Terms of Service

Welcome to the Society of Teen Scientists

These Terms of Service ("Terms") govern your access to and use of the Society of Teen Scientists website, membership and program services, public browser tools, and other SoTS services (collectively, the "Service"). Authentic Research Partners LLC, a company based in Princeton, New Jersey, operates the Society of Teen Scientists ("SoTS," "we," "us," or "our").

Please read these Terms carefully. By using our Service or applying for, enrolling in, or submitting work to an SoTS program, you agree to be bound by these Terms. If you do not agree to these Terms, you may not use the Service.

1. Eligibility and Participation

Age Eligibility

To apply for membership or participate in a teen program, you must meet all of the following requirements:

• Parent or guardian involvement: If you are a minor, your participation may require parent or legal guardian permission depending on your location and the activity.
• You must be 19 years old or younger. SoTS is designed for young scientists aged 19 and under.
• You must provide accurate age information when applying, enrolling, or submitting work where age eligibility applies.

The public Research Mentor browser version does not require registration or ask for your date of birth. Anyone under 18 may use it only with permission and supervision from a parent or legal guardian. Adults may use public materials and tools for supervision, education, evaluation, or other lawful purposes.

Countries and Regions We Serve

SoTS is available to teen scientists in the following countries and regions:

• North America: United States (all 50 states), Canada, Mexico
• Europe: United Kingdom, Belgium, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Malta, Poland, Portugal, Sweden, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland
• Asia-Pacific: Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong

Availability, eligibility, privacy, and parental-involvement requirements may vary by jurisdiction and activity. For more information, please see our Privacy Policy.

Participation Eligibility

Separately from the jurisdictions listed above, participation in SoTS Membership, submission to Proceedings of SoTS, and entry to the SCIENCE OR ELSE conference are open to participants in North and South America, Europe, Belarus, Ukraine, Russia, Georgia, Armenia, Kazakhstan, China, Taiwan, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Australia, and New Zealand. We do not accept applications, submissions, or entries from outside these countries and regions.

Parental Consent Requirements

The age at which a young person may consent to processing personal information varies by jurisdiction and by the service involved. We obtain permission or authorization from a parent or legal guardian when required by applicable law or by an SoTS program's participation rules. We may require parent or guardian involvement for public profiles, named publications, communications, in-person activities, and other features involving a minor's personal information or safety.

These consent procedures apply to information submitted to SoTS. The public Research Mentor browser version has no registration process and does not send conversation content to SoTS; its separate supervision requirement for users under 18 still applies.

Applications, Enrollments, and Submissions

When applying, enrolling, or submitting work, you must:

• Provide accurate and complete information
• Tell us if material information changes
• Submit information only for yourself or with proper authorization
• Follow the instructions and eligibility rules for that activity

Age Verification

We may ask for a date of birth or other age information when it is needed to confirm eligibility for membership, a program, a publication, or an event. We rely on the accuracy of the information provided. If we discover that a participant does not meet the applicable age requirements, we may reject or end the participation.

Reporting Eligibility Concerns

2. Membership and Payment Terms

Selective Membership

Society of Teen Scientists is a selective community for curiosity-driven talented teenagers. Membership is not available through purchase alone. It is earned through a fit evaluation and maintained through ongoing research activity.

Gaining Membership

To become a SoTS Member, you must:

• Submit an Application: Tell us about yourself, your interests, and your research aspirations
• Complete a Fit Evaluation: A conversation with a person to determine mutual fit. An evaluation fee applies.
• Receive Acceptance: If approved, you become a SoTS Member with full access to member benefits

Maintaining Membership

Membership is maintained through demonstrated ongoing research activity. Members undergo a reevaluation once a year:

• Annual Reevaluation: Once a year, you must show real work and progress on your research
• Accountability: A year with no research work to show means membership is not renewed
• Good Standing: Members who consistently demonstrate research activity remain in good standing

Member Benefits

Active SoTS Members receive:

• Access to the membership benefits described on the membership page
• Email help using the AI Research Mentor
• The member rate and priority review when publishing in the Proceedings of the Society of Teen Scientists
• Access to webinars, events, and networking opportunities
• Research Profile Page to showcase your work

Payment Processing

Evaluation Fee: The fit evaluation requires a one-time fee. This fee covers the cost of conducting a personalized evaluation conversation. Your membership begins upon successful completion of the evaluation and acceptance into the program.

All payments are processed through Stripe, our third-party payment processor. By providing payment information, you agree to:

• Stripe's Terms of Service and Privacy Policy (https://stripe.com/legal)
• Provide accurate and current payment information
• Pay applicable fees for evaluations and any additional services

Important for Minors: If you are under 18, you must have your parent or guardian's permission to provide payment information or incur charges. By providing payment information, you represent that you have obtained such permission. Parents and guardians are ultimately responsible for all charges incurred by minor users.

Additional Fees

High-school Physics Lyceum admission interview: Students who have never taken a Physics Lyceum class must investigate an everyday physical phenomenon and discuss their explanation in an admission interview before admission to high-school courses, including summer courses. The interview fee is $100, separate from tuition and nonrefundable. Payment does not guarantee admission. Returning Lyceum students are exempt from the interview and its fee. Course prerequisites apply to all students. This fee is distinct from the SoTS membership evaluation fee and its refund policy.

