If your student is aiming for a future in science, engineering, or medicine, national research competitions are one of the most strategic ways to get noticed by top colleges.

This guide includes everything families need to know for the 2026 STEM competition season—what are science fairs, how science fairs work, which ones matter most, deadlines for national contests like ISEF and Regeneron STS, and how to start preparing now.

As part of Future Forward’s new STEM Competitions Mentoring Program, we’re sharing insights to help students not just participate, but truly stand out.

What Are Science Fairs, and How Do Students Advance?

Science fairs are student-led research showcases where young scientists present original experiments or inventions. These projects are judged for creativity, scientific thinking, real-world application, and communication.

Competitions are typically structured in tiers:

• Local or School-Level Fairs: Where most students start. These are often held in January–March and may be open to any project.
• Regional and State Science Fairs: Winners from school-level fairs advance to affiliated regional or state fairs. These are judged more rigorously and often affiliated with national competitions like ISEF.
• National STEM Competitions: The most prestigious U.S. science fairs—like Regeneron STS, JSHS, and ISEF—either require direct application or a top placement at a qualifying regional fair.

Some competitions (like STS or 3M Young Scientist Challenge) allow direct entry without a local fair. Others (like ISEF or Thermo Fisher JIC) require qualification through an affiliated fair.

Why Science Competitions Matter for College Admissions

Science fairs are far more than resume boosters. They offer hands-on learning experiences that develop research, writing, and public speaking skills that are crucial for success in college and beyond.

High-performing students in national science competitions benefit from:

• College application differentiation: Being an ISEF finalist or STS scholar signals elite academic ability and initiative.
• Scholarships and awards: Many competitions offer up to $250,000 in college scholarships.
• Research exposure: Students gain access to mentorship, labs, and professional scientists.
• Leadership and independence: Completing a project from start to finish shows colleges you can take initiative and solve real-world problems.

Whether your goal is a top STEM program, Ivy League school, or a scholarship-winning application, success in science fairs demonstrates deep intellectual curiosity—one of the most valued traits in admissions today!

Key Science Competitions and Deadlines for 2026

We’ve compiled verified 2026 deadlines for the most prestigious national science competitions. Here’s what families need to know:

Regeneron Science Talent Search (STS)

For: U.S. high school (grade 12th )seniors with independent research
Application Deadline: November 6, 2025
Finalist Week: March 5–11, 2026, Washington, D.C.
Entry Path: Direct online application—no regional fair required
Awards: $2,000 for top 300 students; up to $250,000 for top 10 finalists
Why it matters: Known as the “Nobel Prize for high schoolers,” STS is the most prestigious U.S. science competition for seniors.

Regeneron International Science & Engineering Fair (ISEF)

For: High school students in grades 9–12
ISEF Finals: May 9–15, 2026, Phoenix, AZ
Entry Path: Must win at an affiliated regional fair (held Sept 2025–April 2026)
Awards: $9 million total in scholarships and prizes
Why it matters: The largest global science competition for teens; finalists are actively recruited by top STEM colleges.

Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge (JIC)

For: U.S. middle schoolers (grades 6–8)
Nomination Deadline: Spring 2026 (via local fair)
Finals Week: October 2026, Washington, D.C.
Entry Path: Must be nominated by a Society-affiliated regional science fair
Awards: $25,000 ASCEND Prize, mentorships, $500–$10,000 in category awards
Why it matters: The premier U.S. research competition for middle schoolers.

Junior Science and Humanities Symposium (JSHS)

For: U.S. high school students (grades 9–12) with original research
Regional Events: January–March 2026
National Symposium: April 2026
Entry Path: Submit research abstract to your regional JSHS site
Awards: Scholarships from the U.S. Army, Navy, and Air Force; $2,000–$12,000 per student
Why it matters: Strong competition for students interested in defense, technology, and STEM careers.

