WHAT’s NEW and/or CONTINUING for 2027 SEFMD and MSEF (Rev C-9/11/2026)

* We are instituting the SEFMD Scientific Integrity Policy. This will involve some additional tasks from senior division schools, teachers and students in evaluating and maintaining the integrity of all projects entered into the SEFMD and the MSEF. The policy is explained on the resources page of the website. Included in the policy is a form which can be used by students, teachers, or judges if there is a concern regarding the integrity of any project.

* Each Senior Division student will be required to submit online the following items by the entry form deadline on February 19, 2027:

(1) A .pdf presentation of the project (powerpoint slides). See the “Project Materials Guidelines” on the resources page of this website for the requirements for the presentation.

(2) Form (1) Checklist for Adult Sponsor

Form (1A) Student Checklist

Form (1B) Approval Form

Form (2A) Student Support Disclosure Form (1 form per Team)

* Each Senior Division student will be required to do a Peer Review of 1-2 other projects that will be assigned after the entry deadline. See the SEFMD Scientific Integrity Policy for more information. More details will be provided when the projects for review are assigned.

* Senior Division

students must individually cite and credit ALL images, graphs, etc as described here:

1. ALL graphics that are created by the Finalist MUST BE properly cited individually, include the program or software utilized to create the graphic, and include the year the graphic was created. Finalists are required to use statements such as “Photo taken by Finalist, Year,” “Image created by Finalist using . . ., Year”; Graph created by Finalist using . . ., Year”; Chart created by Finalist using . . ., Year”; or “Data Table created by Finalist using . . ., Year”.

2. ALL graphics not created by the finalist(s) MUST BE properly cited individually (APA format is preferred). If the graphic was obtained via the Internet, then a URL must be provided (digital object identifiers are acceptable in place of long URLs). This applies even if the license under which the graphic was obtained does not require credit or citation. For more information and examples please see our D&S Graphic Credit Guidance (https://sspcdn.blob.core.windows.net/files/Documents/SEP/ISEF/Apps/Instructions/DS-Graphic-Credit-Guidance.pdf)

* As was done for the 2026 Fair, we have migrated our database from our existing site to zFairs. Consequently, the process of affiliating a school, signing up teachers (and judges), and having students register has totally changed. See the link on the Resources page of the website for the directions.

* The entry fee will be $25/project (individual or team) for ALL projects. The school affiliation fee will be $75/school. This fee will be discounted to $25/school IF:

(1) the school affiliates by December 1, 2026;

(2) the school applies the discount coupon which will appear on the invoice when you complete the affiliation; AND

(3) the school commits to providing volunteers during the week of the Fair. Volunteers are needed on Project Set-up Day (Tuesday, March 16, 2027), Judging Day (Wednesday, March 17, 2027), and Public Viewing/Project Removal Days (Thursday & Friday, March 18 and 19, 2027);

* The 2027 SEFMD and 2027 MSEF will be in-person fairs. Students will prepare a project display board that will be brought to Huntington Place (for the SEFMD) and used for the final round of judging as well as displayed for public viewing. (See “What’s Due When” for detailed information.)

* Students have the option of submitting additional materials online, as has been done for the past several years. This may include a video presentation, photographs, quad chart, etc. Middle school and elementary school students have the option of submitting a pdf presentation; this is required for senior division students, as stated above. Some professional award organizations will judge projects using only the uploaded material and will not judge projects in person. Any optional materials need to be submitted by the entry deadline specified on the calendar. (See “What’s Due When” for detailed information.)

* Categories have been modified for 2027. The complete list of the modified categories is available on the website under Entry Info à Category Descriptions.

* Projects will be checked for Display and Safety Violations, both on line and in person. All materials submitted on line by February 19, 2027 will be checked and if there are any problems (for example, student name is included or there are inappropriate photos), the student will receive an email and be allowed to correct the violation within 24 hours (before judging occurs). During the project set-up day (Tuesday, March 16, 2027) at Huntington Place, project display boards will be checked again for any possible display and safety violations.