Certain services may have additional fees beyond the initial evaluation:

• Journal Submission: Editorial fees may apply for publishing in the Proceedings of SoTS
• Research Labs: Participation fees apply for Research Labs programs (see Section 3)
• Events and Programs: Some events or programs may have separate participation fees

Price Changes: We will notify you at least 30 days before any price increase takes effect for recurring services.

Loss of Membership

How Membership Ends:

• Failed Reevaluation: If you fail to demonstrate ongoing research activity during an annual reevaluation, your membership will not be renewed
• Voluntary Withdrawal: You may voluntarily withdraw from the program at any time by contacting team@teenscientists.org
• Violation of Terms: Membership may be revoked for violations of these Terms or the Code of Conduct

Effect of Membership Loss:

• Access to member-only features will be revoked
• You may continue to use public website materials and tools
• Published research in the Proceedings may remain available; contact us to request a review of removal or de-identification options
• You may contact us about reapplying for membership

Refund Policy

• Evaluation Fees: Evaluation fees are non-refundable once the evaluation has been scheduled or conducted. If you cancel before the evaluation is scheduled, a full refund will be provided.
• Special Circumstances: We may provide refunds at our discretion for extenuating circumstances (e.g., serious illness, family emergency). Contact team@teenscientists.org to request consideration.
• Parent/Guardian Requests: If a parent or guardian requests a refund because a minor user signed up without permission, we will review on a case-by-case basis.

To request a refund, contact team@teenscientists.org. Refunds are processed within 10 business days of approval.

Payment Failures

If your payment method fails:

• We will notify you by email
• We will attempt to charge your payment method again
• If payment fails multiple times, the related enrollment or paid service may be paused or ended
• You are responsible for any fees charged by your bank or card issuer

5. Acceptable Use and Community Guidelines

SoTS is a community of young scientists dedicated to research, learning, and collaboration. To keep our community safe, respectful, and productive, all users must follow these guidelines.

You Agree to Use the Service Respectfully

DO:

• Treat all members with respect and kindness
• Engage in constructive scientific discussion and debate
• Provide helpful feedback to other members
• Report safety concerns or policy violations to us
• Respect intellectual property and give proper attribution
• Follow academic integrity and research ethics standards

DO NOT:

• Bully, harass, threaten, or intimidate other users
• Use hate speech or discriminatory language based on race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or any other protected characteristic
• Share sexually explicit, violent, or otherwise inappropriate content
• Impersonate another person or organization
• Spam or send unsolicited messages to other users
• Use the Service for commercial purposes without our permission
• Attempt to hack, disrupt, or damage the Service
• Collect personal information about other users
• Encourage or assist anyone in violating these Terms or applicable laws

Research Integrity and Academic Honesty

SoTS is committed to upholding the highest standards of research integrity. All users must:

Data Integrity:

• Never fabricate or falsify data
• Accurately report your research methods and results
• Disclose any conflicts of interest or funding sources that might influence your work
• Acknowledge collaborators and contributors appropriately

Using AI Tools Responsibly:

• Our AI Research Mentor is a tool to guide and support your work, not to do the work for you
• Disclose when you have used AI assistance in your research or writing
• Do not present AI-generated content as your own original work
• Always verify AI-generated information with reliable sources

Prohibited Content

You may not post, share, or transmit content that:

• Violates any local, state, national, or international law or regulation
• Infringes any patent, trademark, copyright, or other intellectual property right
• Is defamatory, obscene, pornographic, or sexually explicit
• Promotes violence, self-harm, or dangerous activities
• Contains personal information about other users without their consent
• Contains malware, viruses, or other harmful computer code
• Is spam, advertising, or promotional material (without our permission)
• Promotes illegal substances, underage drinking, or other unlawful activity

Consequences for Violations

We take violations of these guidelines seriously. Depending on the severity and frequency of violations, we may:

• Warning: Issue a written warning and require corrective action
• Content Removal: Remove violating content from the Service
• Temporary Suspension: Pause your membership or program participation while we review the issue
• Ending Participation: End your membership or program participation
• Legal Action: Report illegal activity to law enforcement or pursue legal remedies
• School Notification: Notify your school or institution of serious violations (e.g., plagiarism, academic dishonesty)

Serious violations (such as plagiarism, harassment, illegal activity, or threats) may result in immediate permanent termination without prior warning.

6. Content and Intellectual Property

Your Content

"Your Content" means any research, writing, data, images, profile materials, questions, or other materials you submit or share with SoTS.

You retain ownership of Your Content. You maintain all ownership rights to your original work. However, by submitting content to SoTS, you grant us certain licenses to use that content as described below.

License for General Content

For content you submit to SoTS for a Research Profile Page or other public display, you grant SoTS a worldwide, non-exclusive, royalty-free license to:

• Display, reproduce, and distribute your content on the Service
• Modify and adapt your content for technical compatibility (e.g., formatting, compression)
• Create de-identified or aggregated versions for analytics and improvement purposes

You may ask us to stop displaying or remove this content by contacting us as described below. Published research is addressed separately in these Terms.

License for Published Research

When you submit research for publication in the Proceedings of the Society of Teen Scientists, you grant SoTS and the public a broader license:

What This Means: Once you publish research in the Proceedings, it becomes part of the scientific record. Others can read, cite, and build upon your work. This is how science advances! However, you always retain ownership of your original work and can publish it elsewhere.

