What’s New for 2026:
Forms & Signatures
- Junior Division Forms have been updated and consolidated into a single two-sided document, replacing the previous ISEF forms.
- All forms and documents must be completed electronically through the STEM Wizard Portal.
- No handwritten forms will be accepted.
- Typed signatures are not allowed.
- Original (wet) signatures are only permitted when explicitly required and must be submitted as originals in STEM Wizard.
- All required signatures (except for the Senior Division Participation Agreement Form) must be obtained using STEM Wizard’s Paperless Files and Forms system:
- The signee receives a secure link.
- They complete and save the required information.
- The signature is automatically recorded in the system.
Project Board Display Requirements
- The maximum height of the project board at SEFH and TXSEF (including headers) is 64.4 inches (163.8 cm).
- At ISEF, the maximum project board height is 58.4 inches (148.2 cm). Recommendation is to follow this.
Photograph/Image Display Requirements
- The general phrase “All photos/images and graphs were made by the student” is no longer sufficient.
- Each graphic created by the student must be individually labeled, e.g.:
- “Photo taken by Student, year”
- “Graph created by Student using [tool], year”
- Graphics from external sources must be individually cited in APA format (preferred), including a URL or DOI if sourced online—even if attribution is not required by license.
- Citations must appear next to the graphic or in a vertically displayed reference list.
- Refer to the ISEF Display & Safety Graphic Credit Guidance for examples.
Important Dates
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- All schools and students should begin registration no later than December 1, 2025.
- Schools/Districts advancing projects to SEFH must:
- Finalize online registration
- Confirm student project categories
- Submit projects to the Scientific Review Committee (SRC) via STEM Wizard by January 19, 2026