A science fair unlike any other.
The Competition
Each year, more than 450 students—including homeschoolers and attendees from nearly 100 schools—participate in the Pittsburgh Regional Science & Engineering Fair (PRSEF), investing up to 12 months in independent research. The fair is supported by foundations, universities, industries, corporations, and professional societies.
- The 2026 PRSEF competition will be held on [date] for Grades 6–8 and on [date] for Grades 9–12.
- Middle and high school students can design, implement, and present original experiments for a chance to win cash prizes and scholarships.
- Open to students in grades 6–12 from 21 counties in Western Pennsylvania and Garrett County, Md.
- Established in 1940, PRSEF is Pittsburgh’s premiere science fair and the third oldest in the United States affiliated with the Society for Science.
- Participants connect with broader science communities through the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) and Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge.
- The nonrefundable registration fee of $50 per project is due by [date].
- A nonrefundable “early bird” registration fee of $25 per project is available if paid prior to [date].
- Grant funding may be available for schools that qualify.
Please contact Christie Orlosky at OrloskyC@KaminScienceCenter.org with questions. Funding requests must be on school letterhead, contain detail on financial need including free/reduced lunch percentage, and must be received by [date] to be considered.
Register Today
The Teachers’ and Students’ Handbook provides a step-by-step guide on everything from registration deadlines to project selection and fair-day details—your go-to resource for all PRSEF questions.
For detailed information on rules, regulations, and guidelines, refer to the ISEF rules for required forms and safety protocols.
Before submitting forms, please be sure to read the Guide to the Scientific Review and the Risk Assessment Guide.
More About PRSEF
The Mission
The Science Fair promotes workforce readiness and career awareness by helping students foster new skills. They will:
- Apply math and science skills, sparking interest in further studies.
- Support schools in meeting state and national standards.
- Present their research to a broader audience.
- Connect with professionals in diverse science and engineering fields.
The Vision
The Science Fair strives to connect motivated young scientists with regional industry, academia, and professional organizations. Together we:
- Promote economic development within Western Pennsylvania.
- Introduce students to local science and technology opportunities.
- Cultivate and retain talented youth as a valuable regional resource.
Become a Judge
The Science Fair is seeking judges for prize awards on competition days, [dates]. Judges only need to be available for one of the two days. Judge registration will open on [date].
Category Judges
Senior (9th–12th) and Intermediate (7th–8th) Division categories:
Behavioral & Social Sciences, Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science/Math, Earth/Environment, Engineering/Robotics, Medicine/Health/Microbiology, and Physics/Astronomy
Intermediate Division also includes Consumer Science.
Junior (6th grade) Division categories:
Behavioral & Consumer Sciences, Biological Sciences, Chemistry, and Physical Sciences & Engineering
Qualifications:
Judges need a bachelor’s degree in the field they judge or relevant experience.
For Junior or Intermediate levels, a non-science degree may be acceptable.
Note: Active K–12 educators are not eligible to serve as judges.
Affiliate Sponsor Judges & Awards
Affiliate judges will review student projects, interview students, and decide upon the recipients of each award.
Affiliate sponsor awards (certificates and medallions as determined by sponsors) are awarded at the Pittsburgh Regional Science & Engineering Fair because of its affiliation with Regeneron ISEF.
Scholarship Judges
Senior Division PRSEF participants (grades 9–12) are eligible for scholarship awards.
Scholarship judges will assess projects on behalf of the awarding institutions.
Contact PRSEF@KaminScienceCenter.org if you represent a school that would like to offer a scholarship to PRSEF students.
Sponsor Judges
Sponsor judges represent PRSEF sponsors, selecting exhibits that align with the sponsor’s field of interest.
Organizations interested in sponsoring an award at PRSEF can reach out to PRSEF@KaminScienceCenter.org.
ISEF Judges
ISEF judges are experts from local universities and organizations.
They will review papers submitted by student researchers.
They select and interview candidates for ISEF.
ISEF judges may or may not participate in the category award selection committee.
Click here for more information about science fair judging.
Become a Science Fair Volunteer
Guide students through the museum.
Provide support on the exhibit floor.
Inspect project displays for safety.
Direct students during lunch breaks.
Volunteer registration opens on [date].
To be added to the volunteer email list, please email the PRSEF office at PRSEF@KaminScienceCenter.org.
Email questions or comments to PRSEF@KaminScienceCenter.org or call the Science Fair office at 412.237.1534.
Science Fair Sponsors
Major Sponsor
Platinum Sponsor
Gold Sponsor
Silver Sponsor
- Hatch
- Naval Nuclear Laboratory
- Society for Analytical Chemists of Pittsburgh/
Spectroscopy Society of Pittsburgh
Bronze Sponsor
- Pittsburgh Geological Society
- Pittsburgh Intellectual Property Law Association
- Princeton Alumni Association of WPA
- Range Resources
- Slippery Rock University
- Society of Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration
- The American Concrete Institute, Pittsburgh Area Chapter
- The Institute of Electrical & Electronic Engineers, Inc.