Rights to Your Published Research

Even after publication, you retain important rights:

• Ownership: You still own your research
• Republication: You can publish the same or adapted versions elsewhere (journals, books, your own website)
• Commercial Use: You can commercialize your research or license it to others
• Credit: Your authorship will always be attributed to you

Content Removal Rights (California Minors)

Special Rights for California Users Under 18:

Under California Business & Professions Code § 22581, if you are a California resident under 18, you have the right to request removal of content you posted. To exercise this right:

• Email privacy@teenscientists.org with the subject "California Minor Content Removal Request"
• Identify the specific content you want removed (URL or description)
• We will respond within 10 business days

For published research in the Proceedings:

Because published research becomes part of the scientific record, complete removal may not always be appropriate. Instead, we offer:

• De-identification: Remove your name and identifying information while keeping the research contribution (recommended for most cases)
• Retraction: Completely remove the publication and replace it with a "Retraction Notice" (typically for serious errors or ethical issues)
• Full Deletion: Permanently delete the content entirely (available in certain circumstances)

We will work with you to determine the most appropriate option.

Limitations: We cannot remove content that:

• Was posted by someone else (you can only remove your own content)
• Federal or state law requires us to maintain
• Has been anonymized so we cannot identify it as yours
• Cannot be completely erased from the internet (third-party copies, archives, search engine caches)

Retraction and Correction Policy

If you discover an error in your published research, you can request:

• Correction Notice: For minor errors that don't change the conclusions
• Erratum: For more significant errors requiring clarification
• Retraction: For major errors that invalidate the research

Contact team@teenscientists.org to request a correction or retraction. All corrections and retractions will be clearly marked on the publication.

SoTS's Intellectual Property

The Service itself (website, software, design, logos, trademarks) is owned by SoTS and protected by copyright, trademark, and other intellectual property laws. You may not:

• Copy, modify, or create derivative works of the Service
• Reverse engineer or attempt to extract the source code
• Remove or alter any copyright, trademark, or proprietary notices
• Use our name, logos, or trademarks without permission
• Frame or mirror any part of the Service

Copyright Infringement

We respect the intellectual property rights of others and expect our users to do the same. If you believe content on the Service infringes your copyright:

• Email team@teenscientists.org with:
• Identification of the copyrighted work you claim was infringed
• Identification of the allegedly infringing content on our Service
• Your contact information
• A statement that you have a good faith belief the use is unauthorized
• A statement that the information is accurate and you are authorized to act on behalf of the copyright owner

We will investigate and may remove infringing content. Repeat infringers may lose membership or program participation.

AI-Generated Content

If you use our AI Research Mentor or other AI tools, please note:

• AI-generated suggestions are not guaranteed to be accurate, original, or appropriate
• You are responsible for verifying all AI-generated information
• You must disclose when you have used AI assistance in your research or writing
• Do not present AI output as your own original work without modification
• SoTS is not liable for errors, plagiarism, or other issues arising from AI-generated content

7. AI Research Mentor and Tools

What the AI Research Mentor Is

Personal AI Research Mentor is free, source-available educational-enrichment software. It is offered as a lightweight browser version and as a separate, installable application. The browser version provides Question Workshop and Office conversations. It does not search research literature, maintain project history, read project files, or provide the installable application's continuing project and research-skill assessment tools.

• Help you develop research questions and hypotheses
• Suggest research methods and experimental designs
• Provide feedback on your writing and analysis
• Provide research guidance in a mentoring style you choose

The installable application adds broader research tools, including literature search, files, project history, continuing guidance, and research-skill assessment and development monitoring. Its features and data paths are described in its own documentation.

What the AI Research Mentor Does NOT Do

Your Responsibilities When Using AI Tools

When using the AI Research Mentor, you agree to:

• Use it as an educational enrichment tool, not as a shortcut
• Verify all information and suggestions before relying on them
• Disclose AI assistance when submitting work
• Not use it to cheat, plagiarize, or circumvent academic requirements
• If you are under 18, use it only with permission and supervision from a parent or legal guardian

Browser Version Data Paths

Authentic Research Partners LLC, which operates SoTS, does not operate a conversation server for the browser version and does not receive what you type into it. Where a conversation is processed depends on the option you choose:

• LLM in this browser: The model and conversation run on your device. The software runtime and model file are downloaded from third-party content hosts, which receive ordinary network-request information but not your conversation.
• LLM on this computer with Ollama: The page sends messages to the Ollama address you provide. With the default local address, the model and conversation stay on that computer. A remote or shared address may send them elsewhere.
• LLM in the cloud with Ollama: The Ollama application forwards the conversation to Ollama Cloud under your relationship with Ollama and subject to Ollama's terms and privacy policy.

Models and their safeguards differ. No model provided through the browser or connected through Ollama is guaranteed to be accurate, reliable, complete, or safe. Research Mentor adds safety checks, but some depend on the underlying model following instructions and cannot catch everything.

Software License

The browser and installable versions are licensed separately under the PolyForm Noncommercial License 1.0.0. That license permits noncommercial use, copying, modification, and distribution subject to its terms. It does not grant rights to the “Personal AI Research Mentor” or “Research Mentor” trademarks. Commercial use requires separate permission from Authentic Research Partners LLC.

