The Connecticut Science & Engineering Fair is a yearly, statewide science and engineering fair open to all 7th through 12th-grade students residing, or enrolled, in Connecticut schools and Fishers Island. An important objective of the program is to attract young people to careers in science and engineering while developing skills essential to critical thinking. Through science fair participation, students are encouraged to pursue independent work using proper research methods.
The Fair has two major divisions, the Life Sciences and the Physical Sciences. Life science projects include behavioral and social sciences, biochemistry, botany, environmental sciences, medicine and health, microbiology and zoology. Physical science projects encompass chemistry, computer science, earth and space sciences, engineering, mathematics and physics. Each division is further divided by grade with additional categories for team projects, for a total of 10 categories. For major awards, a project will only be judged against projects in the same category. For example, Grade 7 & 8 Team projects are only judged against 7 & 8 Team projects.
Seven top placing high school projects will compete in the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF), in May. High school finalists and one 8th grade project will be awarded opportunities to compete at the GENIUS Olympiad in June. Top placing middle school students in all categories will be given invitations to compete in the Thermo Fisher Junior Innovators Challenge.
Students have the choice of two research pathways, the EZ Path and the Unrestricted Research Path. The EZ Path requires fewer forms but cannot involve research with certain biological, chemical, or energy items.
Location(s)
- Quinnipiac University, Hamden, Connecticut
- Remote (week 1 of preliminary judging)
Schedule
- Held annually in March
Cost/Compensation
- $45 registration fee
Eligibility Requirements
- Students in grades 7-12 who attend schools in Connecticut or Fishers Island
- Projects must represent original work done by the student(s). Students will be judged only on research completed since the last CSEF and conducted over a maximum period of 12 months. Display boards should show the current year’s work only. Continuing research must include previous year'(s) abstract(s) and research report(s), in a separate binder.
- High school students may compete in only one ISEF affiliated fair, except when proceeding to a state fair from an affiliated regional fair as a finalist.
- All student participants must comply with the Fair’s Ethics Statement.
Deadline
- Register by December 1
Application or Entry Requirements
- Students and their affiliated schools must complete online registration forms before conducting research.
- Students must submit detailed research plans, abstracts, final presentation files, and all other required forms.
Notifications of Decisions
Financial Aid Details
Other Dates to Keep in Mind
- Registration opens in late August
- Project upload portal opens in late February
Have other questions?
The Connecticut Science & Engineering Fair (CSEF) is a yearly, statewide science and engineering fair that is a charter member of the International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF). The all-volunteer organization directs all funds to student awards, fair operation, student/teacher workshops, educational presentations, and participation by CSEF winners in the ISEF. Over one-hundred school fairs, one regional fair, and two city-wide fairs feed the Connecticut Science and Engineering Fair. More than 12,000 students in Connecticut and several bordering New York state towns compete for the 600 spaces at CSEF.