- The Webb Law Firm
- Vesuvius
- Westinghouse
- Aerotech Inc.
- Air & Waste Management Association
- Alcosan
- Allegheny County Medical Society
- American Chemical Society
- American Society of Civil Engineers, Pittsburgh Section
- American Statistical Association Pittsburgh Chapter
- Carnegie Mellon University Dept of Biological Sciences
- Carnegie Mellon University Gelfand Center
- Chemical Association of Pittsburgh
- Clinical Research Strategies
- Duquesne University, School of Science and Engineering
Powered by:
STEM Center Founding Partners:
- Bayer
- Chevron
- Duquesne Light Company
- Eaton
- FedEx
- Kennametal Foundation
- NOVA Chemicals
- PPG Foundation
Science Fair Awards
Awards are distributed based on the number of entries in each category. Only one first place will be awarded in each category. Multiple second and third place awards may be awarded. Fourth place awards will receive a certificate.
Intermediate Division (Grades 7–8)
- $150 – First Place
- $100 – Second Place
- $50 – Third Place
Note: Teams will split the award money equally among team members.
Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) and Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge (JIC)
Senior Division – Grades 9–12
Each student division student researcher entering an exhibit may apply for participation in the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF).
Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge (JIC) – Grades 6–8
Category Award winners (top 10%) are nominated to advance to Broadcom MASTERS competition, a program of Society for Science.
Sponsor Awards
Companies that sponsor the Pittsburgh Regional Science & Engineering Fair may award a prize and/or certificate to a student of their choosing.
Affiliate Sponsor Awards
These are awarded at Pittsburgh Regional Science & Engineering Fair because of its affiliation with ISEF.
Affiliate Sponsor Organizations:
- American Psychological Association
- Association for Women Geoscientists
- Broadcom Coding with Commitment
- Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
- Lemelson Early Inventor Prize
- NASA Earth System Science Award
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
- National Geographic, That’s Geography! Award
- Office of Naval Research – U.S. Navy/U.S. Marine Corps
- Regeneron Biomedical Science Award
- Ricoh USA, Inc. Sustainable Development Award (RSDA)
- Society for In Vitro Biology
- U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID)
- U.S. Metric Association
- U.S. Stockholm Junior Water Prize
- United States Air Force
- Yale Science and Engineering Association
Merit Awards
Category Judges select the students that exhibit excellence in Creativity, Literature Review, Presentation, or Scientific Method. Students will receive a certificate of excellence that signifies his or her outstanding performance in one of these areas.
PRSEF 2026 Scholarships Vary by University/College
The Competition
Each year, more than 450 students—including homeschoolers and attendees from nearly 100 schools—participate in the Pittsburgh Regional Science & Engineering Fair (PRSEF), investing up to 12 months in independent research. The fair is supported by foundations, universities, industries, corporations, and professional societies.
- The 2026 PRSEF competition will be held on [date] for Grades 6–8 and on [date] for Grades 9–12.
- Middle and high school students can design, implement, and present original experiments for a chance to win cash prizes and scholarships.
- Open to students in grades 6–12 from 21 counties in Western Pennsylvania and Garrett County, Md.
- Established in 1940, PRSEF is Pittsburgh’s premiere science fair and the third oldest in the United States affiliated with the Society for Science.
- Participants connect with broader science communities through the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) and Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge.
- The nonrefundable registration fee of $50 per project is due by [date].
- A nonrefundable “early bird” registration fee of $25 per project is available if paid prior to [date].
- Grant funding may be available for schools that qualify.
Please contact Christie Orlosky at OrloskyC@KaminScienceCenter.org with questions. Funding requests must be on school letterhead, contain detail on financial need including free/reduced lunch percentage, and must be received by [date] to be considered.
Register Today
The Teachers’ and Students’ Handbook provides a step-by-step guide on everything from registration deadlines to project selection and fair-day details—your go-to resource for all PRSEF questions.
For detailed information on rules, regulations, and guidelines, refer to the ISEF rules for required forms and safety protocols.
Before submitting forms, please be sure to read the Guide to the Scientific Review and the Risk Assessment Guide.
More About PRSEF
The Mission
The Science Fair promotes workforce readiness and career awareness by helping students foster new skills. They will:
- Apply math and science skills, sparking interest in further studies.
- Support schools in meeting state and national standards.
- Present their research to a broader audience.
- Connect with professionals in diverse science and engineering fields.
The Vision
The Science Fair strives to connect motivated young scientists with regional industry, academia, and professional organizations. Together we:
- Promote economic development within Western Pennsylvania.
- Introduce students to local science and technology opportunities.
- Cultivate and retain talented youth as a valuable regional resource.
Become a Judge
The Science Fair is seeking judges for prize awards on competition days, [dates]. Judges only need to be available for one of the two days. Judge registration will open on [date].
Category Judges
Senior (9th–12th) and Intermediate (7th–8th) Division categories:
Behavioral & Social Sciences, Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science/Math, Earth/Environment, Engineering/Robotics, Medicine/Health/Microbiology, and Physics/Astronomy
Intermediate Division also includes Consumer Science.