8. Publishing in the Proceedings

Submission Guidelines

To submit research to the Proceedings of the Society of Teen Scientists:

• You must be a middle school, high school, or homeschool student in an eligible region (see Section 1). SoTS membership is not required
• If you are under the age of digital consent where you live, a parent or guardian must confirm your submission before it is sent for review
• Your research must be your own original work (or properly attributed)
• You must follow our submission formatting guidelines
• You must disclose any conflicts of interest or funding sources
• You must acknowledge collaborators appropriately

Types of Publications

The Proceedings publishes peer-reviewed articles, including:

• Original research
• Replications and negative results
• Methods reports
• Reviews and syntheses
• Dataset and code papers

Every submission is reviewed by SoTS members alongside our editors. The reviews of a published article are published with it, signed with each reviewer's name or SoTS member ID.

Editorial Rights and Content Moderation

SoTS reserves the right to:

• Review submissions: Screen all submissions for plagiarism, formatting compliance, and appropriateness
• Request revisions: Ask you to revise submissions for formatting, clarity, or to address concerns
• Reject submissions: Decline to publish submissions that violate our policies or standards
• Remove published content: Retract or remove publications that violate our Terms, contain plagiarism, or were published in error
• Make technical edits: Correct spelling, grammar, or formatting without changing scientific content

We will NOT: Change the scientific content or conclusions of your research without your permission (except for retractions or corrections as described above).

Public Accessibility

All publications in the Proceedings are publicly accessible, free to read, and licensed under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0). This means:

• Anyone can read your research for free
• Others can share, cite, and build upon your work
• Your work will be indexed by search engines and research databases
• You will always be credited as the author

Attribution and Citation

When others cite your work published in the Proceedings, they should use the following format:

[Author Name]. "[Title]." Proceedings of the Society of Teen Scientists, [Year]. [URL].

9. Safety, Moderation, and Reporting

Our Commitment to Safety

SoTS is committed to providing a safe environment for teenage users. We implement multiple safety measures:

• Age verification for all users
• Content moderation by trained staff
• Automated screening for inappropriate content
• Clear reporting mechanisms for safety concerns
• Cooperation with law enforcement when necessary

Content Moderation

We moderate content through:

• Automated screening: AI systems scan for prohibited content, plagiarism, and policy violations
• Human review: Trained moderators review flagged content and user reports
• Community reporting: Users can report violations for review

How to Report Violations or Safety Concerns

We take all reports seriously and will investigate promptly. We aim to respond within 24-48 hours for safety concerns, and within 5 business days for other issues.

Cooperation with Law Enforcement

We will cooperate with law enforcement and report to authorities when we become aware of:

• Illegal activity
• Threats of violence or self-harm
• Child exploitation or abuse
• Other serious safety concerns

We may also disclose information to authorities as required by law or to protect the safety of our users.

Adult Supervision and Monitoring

While we provide safety measures, we encourage parents and guardians to:

• Discuss your teen's use of SoTS and online safety
• Review your teen's profile and published content periodically
• Set expectations about appropriate online behavior and research practices
• Contact us with any concerns about your teen's participation or data

Parents and guardians can contact privacy@teenscientists.org to request information we maintain about their teen, subject to applicable law and appropriate verification.

10. Disclaimers and Limitations of Liability

Educational Purpose

SoTS is designed to support and enhance scientific education and research by teenagers. However:

• We do not guarantee outcomes. Use of the Service does not guarantee research success, academic achievement, internships, scholarships, college admission, or any other specific result.
• We are not an accredited educational institution. SoTS does not grant academic credit, degrees, or certifications.
• We are a supplement, not a replacement. The Service is intended to supplement, not replace, formal education and mentorship.

No Guarantee of Opportunities

While we strive to connect members with research opportunities (webinars, events, newsletters), we do not guarantee:

• Access to any specific researcher, institution, or opportunity
• Acceptance to competitive programs or positions
• Responses from researchers or organizations we connect you with
• Availability or continuation of any particular feature or opportunity

Third-Party Opportunities

We may share information about third-party opportunities (internships, competitions, programs). These are provided for informational purposes only. SoTS:

• Does not endorse or guarantee any third-party opportunity
• Is not responsible for third-party selection processes or decisions
• Cannot guarantee the accuracy or availability of third-party information
• Is not liable for your experiences with third-party organizations

"AS IS" and "AS AVAILABLE" Disclaimer

Limitation of Liability

TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW:

SoTS, Authentic Research Partners LLC, and our directors, officers, employees, and agents shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages, including but not limited to:

• Loss of profits, data, use, or other intangible losses
• Damages resulting from your use or inability to use the Service
• Damages resulting from any conduct or content of third parties
• Damages resulting from unauthorized access to your data
• Damages resulting from errors, mistakes, or inaccuracies in content

Maximum Liability: In any case, SoTS's total liability to you for all damages, losses, and causes of action shall not exceed the amount you paid to SoTS in the 12 months preceding the claim (or $100, whichever is greater).

Exception: Some jurisdictions do not allow limitations on implied warranties or limitation of liability for incidental or consequential damages. In such jurisdictions, the above limitations may not apply to you, and our liability will be limited to the maximum extent permitted by law.

