pay close attention to ethics, especially for research involving human participants or animals.
2. Scientific rigor: conduct thorough background research, design experiments meticulously, and analyze data rigorously.
3. Clarity and conciseness: write clearly, avoid jargon, and use headings to organize your content.
4. Abstract categories: when submitting your abstract, choose from the 22 Regeneron ISEF categories.

Forms and documentation

Before conducting any research, complete the necessary forms. They document your project and its compliance with ISEF rules. Some key forms:

• Form 1: Checklist for Adult Sponsor/Safety Assessment: outlines safety considerations and confirms an adult sponsor approves your project.
• Form 1A: Student Checklist/Research Plan: used to plan your research.
• Form 1B: Approval Form: approval from your school or institutional review board.
• Form 1C: Regulated Research Institutional/Industrial Setting Form: required for research in regulated settings.
• Form 2: Qualified Scientist Form: required if you collaborate with a scientist.
• Form 3: Risk Assessment Form: evaluates potential risks in your project.
• Form 4: Human Participants: documents informed consent and other human participant details.
• Form 5A: Vertebrate Animal Form (School/Home/Field Site): for research involving vertebrate animals.
• Form 5B: Vertebrate Animal Form (Regulated Research Institution): for research in regulated institutions.
• Form 6A: Potentially Hazardous Biological Agents Form: required for hazardous biological agents.
• Form 6B: Human and Vertebrate Animal Tissue Form: documents tissue samples used.
• Form 7: Continuation Projects Form: for ongoing research.
• Abstract Form (22 categories): summarizes your project in the abstract.

Rules and guidelines

The ISEF rules cover many aspects of research. Some important areas:

• Roles and responsibilities of students and adults: understand your role and responsibilities.
• Human participants: follow ethical guidelines when involving human participants.
• Vertebrate animals: comply with regulations for animal research.
• Potentially hazardous biological agents: handle hazardous agents safely.
• Hazardous chemicals, activities, and devices: keep your experiments safe.
• Engineering and invention projects: follow the specific guidelines for engineering projects.
• Display and safety regulations: present your project safely at ISEF.

Follow these guidelines closely for a smooth ISEF project display.

Resources to win science fairs

Rishab Jain, who won ISEF, has succeeded across many research competitions and projects. For students eager to start working toward competitions, Rishab offers science fair coaching and a YouTube playlist on how to do research, where he shares his winning strategies.