3M Young Scientist Challenge (YSC)

For: Students in grades 5–8
Submission Window: January – May 2026 (exact dates TBD)
Entry Path: Upload a 1–2 minute video describing your invention
Awards: $25,000 grand prize, $1,000 for finalists, summer mentorship with a 3M scientist
Why it matters: Combines creativity with communication; a great starting point for future science competitors.

iFoRE (International Fair of Research and Education)

For: High school and university students worldwide
Abstract Deadline: September 2026 (estimated)
Judging & Conference: October–November 2026 (virtual)
Entry Path: Submit an abstract and recorded presentation online
Awards: $500–$1,000+ and recognition at Sigma Xi’s annual conference
Why it matters: A rare international research forum open to high schoolers, offering conference-style exposure.

How to Prepare to Compete and Win

Success in science fairs doesn’t start with the experiment—it starts with a plan.

Whether you’re targeting STS, ISEF, or Thermo Fisher JIC, here’s how students can build standout submissions:

• Start Early & Build Skills: Engage in research or engineering projects as soon as possible. Many STS finalists started projects in middle school or freshman year. Join research classes, science clubs, or summer programs. The key is a sustained project that can grow each year.
• Align with Interests: Choose a question you’re passionate about. Look at past winners to see what topics have gone far. However, your unique approach matters more than the topic itself. Prepare clear abstracts and presentations – practice explaining your work to non-experts. (Competitions often award “communication” as part of judging.)
• Network & Resources: Use online guides and mentor networks. For updated guides, how-to resources, and in-depth advice on competing in science fairs, explore our Learning Hub, where we cover everything from choosing a project idea to understanding national judging rubrics. The Society’s Pathways series and Science News have advice on doing research. Talk to previous contestants or teachers. For example, a student preparing for STS might seek feedback on their research report from science teachers or college researchers.
• Make Application-Season Plans: Mark calendars months ahead. For STS, start the application in the fall (since it closes early November). For ISEF and JIC, know when to submit your fair projects. For 3M Young Scientist, begin scripting and filming your video by spring of your 6th–8th grade year. Missing a deadline can mean waiting another year.
• Maximize Achievements: On college apps, highlight not just that you competed, but what you did. E.g., “Advancing to the STS Top 300 (top 12% of 2,500 entrants) with my AI research” or “Selected as a Regeneron ISEF finalist (one of ~1,800 worldwide), presenting my solar energy project.” Use concrete numbers (we cite them here) to impress readers with the competition’s selectivity. The Society and Sigma Xi websites can provide such stats (our citations above provide examples).
• Beyond the Top Prizes: Remember that making it to semifinals or nationals often comes with awards too. For instance, STS “Scholars” (Top 300) earn $2k, and all ISEF finalists get at least a modest cash award. These accomplishments also unlock alumni networks and scholarship opportunities (Society alumni often get invited to honor programs, and colleges sometimes offer scholarships to finalists).
• Leverage STEM Scholarships: Many of these competitions directly tie into scholarships. JSHS oral winners receive DoD tuition scholarships (convert to a statement on your application). Some college STEM programs specifically recruit ISEF or STS winners with scholarships. Investigate each event’s alumni programs (STS and ISEF have alumni networks) for additional opportunities.

Need guidance? Our team at Future Forward specializes in helping middle and high school students enter, prepare, and win national STEM competitions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the deadline for Regeneron STS 2026?
November 6, 2025, at 8 p.m. ET.

How do I qualify for ISEF?
You must win a top award at a Society-affiliated regional or state science fair.

Can middle schoolers enter science fairs?
Yes. Thermo Fisher JIC and the 3M Young Scientist Challenge are designed specifically for students in grades 5–8.

Which competitions help with college applications?
Regeneron STS, ISEF, and JSHS are highly recognized by top colleges, especially for research-focused STEM programs.

Ready to Compete at the Highest Level?

The 2026 science fair season is full of opportunity—for discovery, leadership, and competitive advantage in college admissions. But the key is starting nowBy understanding deadlines, planning ahead, and getting the right guidance, students can turn curiosity into nationally recognized research. And we’re here to help.

Bookmark this post, save our calendar, and take the first step toward becoming a science fair standout.

Future Forward’s STEM Competitions Mentoring Program pairs students with experienced advisors who’ve helped past winners build standout projects and applications.

We don’t just offer tips—we help students plan, research, and present at a level colleges notice.

Explore the program and get started early:
https://www.futureforward.app/stem-compete/