Indemnification

You (and your parent or guardian if you are under 18) agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless SoTS, Authentic Research Partners LLC, and our directors, officers, employees, and agents from any claims, damages, losses, liabilities, and expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees) arising from:

• Your use or misuse of the Service
• Your violation of these Terms
• Your violation of any rights of another person or entity
• Your Content (including claims of plagiarism or infringement)

What this means: If someone sues SoTS because of something you did (like posting plagiarized content), you (or your parent/guardian) are responsible for defending SoTS and covering any resulting costs.

11. Ending Participation and Privacy Requests

No Website Accounts

SoTS does not provide user accounts, logins, or account settings on this website. A Research Profile Page, if one is published, is a record of research activity rather than an online account.

Leaving a Program or Membership

You may ask to withdraw from a program or end your membership by contacting team@teenscientists.org. Ending participation does not automatically remove a published work or erase information that we need to retain for legal or operational reasons.

Requests About Your Information or Published Profile

To request access to, correction of, or deletion of personal information we maintain about you, or to ask us to review a published Research Profile Page, contact privacy@teenscientists.org. Parents or guardians may also contact us about a minor's information. We handle these requests as described in our Privacy Policy, subject to applicable law and appropriate verification. Published research may remain available as described in these Terms and the Privacy Policy.

Our Right to End Participation

We may pause or end membership or program participation, or remove content, when a participant violates these Terms, becomes ineligible, or when action is reasonably necessary to protect SoTS or others. You may contact team@teenscientists.org to ask us to review a participation decision.

12. Dispute Resolution and Governing Law

Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of New Jersey, United States, without regard to its conflict of law provisions. However, some consumer protection laws of your jurisdiction may also apply.

Informal Resolution First

Before filing any claim or lawsuit, you agree to try to resolve the dispute informally first.

Contact us at:

• Email: team@teenscientists.org
• Subject: "Dispute Resolution Request"
• Describe the issue and what resolution you seek

We will attempt to resolve the dispute through good-faith negotiation within 60 days. If we cannot resolve the dispute informally, either party may proceed with formal dispute resolution.

Arbitration Agreement (Users 18 and Over)

For users who are 18 years or older:

If informal resolution fails, any dispute arising from or relating to these Terms or the Service shall be resolved through binding arbitration administered by the American Arbitration Association (AAA) under its Consumer Arbitration Rules.

Arbitration Terms:

• Arbitration will be conducted in New Jersey or your home state
• The arbitrator's decision will be binding and final
• Each party pays their own attorneys' fees unless the arbitrator decides otherwise
• Small claims court option: You may bring claims in small claims court if they qualify

Special Protections for Minors (Under 18)

For users under 18 years old:

Recognizing that minors require additional legal protections, we provide alternatives to mandatory arbitration:

• Parental/Guardian Involvement: Any dispute involving a user under 18 must include the minor's parent or legal guardian
• Choice of Forum: Parents/guardians may choose between:
  • Arbitration (as described above)
  • Mediation through a neutral third party
  • Filing a lawsuit in a court of competent jurisdiction (New Jersey or your home state)
• Cost Protection: If the parent/guardian chooses arbitration or mediation, SoTS will pay the filing fees for claims under $10,000
• No Waiver of Rights: Nothing in these Terms waives any statutory rights or protections available to minors under applicable law

Class Action Waiver

TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW: You agree that any arbitration or legal proceeding shall be conducted on an individual basis and not as a class action, collective action, or representative action.

Exception for Minors: This class action waiver does not apply to users under 18 if prohibited by applicable state law. Parents/guardians of minor users retain any rights to participate in class actions as permitted by law.

Venue for Litigation

If a dispute is not resolved through arbitration or mediation, any lawsuit must be filed in the state or federal courts located in Mercer County, New Jersey, and you consent to the personal jurisdiction of these courts.

Exception: If you are a minor or if your jurisdiction's laws provide you with the right to sue in your home jurisdiction, you may bring suit there instead.

Time Limit for Claims

You must bring any claim arising from or relating to these Terms or the Service within one (1) year after the claim arises. After one year, the claim is permanently barred.

Exception: This time limit is extended to two (2) years for users who are minors at the time the claim arises, or as otherwise required by applicable law.

13. Changes to These Terms

How We Update These Terms

We may update these Terms from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, technology, legal requirements, or other factors.

When we make changes:

• We will update the "Last Updated" date at the top of these Terms
• For material changes, we will notify you by:
  • Email to a contact address you have provided, where available
  • Prominent notice on the Service
• You will receive at least 30 days' notice before material changes take effect

Your Options When Terms Change

When we notify you of material changes, you have options:

• Accept the changes: Continue using the Service (constitutes acceptance of the new Terms)
• Discontinue participation: Contact us if you want to withdraw from a program or membership after a change
  • If you withdraw within this window, we will refund any prepaid fees for unused service

Additional Protections for Minors

For material changes affecting users under 18:

• We will notify both the user and the parent/guardian (if we have parent contact information)
• We will obtain any new parent or guardian permission required by the applicable rules for the participant's location and activity
• Parents may contact us about a minor's participation, personal information, or any applicable refund if they disagree with the changes

Review These Terms Regularly

We encourage you to review these Terms periodically. Your continued use of the Service after changes become effective constitutes your acceptance of the revised Terms.

14. General Provisions

Entire Agreement

These Terms, together with our Privacy Policy and any other policies referenced herein, constitute the entire agreement between you and SoTS regarding your use of the Service. They supersede any prior agreements or understandings.

