The Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) is the largest pre-college science competition in the world. Organized by the Society for Science, it brings together top student researchers from around the globe to present their work in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Recent fairs were held in Columbus, Ohio (2025) and Phoenix, Arizona (2026). Check the official ISEF site for the next host city and dates.
What is ISEF?
Established in 1950, ISEF is where high school students present original research and compete for more than $9 million in awards, prizes, and scholarships. Each year, over 175,000 students participate in the Society’s roughly 400 affiliated science fairs worldwide. The top finishers earn a spot at ISEF, where nearly 2,000 finalists from more than 60 countries come together.
ISEF has been featured in documentaries at the Sundance Film Festival and in a docuseries on Disney+, a sign of its role in encouraging students toward STEM careers. Finalists are judged across 22 categories, from biochemistry to behavioral sciences.
Why participate in ISEF?
1. Global recognition
Competing at ISEF puts your research on a global stage, in front of top scientists, industry leaders, and universities. It’s real visibility and credibility in the scientific community.
2. Substantial awards and scholarships
With more than $9 million in awards, prizes, and scholarships, ISEF offers significant financial support for further education and research, a strong incentive to compete.
3. Networking
ISEF gathers young scientists from around the world, which makes for collaboration and connections that can last well beyond the fair. Meeting peers who share your interests is genuinely motivating.
4. Mentorship
ISEF connects students with mentorship from leading scientists and experts who can help refine projects and deepen your understanding.
5. Exposure to cutting-edge science
ISEF showcases the latest in science and technology, which can spark new ideas and push your own research further.
ISEF 2025 in Columbus, Ohio
ISEF 2025 was held in Columbus, Ohio, from May 10-16, 2025, the city’s first time hosting since 1984. It welcomed nearly 2,000 finalists and around 10,000 attendees.
When Columbus was announced, Maya Ajmera, President and CEO of Society for Science, said: “The Columbus scientific community has welcomed Society for Science and the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair with open arms, and we look forward to returning there after more than 40 years. Home to Ohio State University and a thriving technology and healthcare community, I look forward to introducing young scientists from around the world to this incredible city.“
Brian Ross, President and CEO of Experience Columbus, added: “It is an honor for Columbus to be selected to host this world-class event featuring the best and brightest in STEM. We can’t wait to showcase how the city has become an innovation hub with one of the most dynamic life science industries in the country since Society for Science was last here.“
How ScienceFair.io can help you win ISEF
Getting to ISEF is a goal for many students, and preparing a winning project is hard. ScienceFair.io offers mentorship and an A-Z science fair program that guides students through the whole process, from idea to final presentation.
Mentorship program
The mentorship program connects students with experienced scientists and past ISEF winners for personalized guidance, helping refine research questions, design experiments, and navigate the research process.
A-Z Science Fair Program
The A-Z program covers all of it:
- Project selection: help choosing a topic that’s both innovative and feasible.
- Research design: guidance on designing experiments, collecting data, and analyzing results.
- Presentation skills: how to communicate your findings clearly, in writing and out loud.
- Judging criteria: what judges look for, and how to meet it.
- Mentors: mentorship from past ISEF, JSHS, 3M Young Scientist Challenge, Thermo Fisher Junior Innovators Challenge (formerly Broadcom MASTERS) winners.
What students say
Student 1: “If I could give 6/5, I would. These guides are INCREDIBLE. His videos are absolutely SPECTACULAR. The guide is pure masterful genius, coming from an ISEF winner (The world’s most prestigious research competition) and if there is one person who you would want to give you research and competition help, it would be the master of high school research competitions himself. Rishab Jain has spent as enormous amount of time on this, and I know it by just looking at the quality and the depth these guides go into. Personally, these guides have opened my mind to so much out there. I remember, since I was 8 or 9, I wanted to have some impact on the world and initially, I wanted to be an astronaut. That passion sort of left for a bit during 8th grade, when I would be constantly stressed out about school for no reason. However, after watching Rishab’s videos and reading his guides, I feel even more motivated to do something that helps influence the world, either research or some initiative that helps move the world to a better future. From the very bottom of my heart, thank you so much.”
Student 2: “Hi Rishab, thanks so much for our meeting a few weeks ago. It was tremendously helpful. In fact, I got the results a day ago that I qualified for CSEF, California’s state fair. It’s incredibly selective and I couldn’t imagine placing it if it weren’t for your help. Next step for me, hopefully ISEF!”
Student 3: “This year I won 2nd Place at ISEF (in an average competitive category) thanks to your poster template and judging advice. I knew exactly how the judges were going to grill me and where they would try to poke holes. 2 of the questions were actually verbatim what I had prepared, and I answered them using your E.A.T technique. I won $2,000 in cash at ISEF and $1,500 from my regionals. I will be applying to MIT this fall and hope to see you in Cambridge!”
Get started
With the right preparation, you could be among the finalists presenting their research at a future ISEF. Visit ScienceFair.io to learn more about the mentorship and A-Z science fair program.
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