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Welcome to SEFH!

Thank you for your interest in serving as a judge for the Science & Engineering Fair of Houston (SEFH), presented by Chevron and the University of Houston. For more than 60 years, SEFH has showcased outstanding STEM research conducted by middle and high school students across the greater Houston region. Each year, more than 1,000 students from 22 counties advance from school and district science fairs to present their work at SEFH. As a judge, you will help identify the projects that advance to the Texas Science & Engineering Fair (TXSEF) and the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF). More importantly, you will help inspire and encourage the next generation of scientists, engineers, healthcare professionals, and innovators.

The success of SEFH depends on volunteers like you. More than 500 STEM professionals donate their time and expertise each year to evaluate projects and engage directly with students. For many participants, SEFH represents their first opportunity to discuss their research with practicing professionals in STEM fields. The example you set and the feedback you provide are essential to creating a positive, meaningful, and educational experience for every student. The 2027 Science & Engineering Fair of Houston will be held on Saturday, February 13, 2027, at the Fort Bend Epicenter. Please take a few minutes to review the information on this site, and do not hesitate to contact us with any questions. Once you register, our team will follow up with additional information, training opportunities, and event updates.

Thank you for your willingness to serve. I look forward to welcoming you to the SEFH judging team.

With appreciation,

Andrew Kapral, PhD
Judge Chair, Science & Engineering Fair of Houston
judges@sefhouston.org

Overview

What to Expect as an SEFH Place Award Judge

The Science & Engineering Fair of Houston (SEFH) relies on hundreds of volunteer STEM professionals each year to evaluate student research projects and help identify the region’s most outstanding young scientists and engineers. Judges play a critical role in ensuring a fair, educational, and rewarding experience for participants. Additional training and support will be provided prior to the fair.

Time Commitment

The 2027 Science & Engineering Fair of Houston will be held on Saturday, February 13, 2027, at the Fort Bend Epicenter.

Judges should plan to participate for most of the day. The judging process consists of two rounds, with project evaluations conducted in the morning and afternoon. A detailed schedule will be provided closer to the event.

Before the Fair

Complete the online judge applications process by giving us some information about your background and preferred judging categories and completing our conflict-of-interest disclosure process.
Eligibility: All judges must hold a bachelor’s degree or higher by the time of the fair.
Once your application has been reviewed, you will be assigned to one of our 18 project categories. Most judges receive their first or second choice, but assignments are based on both judge qualifications and our needs.
As the fair approaches, we will contact you with information about fair logistics and an invitation to attend our online judge training.
Please be on the lookout for emails from our team, which will come from judges@sefhouston.org.

Judging Day

Judges begin the day by checking in, receiving assignments, and meeting their Category Coordinator. Projects are evaluated through a structured, interview-based process that emphasizes both scientific merit and communication skills.

Round 1: Project Evaluation

Judges work in small teams to interview assigned students, review project materials, and score projects using established SEFH judging criteria. Following student interviews, judging teams meet to discuss projects and identify those that should advance to the second round. Approximately 30% of projects in each category advance.

Round 2: Awards Selection and Feedback

Lead judges conduct additional evaluations to determine category rankings and award recipients, while other judges provide constructive feedback to participants. Throughout the day, judges help ensure that SEFH is both a rigorous competition and a meaningful educational experience.

Expectations of Judges

Judges are expected to:

Maintain professionalism and impartiality throughout the event.
Treat all participants with respect and courtesy.
Keep judging discussions and results confidential.
Avoid conflicts of interest and disclose any potential conflicts promptly.
Provide constructive, age-appropriate feedback that encourages student growth.

Procedure

Scoresheet

Score Criteria

Registration

Volunteer Judge Registration

Judge Registration for SEFH 2027 is now open! Please use the link below to register on STEM Wizard.

IMPORTANT: After registering, you will receive an account confirmation email from STEM Wizard (no-reply@stemwizard.com). This email confirms that you successfully created your account, but does not indicate that your judge registration is complete.

Once your registration has been reviewed and processed, you will receive a second email from judges@sefhouston.org with the subject line “SEFH 2027 Judge Confirmation and Category Assignment.” This email serves as your official confirmation as an SEFH judge and will include your category assignment.

If you do not receive this second email within one week of registering, please check your spam, junk, and other filtered folders. If you still cannot locate the email, contact us at judges@sefhouston.org for assistance.

Directions & Parking

SEFH 2026 Location

ADDRESS:

Fort Bend Epicenter,
28505 Southwest FWY.,
Rosenberg, TX 77471

Directions:

From Downtown (~35 min)
I-69/US-59 to Exit 96

From Southeast (~50 min)
Sam Houston Tollway W to
I-69/US-59 to Exit 96

From West (Katy) (~35 min)
TX-99 S to
I-69/US-59 to Exit 96

From North (~50 min)
I-45 or I-69/US-59 to
Sam Houston W to
I-69/US-59 to Exit 96

Parking: Parking is available for judges at no charge. Registered judges will receive information about parking by email during the week before the fair.