Severability

If any provision of these Terms is found to be invalid or unenforceable, that provision will be limited or eliminated to the minimum extent necessary, and the remaining provisions will remain in full force and effect.

No Waiver

Our failure to enforce any right or provision of these Terms will not constitute a waiver of that right or provision. Any waiver must be in writing and signed by an authorized representative of SoTS.

Assignment

You may not assign or transfer your rights or obligations under these Terms without our written consent. We may assign these Terms in connection with a merger, acquisition, sale of assets, or by operation of law.

Force Majeure

SoTS is not liable for any failure or delay in performance due to causes beyond our reasonable control, including acts of God, natural disasters, war, terrorism, labor disputes, or internet or utility failures.

Relationship of the Parties

These Terms do not create any partnership, joint venture, employment, or agency relationship between you and SoTS. You have no authority to bind SoTS or make commitments on our behalf.

Third-Party Beneficiaries

These Terms are for the benefit of you and SoTS only. They do not create any third-party beneficiary rights except as explicitly stated.

Notice Requirements

Notices to You: We may provide notices by email to a contact address you have provided, by posting on the Service, or by other reasonable means. If you participate in a program, please keep the contact information you provide us current.

Notices to Us: Legal notices to SoTS must be sent via email to team@teenscientists.org or via postal mail to:

Society of Teen Scientists
c/o Authentic Research Partners LLC
300 Witherspoon Street, Suite 201
Princeton, NJ 08542

SMS and Text Message Communications

By providing your phone number and opting in to receive text messages, you consent to receive SMS (text) messages from SoTS. These messages may include:

• Appointment reminders for Research Labs sessions or scheduled calls
• Service notifications (e.g., session cancellations, schedule changes)
• Participation-related alerts (e.g., payment confirmations, membership updates)
• Responses to your support inquiries

How to Opt Out:

• Reply STOP to any text message to unsubscribe from all SMS communications
• Contact team@teenscientists.org to manage your communication preferences

Help: Reply HELP to any text message for assistance, or contact team@teenscientists.org.

Opting out of SMS communications will not affect other communications from SoTS (such as email notifications) and will not impact your membership or program enrollment.

Interpretation

The section headings in these Terms are for convenience only and have no legal effect. Use of "including" means "including but not limited to."

3. Research Labs Programs

The following terms apply specifically to SoTS Research Labs programs (Princeton In-Person Labs and Hybrid Labs). These terms supplement the general Terms of Service above. In case of conflict, these Research Labs terms control for Research Labs enrollment.

3.1Program Structure

SoTS Research Labs provide weekly mentored research sessions in small group settings. Labs are offered in two formats:

Princeton In-Person Labs:

• Weekly sessions (1-1.5 hours) at a central Princeton, NJ location
• Up to 5 students per group
• Semester enrollment required

Hybrid Labs:

• Weekly sessions (1-1.5 hours) via Zoom, on the same schedule as the corresponding Princeton In-Person Lab
• Half-day in-person visits at the central Princeton, NJ location: 3 per Spring or Fall semester, 2 per Summer semester
• Up to 5 students per group
• Semester enrollment required
• Eligibility-restricted; see Section 3.11 (Hybrid Labs — Additional Terms)

3.2Fees and Payment

Semester Enrollment (In-Person and Hybrid):

• $7,000 per semester (approximately 16 weeks)
• Full payment due before program start
• Spring semester: January - May
• Fall semester: September - January

Fees are separate from SoTS Membership fees. Research Labs are selective. You must pass the membership fit evaluation and be accepted as a SoTS member before requesting to join any lab, in person or hybrid. Lab enrollment also depends on prerequisites and available places; membership acceptance does not guarantee a place in a particular lab.

3.3Research Labs Refund Policy

The refund policy for Research Labs differs from the general membership refund policy:

Full Refund:

• Student not accepted to any lab (no space available or prerequisites not met)

No Refund:

• Voluntary withdrawal by student or parent after enrollment is confirmed
• Disenrolled for lack of commitment or conduct issues - no refund. Parents will be contacted to discuss the situation before disenrollment action is taken.

3.4Acceptance and Enrollment

Enrollment in Research Labs is not guaranteed. SoTS reserves the right to:

• Decline enrollment based on available space
• Assess prerequisite skills or experience for specific labs
• Place students in appropriate groups based on age, grade, or experience level
• Require an interview or assessment before acceptance

Enrollment is confirmed only after payment is processed and acceptance is communicated by SoTS.

3.5Attendance and Participation

Attendance Expectations:

• Weekly attendance is expected for all enrolled students
• Notify your Lab Director in advance of any absence
• Excessive absences may result in disenrollment without refund
• For in-person labs: virtual participation may be permitted as an exception but is not the norm

Participation Expectations:

• Come prepared to each session
• Complete assigned work between sessions
• Contribute constructively to group discussions
• Follow through on commitments
• Learn independently when directed to resources

3.6Commitment and Disenrollment

Research Labs operate in small groups where each student's engagement affects the experience of others. Students are expected to demonstrate progress and commitment throughout the program.

