The Greater San Diego Science & Engineering Fair (GSDSEF) is San Diego’s premier regional science fair for grades 6–12. Since 1955, it has offered an inspiring experience in STEM, motivating thousands of local students to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and math. The fair challenges young researchers to design independent science or engineering projects, formulate their own experiments, and present results to professional judges.

Open to all San Diego and Imperial County students, GSDSEF serves both middle school STEM projects (Junior Division, grades 6–8) and high school STEM competitions (Senior Division, grades 9–12). Notably, GSDSEF is an ISEF-affiliated science fair – meaning winners can advance to higher levels of competition, including the Regeneron International Science & Engineering Fair (ISEF).

Why Participate in the GSDSEF?

Participating in GSDSEF has many benefits. Students gain hands-on experience in scientific research and engineering design that goes well beyond classroom labs. They learn critical skills – asking questions, building hypotheses, and analyzing data – while exploring their own interests. Winners can also earn significant awards. In 2025, GSDSEF awarded over $40,000 in scholarships and prizes. Top projects advance to the California State Science Fair and even to the international stage. In fact, eight Grand Award winners from GSDSEF 2025 qualified for the Regeneron ISEF.

Beyond the awards, GSDSEF builds confidence, develops communication skills, and strengthens college applications. Every competitor receives a Certificate of Merit and a place ribbon, ensuring recognition for their hard work.

Key Dates and Eligibility

The Greater San Diego Science & Engineering Fair typically takes place in early March at the Balboa Park Activity Center. Leading up to the fair, registration and project approvals usually open in January, with final submissions due in February. After judging day, an awards ceremony follows, and the event concludes with student visitation and a public open day where families and the community can explore the projects.

Eligibility:

• Open to all students in grades 6–12 in San Diego or Imperial County.
• Junior Division: Grades 6–8.
• Senior Division: Grades 9–12.
• Projects may be individual or two-person teams.
• Students must meet all safety and scientific review requirements before competing.

Categories and Judging Criteria

Projects at GSDSEF span a wide range of scientific and engineering disciplines, similar to ISEF. Typically, there have been 15 main categories for Senior projects and 16 total for Junior projects (including one junior-only category).

Project Category	Division
Product Testing	Junior only (grades 6–8)
Behavioral & Social Sciences	Junior & Senior
Biomedical/Health Sciences & Bioengineering	Junior & Senior
Biochemistry	Junior & Senior
Chemistry	Junior & Senior
Cellular & Molecular Biology	Junior & Senior
Computer Science & Systems Software	Junior & Senior
Computational Biology & Bioinformatics	Junior & Senior
Earth & Environmental Science	Junior & Senior
Engineering: Electrical, Mechanical & Robotics	Junior & Senior
Engineering: Energy, Materials & Transport	Junior & Senior
Mathematics	Junior & Senior
Microbiology	Junior & Senior
Plant Sciences	Junior & Senior
Physics & Astronomy	Junior & Senior
Animal Sciences	Junior & Senior

Judges evaluate projects on creativity, scientific thought, thoroughness, and clarity of presentation. After category awards, Grand Award judges select four Grand Award Winners and four Runners-Up in each division. Senior Grand Award winners receive scholarships and the opportunity to compete at ISEF.

Tips for Creating an Award-Winning Science Fair Project

Want to stand out at GSDSEF? Here are some proven tips:

• Find a unique idea. Choose a topic that excites you and look for a fresh approach. Explore resources like Science Buddies or browse past ISEF projects for inspiration.
• Plan thoroughly. Define your research question, outline your method, and keep a detailed lab notebook. Make sure your project meets all GSDSEF and ISEF safety requirements.
• Design a great display. Use clear sections (Question, Hypothesis, Method, Results, Conclusion). Create graphs and visuals that highlight your data.
• Practice your presentation. Judges value clear communication. Explain your project simply and confidently.
• Seek feedback. Take advantage of GSDSEF’s mentoring program and ask teachers or scientists for input.
• Start early. Great projects take time. Give yourself months, not weeks, to prepare.

Pathway to ISEF and Beyond

As an ISEF-affiliated science fair, GSDSEF offers a pathway to the world’s largest high school science competition. Senior Grand Award winners advance to the Regeneron ISEF, joining the top 1,700 students selected from more than 30 million worldwide participants in affiliated fairs. Many GSDSEF winners also qualify for the California State Science Fair and other prestigious competitions, unlocking scholarships and future opportunities.

How to Get Involved

• Students: Talk to your teacher about entering your school’s science fair. Top projects can advance to GSDSEF.
• Parents: Support your child by helping with planning, deadlines, and practicing presentations.
• Volunteers & Judges: GSDSEF relies on professionals and community members to serve as judges or volunteers.
• Organizations: Local companies, professional societies, and universities can sponsor awards or provide mentors.
• Public: Attend the Public Open Day to support young scientists and celebrate their work.

Future Forward Can Help You Succeed

At Future Forward, we specialize in guiding students through science fairs and STEM competitions like GSDSEF. From brainstorming unique project ideas to connecting with expert mentors, we help middle and high school students create standout projects that can win at regional, state, and even international levels.

Ready to give your student an edge at their next science fair?
👉 Learn more about our science fair mentoring programs and start building a winning project today!