Junior (6th grade) Division categories:
Behavioral & Consumer Sciences, Biological Sciences, Chemistry, and Physical Sciences & Engineering
Qualifications:
Judges need a bachelor’s degree in the field they judge or relevant experience.
For Junior or Intermediate levels, a non-science degree may be acceptable.
Note: Active K–12 educators are not eligible to serve as judges.
Affiliate Sponsor Judges & Awards
Affiliate judges will review student projects, interview students, and decide upon the recipients of each award.
Affiliate sponsor awards (certificates and medallions as determined by sponsors) are awarded at the Pittsburgh Regional Science & Engineering Fair because of its affiliation with Regeneron ISEF.
Scholarship Judges
Senior Division PRSEF participants (grades 9–12) are eligible for scholarship awards.
Scholarship judges will assess projects on behalf of the awarding institutions.
Contact PRSEF@KaminScienceCenter.org if you represent a school that would like to offer a scholarship to PRSEF students.
Sponsor Judges
Sponsor judges represent PRSEF sponsors, selecting exhibits that align with the sponsor’s field of interest.
Organizations interested in sponsoring an award at PRSEF can reach out to PRSEF@KaminScienceCenter.org.
ISEF Judges
ISEF judges are experts from local universities and organizations.
They will review papers submitted by student researchers.
They select and interview candidates for ISEF.
ISEF judges may or may not participate in the category award selection committee.
Click here for more information about science fair judging.
Become a Science Fair Volunteer
Guide students through the museum.
Provide support on the exhibit floor.
Inspect project displays for safety.
Direct students during lunch breaks.
Volunteer registration opens on [date].
To be added to the volunteer email list, please email the PRSEF office at PRSEF@KaminScienceCenter.org.
Email questions or comments to PRSEF@KaminScienceCenter.org or call the Science Fair office at 412.237.1534.
Science Fair Sponsors
Major Sponsor
Platinum Sponsor
Gold Sponsor
Silver Sponsor
- Hatch
- Naval Nuclear Laboratory
- Society for Analytical Chemists of Pittsburgh/
Spectroscopy Society of Pittsburgh
Bronze Sponsor
- Pittsburgh Geological Society
- Pittsburgh Intellectual Property Law Association
- Princeton Alumni Association of WPA
- Range Resources
- Slippery Rock University
- Society of Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration
- The American Concrete Institute, Pittsburgh Area Chapter
- The Institute of Electrical & Electronic Engineers, Inc.
- The Webb Law Firm
- Vesuvius
- Westinghouse
- Aerotech Inc.
- Air & Waste Management Association
- Alcosan
- Allegheny County Medical Society
- American Chemical Society
- American Society of Civil Engineers, Pittsburgh Section
- American Statistical Association Pittsburgh Chapter
- Carnegie Mellon University Dept of Biological Sciences
- Carnegie Mellon University Gelfand Center
- Chemical Association of Pittsburgh
- Clinical Research Strategies
- Duquesne University, School of Science and Engineering
Powered by:
STEM Center Founding Partners:
- Bayer
- Chevron
- Duquesne Light Company
- Eaton
- FedEx
- Kennametal Foundation
- NOVA Chemicals
- PPG Foundation
Science Fair Awards
Awards are distributed based on the number of entries in each category. Only one first place will be awarded in each category. Multiple second and third place awards may be awarded. Fourth place awards will receive a certificate.
Intermediate Division (Grades 7–8)
- $150 – First Place
- $100 – Second Place
- $50 – Third Place
Note: Teams will split the award money equally among team members.
Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) and Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge (JIC)
Senior Division – Grades 9–12
Each student division student researcher entering an exhibit may apply for participation in the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF).
Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge (JIC) – Grades 6–8
Category Award winners (top 10%) are nominated to advance to Broadcom MASTERS competition, a program of Society for Science.
Sponsor Awards
Companies that sponsor the Pittsburgh Regional Science & Engineering Fair may award a prize and/or certificate to a student of their choosing.
Affiliate Sponsor Awards
These are awarded at Pittsburgh Regional Science & Engineering Fair because of its affiliation with ISEF.
Affiliate Sponsor Organizations:
- American Psychological Association
- Association for Women Geoscientists
- Broadcom Coding with Commitment
- Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
- Lemelson Early Inventor Prize
- NASA Earth System Science Award
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
- National Geographic, That’s Geography! Award
- Office of Naval Research – U.S. Navy/U.S. Marine Corps
- Regeneron Biomedical Science Award
- Ricoh USA, Inc. Sustainable Development Award (RSDA)
- Society for In Vitro Biology
- U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID)
- U.S. Metric Association
- U.S. Stockholm Junior Water Prize
- United States Air Force
- Yale Science and Engineering Association
Merit Awards
Category Judges select the students that exhibit excellence in Creativity, Literature Review, Presentation, or Scientific Method. Students will receive a certificate of excellence that signifies his or her outstanding performance in one of these areas.
PRSEF 2026 Scholarships Vary by University/College