Disenrollment Process:

• If a student is not meeting expectations, SoTS will contact parents to discuss the situation
• Disenrollment is a last resort after communication with parents
• Disenrolled students receive no refund
• Disenrolled students may apply to a different lab while their SoTS membership remains active

Grounds for Disenrollment:

• Consistent lack of preparation or participation
• Failure to complete work between sessions
• Excessive absences without communication
• Disruptive behavior affecting other students
• Violation of Code of Conduct (Section 5)

SoTS cannot afford to have disengaged students affecting other members of the group.

3.7Session Recording

Online sessions (including Hybrid weekly Zoom sessions): Sessions may be recorded for quality assurance and protection of all parties. By enrolling, you consent to recording. Recordings are:

• Stored securely by SoTS
• Not shared publicly
• Used only for quality assurance, dispute resolution, or safety purposes
• Retained according to SoTS data retention policies

In-Person Labs: Sessions are not routinely recorded unless participants are notified in advance.

3.8Communication

All program-related communication occurs through SoTS-provided channels:

• Email
• Zoom (for online sessions)
• Other platforms as designated by SoTS

Direct contact with Lab Directors outside official channels requires explicit authorization from SoTS.

3.9Safety and Experimental Work

Research Labs students conduct experimental work, data collection, and other research activities outside of meeting hours. This work may involve physical experiments, equipment, field work, or other activities with inherent risks.

Student and Parent Responsibilities:

• Students are expected to follow standard safety precautions for all experimental work
• Consult parents, teachers, and other adults as appropriate before conducting experiments
• Use appropriate safety equipment and work in suitable environments
• Follow recommendations provided by Lab Directors

Limitations of Lab Director Guidance:

Lab Directors provide guidance on research methodology and may offer safety recommendations. However, Lab Director recommendations are not a sufficient guarantee of safety, as Lab Directors do not control the specific environment where experiments are conducted. Parents and students are responsible for assessing safety in their own settings.

SoTS is not liable for:

• Injuries, accidents, or property damage resulting from experimental work conducted outside of lab sessions
• Experiments conducted without appropriate supervision or safety precautions
• Failure to follow safety recommendations

3.10In-Person Labs - Additional Terms

The following terms apply specifically to Princeton In-Person Labs:

Session Flexibility:

For in-person labs, we aim to hold as many sessions on-site as possible and expect this number to be close to 16 per semester. However, in case of unforeseen circumstances, Lab Director travel, illness, or other factors, sessions may be moved to Zoom or in rare cases canceled. Students are expected to continue working on their projects regardless of session format changes. Occasional format changes are not grounds for refund.

Transportation:

• SoTS does not provide transportation
• Parents/guardians are responsible for drop-off and pick-up
• Session location is in central Princeton, NJ (address provided upon enrollment)

Emergency Medical Authorization:

By signing the enrollment form, parents/guardians authorize SoTS staff to seek emergency medical treatment for the student if the parent/guardian cannot be reached in an emergency.

Equipment and Materials:

• Many projects require experimental work, equipment, or materials
• Students and families are responsible for identifying resources at their school, purchasing materials, or finding opportunities in nature
• SoTS does not provide laboratory equipment unless specifically stated for a particular lab
• Students are responsible for any equipment or materials they bring to sessions

3.11Hybrid Labs - Additional Terms

The following terms apply specifically to Hybrid Labs. Hybrid Labs combine weekly online sessions over Zoom with a small number of half-day in-person visits per semester at the central Princeton, NJ location.

Eligibility:

Hybrid Lab enrollment requires:

• Active SoTS Membership in good standing
• A documented record of consistent weekly research progress submissions: at least 8 of the 10 weeks immediately preceding application, submitted through the SoTS submission interface or, until that interface is generally available, by email
• A successful interview with the Lab Director

Final acceptance is at the Lab Director's sole discretion. SoTS may decline Hybrid enrollment for any applicant who does not meet these requirements.

Attendance — Weekly Online Sessions:

Weekly Zoom sessions follow the same attendance and participation expectations as in-person sessions (Section 3.5). Students are expected to attend each scheduled weekly session, notify the Lab Director in advance of any absence, and continue project work between sessions.

Attendance — In-Person Visits:

All scheduled half-day in-person visits are mandatory: 3 per Spring or Fall semester, 2 per Summer semester. Students must attend every scheduled in-person visit, absent documented extenuating circumstances (such as serious illness, family emergency, or other circumstances beyond the student's reasonable control). Students must notify the Lab Director as soon as practicable when an excused absence is anticipated or has occurred.

Travel and Accommodations:

• Students and families are solely responsible for travel, lodging, and any other costs associated with attending the in-person visits
• SoTS does not provide transportation
• Travel difficulty is not, by itself, an extenuating circumstance for purposes of the in-person attendance requirement

Technical Requirements (Weekly Zoom Sessions):

Students must have:

• Reliable internet connection
• Computer with camera and microphone
• Quiet environment suitable for participation
• Zoom application installed

Parents/guardians are responsible for ensuring the student has appropriate equipment and environment for the weekly Zoom sessions. Sections 3.7 (Session Recording) and 3.8 (Communication) also apply.

In-Person Visit Provisions:

During half-day in-person visits, the provisions of Section 3.10 (In-Person Labs) apply, including those addressing transportation, emergency medical authorization, and equipment and materials.

3.12Intellectual Property in Research Labs

Student Work:

Students retain ownership of their original research, data, and creative work produced during Research Labs participation.

