International Rules for Pre-College Science Research: Guidelines for Science and Engineering Fairs 2024–2025

The International Rules and Guidelines for Science and Engineering Fairs apply to projects that are affiliated with the Society for Science and encompass the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) for the years 2024–2025. These guidelines prioritize several aspects of research, encompassing ethics, safety, and appropriate procedures for projects involving human subjects, animal research, hazardous materials, and more.

General Requirements for All Projects

It is essential for all student projects to adhere to the ethical standards set forth by the ISEF. These requirements include: compliance with laws, protection of human and vertebrate animal subjects, proper handling of hazardous biological agents, and sustainable practices that promote environmental stewardship.

ISEF Ethics Statement

Student researchers are expected to maintain high ethical standards throughout their project, encompassing:

Integrity: Honesty and objectivity are crucial; students must conduct their work independently without fraudulent data or plagiarism.
Legality: Compliance with federal, state, and local regulations is mandatory; international projects must adhere to laws relevant to their locations.
Confidentiality: Respect for the confidentiality and intellectual property must be maintained; unpublished data or methodologies should not be used without permission.
Environmental Stewardship: Responsible management of environmental substances is required, and the introduction of invasive species is prohibited.
Risk Acknowledgment: All projects carry some risk, and necessary precautions must be taken to mitigate potential issues.
Animal Care: Ethics concerning vertebrate animal use includes exploring non-animal alternatives.
Protection for Human Participants: The well-being of researchers and participants must be prioritized.

Eligibility and Limitations

Eligibility for participation entails specific age and schooling criteria, including:

Students must be in grades 9-12 and not exceed 20 years by May 1 of the competition year.
Every project can encompass no more than 12 months of research and must not include work done before January 2024.
Each competitor is limited to a single project entry.
Team projects may consist of a maximum of three members, all of whom must comply with eligibility criteria.

Roles and Responsibilities

Each individual involved in research has defined roles, including:

The Student Researcher

The student is responsible for all aspects of their research including:

Collaborating effectively with their adult sponsor and conducting research in accordance with the ISEF guidelines.
Documenting risks and ensuring all necessary forms are completed.
Understanding the ISEF Ethics Statement and committing to it while attesting on the relevant Approval Forms.

The Adult Sponsor

The adult sponsor’s responsibilities include:

Evaluating potential risks and ensuring safety throughout the research.
Reviewing and approving the project plans and necessary documentation.

The Qualified Scientist

Individuals designated as qualified scientists must possess specific credentials and responsibilities, including:

Approval of research plans before experimentation and direct supervision.
Ensuring proper training for student researchers on safety and methodologies.

Human Participants Rules

Research involving human subjects must comply with additional regulations:

Approval from an Institutional Review Board (IRB) is required before any participant recruitment or data collection.
Informed consent must be obtained from participants or guardians depending on the participant's age.

Vertebrate Animals Rules

Research using vertebrate animals also has strict adherence rules:

All procedures involving vertebrates must be approved by an appropriate oversight committee.
Research must prioritize animal welfare and humane treatment, following the “Four R's”: Replace, Reduce, Refine, and Respect.

Potentially Hazardous Biological Agents Rules

Projects involving potentially hazardous biological agents must also adhere to specific guidelines:

Risk assessments must be conducted before projects begin, evaluating the potential dangers posed by microorganisms and other biological agents.
Proper protocols for handling and disposing of these agents must be outlined and followed.

Hazardous Chemicals, Activities or Devices Rules

The use of hazardous materials mandates careful risk assessments and compliance with both local and federal regulations, including disposal methods:

Direct supervision by qualified individuals is required detailed in the risk assessment.
All hazardous materials must be disposed of per environmental regulations.

Display and Safety Regulations

At the ISEF competition, all projects must comply with specific display guidelines to ensure safety and professionalism:

Maximum display dimensions must not exceed specified limits.
No items can be attached to the back curtain, and all project materials should fit the defined dimensions.
Approved forms and documentation must be visibly displayed during the competition.

Categories and Subcategories

Projects at ISEF are classified into various scientific categories, including but not limited to:

Animal Sciences
Biomedical Engineering
Environmental Sciences
Microbiology
Robotics

Conclusion

Students engaging in pre-college science research and wishing to participate in affiliated science fairs must comprehensively understand and adhere to these rules and guidelines. This ensures ethical research practices, safety, and environmental stewardship while fostering innovation and scientific inquiry.

ISEF International Rules for Pre-College Science Research 2024-2025

ISEF International Rules for Pre-College Science Research 2024-2025