Science fairs offer opportunities for young students to learn about science and engage in the research process, and most science fairs include projects in psychological science. APA participates each year in the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fairopens in new window (ISEF), the world’s largest high school science fair. Students participating in ISEF must first participate and win at a regional science fair affiliated with ISEF. There are approximately 400 regional science fairs across the United States and worldwide.
APA members interested in encouraging young students and supporting high school research may want to volunteer to be a judge at regional science fairs. The regional fairs run throughout the spring, with the majority of fairs occurring in late February and March. The Society for Science “Find a Fair” websiteopens in new window provides a listing of science fairs by state and will include the dates of the competition and a link to its website. Most fairs will accept judges up to about a week or so before the event.
APA annually recognizes student research at ISEF, as well as at these regional science fairs. At each regional fair, a certificate of achievement has been traditionally presented to the top project representing psychological science. Top students with psychological science projects at these regional ISEF-affiliated science fairs also receive a complimentary one-year APA student affiliate membership, thanks to support from the APA membership office.
APA members in or near Phoenix, Arizona, are also encouraged to consider applying to be a grand award judge at the 2026 ISEF being held May 9–15, 2026, in Phoenix, Arizona; judging will be done in-person this year. Interested members can apply to be a grand award judgeopens in new window via the website; the grand judge application site will open by early January 2026 and will close around May 1. APA also participates in ISEF as a special awards organization and coordinates a team of volunteer judges to recognize the best projects in psychological science. APA recognizes seven projects each year at ISEF representing psychological science; winning students receive a scholarship, an award certificate, and a complimentary one-year APA student affiliate membership.
Please email APA Science if you have any questions about APA’s participation in ISEF.