SoTS Materials:

All curriculum, methodologies, and materials provided by Lab Directors remain the property of Authentic Research Partners LLC and may not be copied, distributed, or used outside the program without permission.

Publication:

Students are encouraged to submit their research to SoTS publications (Proceedings, Magazine) and external opportunities. Publication is subject to the terms in Section 4 of the general Terms of Service.

3.13Certificate of Research Training

Students who complete a full semester (spring or fall) or the summer program in good standing, meet the minimum attendance requirement stated below, and demonstrate satisfactory progress, as determined by the Lab Director in their sole discretion, receive a physical Certificate of Research Training. Enrollment, payment, or participation alone does not entitle a student to a certificate.

Minimum attendance. Students must attend at least 75% of scheduled lab sessions. Format-specific requirements:

• Princeton In-Person Labs (summer program): because the summer program includes some online sessions, summer-program students must additionally attend at least 50% of scheduled sessions in person.
• Hybrid Labs: students must attend at least 75% of scheduled weekly Zoom sessions and must additionally attend every scheduled half-day in-person visit (3 per Spring or Fall semester, 2 per Summer semester), absent documented extenuating circumstances (such as serious illness, family emergency, or other circumstances beyond the student's reasonable control).

Meeting the minimum attendance requirement is necessary but not sufficient to earn a certificate. The Lab Director may, in their sole discretion, grant reasonable accommodations for documented extenuating circumstances (such as serious illness or family emergency).

Because research is inherently individualized and evolves with each student's project, SoTS does not publish a fixed rubric or predefined list of required deliverables. Whether a student has demonstrated satisfactory progress is a qualitative judgment made by the Lab Director based on the student's overall work in the lab. Considerations may include, without limitation, attendance, engagement in lab activities, the quality and seriousness of the student's work, responsiveness to the Lab Director's guidance and feedback, and adherence to research conduct expectations. These factors are illustrative, not exhaustive, and no single factor is dispositive.

The certificate:

• States the student received training in authentic research
• Confirms completion of a semester-long program
• Is signed by the Lab Director(s) and Academic Director
• May include a QR code linking to the student's Research Profile (optional)

Certificates are not issued to students who withdraw, are disenrolled, fail to meet the minimum attendance requirement, or do not demonstrate satisfactory progress as determined by the Lab Director. Denial of a certificate is not grounds for a refund.

3.14No Guaranteed Outcomes

Participation in Research Labs does not guarantee:

• Successful completion of any research project
• Publication in journals or conferences
• Competition awards or recognition
• College admission or scholarship outcomes
• Specific skills or competencies

Research is inherently uncertain. Projects may not produce expected results. This uncertainty is part of authentic research experience and is not grounds for refund.

3.15Limitation of Liability for Research Labs

In addition to the general limitation of liability (Section 10), SoTS, Authentic Research Partners LLC, Lab Directors, and staff shall not be liable for:

• Failed experiments or research outcomes
• Missed opportunities resulting from project outcomes
• Loss or damage to personal property or equipment
• Any injuries, accidents, or damages arising from experimental work conducted by students

The liability limitations in Section 10 apply fully to Research Labs participation.

4. Deep Physics Sessions

The following terms apply specifically to Deep Physics sessions. These terms supplement the general Terms of Service. In the event of conflict, these Deep Physics terms control for Deep Physics participation.

4.1Program Description

Deep Physics provides weekly in-person physics problem-solving sessions designed to build deep physics intuition through conceptual variations. Sessions are held at the Central Princeton.

• Format: Two-hour sessions focused on problem-solving and discussion, not lecture
• Prerequisites: At least one year of high school physics or equivalent; participants must be 13 years or older
• No Fixed Commitment: Pay per session; attend for as long as you wish

4.2Registration and Payment

• Per-Session Fee: Each session requires a separate registration and payment
• Advance Registration: You may register for upcoming sessions (up to 4 sessions ahead) to secure your spot
• Limited Spots: Sessions have limited capacity; registration is on a first-come, first-served basis
• Payment Processing: All payments are processed through Stripe and are subject to the payment terms in Section 2

4.3Deep Physics Refund Policy

The refund policy for Deep Physics differs from other SoTS programs:

• Non-Refundable: Session payments are non-refundable if you are unable to attend
• Session Cancellation by SoTS: If we cancel a session (due to weather, instructor illness, or other circumstances), you will receive either a credit for a future session or a full refund at your choice
• No Transfers: Registrations cannot be transferred to other participants

4.4Session Conduct

Deep Physics weekly sessions are dedicated to focused thinking and problem-solving:

• No Electronics: Phones and computers are not permitted during sessions to maintain focus
• Reference Materials: You may bring physics textbooks for formula reference
• Participation: Active engagement in problem-solving and discussions is expected
• Code of Conduct: The general Code of Conduct (Section 5) applies to all in-person sessions

4.5Safety and Supervision

• Sessions are supervised by qualified instructors
• Parents/guardians are responsible for transportation to and from sessions
• Emergency contact information must be provided during registration
• SoTS maintains appropriate insurance for in-person educational activities

4.6Limitation of Liability for Deep Physics

In addition to the general limitations in Section 10:

• SoTS is not liable for any injuries occurring during sessions except those caused by gross negligence
• Participants assume normal risks associated with in-person educational activities
• Parents/guardians of minor participants accept these risks on behalf of their children