Discover research competitions, science fairs, conferences, and creative science opportunities for teenage scientists. With the right mentorship, you can excel in any of these programs.
Note: This list does not aim to be exhaustive.
Teams receive open-ended problems months in advance, conduct research, then present and debate solutions against other teams
| Competition | Description | Ages/Level | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
IYPT (International Young Physicists' Tournament) | Teams solve 17 open-ended physics problems and defend solutions in "Physics Fights" | High School | iypt.org |
USIYPT (US Invitational Young Physicists Tournament) | U.S. version—2-day tournament with 4 physics problems; school-based teams | High School | usaypt.org |
IChTo (International Chemistry Tournament) | Team chemistry competition with creative open-ended problems and debate format | High School | ichto.org |
IYNT (International Young Naturalists' Tournament) | Multidisciplinary science tournament (physics, chemistry, biology) for younger students | Ages 12-16 | iynt.org |
iGEM (International Genetically Engineered Machine) | Teams design and build biological systems using synthetic biology | High School & College | competition.igem.org |
Students conduct original research on a question of their choice, then present findings to expert judges
| Competition | Description | Ages/Level | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
Regeneron ISEF | International pre-college STEM competition; qualify through regional fairs | Grades 9-12 | societyforscience.org/isef |
Regeneron STS (Science Talent Search) | U.S. research competition for seniors; application-based, no fair required | Seniors only | societyforscience.org/regeneron-sts |
EUCYS (EU Contest for Young Scientists) | European science fair; entry via winning national competition | Ages 14-20 | eucys.eu |
JSHS (Junior Science and Humanities Symposium) | Free U.S. DoD-sponsored research competition with regional symposia | Grades 9-12 | jshs.org |
The best starting point for independent research—and how you qualify for ISEF
Most students begin their research journey at a local or regional science fair. These fairs are often affiliated with ISEF, meaning winners can advance to state and international levels.
How to find fairs near you:
Present your research to peers and professionals in non-competitive academic conference settings
| Conference | Description | Ages/Level | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
Society of Teen Scientists Annual Meeting | Annual conference for teen researchers to present and network | Ages 13-19 | teenscientists.org/events/annual-meeting |
AJAS (American Junior Academy of Science) | Present at AAAS annual meeting alongside professional scientists; invitation via state academy | High School | academiesofscience.org/ajas |
Florida STEM Symposium | 3-day conference with non-competitive presentation sessions | Grades 9-12 | cpet.ufl.edu |
| Competition | Description | Ages/Level | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
The Sounds of Science | Song & Music Contest. Music videos, original compositions, derivative work, raps. At SoTS Annual Meeting. | Ages 13-19 | teenscientists.org/events/annual-meeting |
Laughing Matter | Science Comedy Contest. Stand-up, sketches, satire. At SoTS Annual Meeting. | Ages 13-19 | teenscientists.org/events/annual-meeting |
Science Illustrated | Visual Arts Contest. Digital art, crafts, jewelry, drawings, paintings. At SoTS Annual Meeting. | Ages 13-19 | teenscientists.org/events/annual-meeting |
Science 2050 | Writing Contest. Essays on real-world science problems and grounded sci-fi. At SoTS Annual Meeting. | Ages 13-19 | teenscientists.org/events/annual-meeting |
Scholastic Art & Writing Awards | Science fiction/fantasy writing and visual arts | Grades 7-12 | artandwriting.org |
Science Without Borders® Challenge | Visual art on ocean conservation themes | Ages 11-19 | livingoceansfoundation.org |
NASA Student Art Contest | Visual art on aeronautics, exploration, and science | Grades K-12 | nasa.gov/nasa-student-art-contest |
| Competition | Description | Ages/Level | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
Conrad Challenge | Year-long innovation competition; teams develop solutions to global challenges | Ages 13-18 | conradchallenge.org |