The Greater San Diego Science and Engineering Fair (GSDEF) provides a forum for encouraging young minds in their independent research in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Each year, several thousand 6th through 12th grade public, private, and parochial school students in San Diego and Imperial Counties participate in their school or district science fairs. The top projects from each school are then invited to go through the screening process to enter the GSDSEF. These screeners are professionals in the science and engineering fields. After the screening process, approximately 650 projects representing over 100 schools are then recommended to participate in the GSDSEF.
At the GSDSEF, 400+ judges from the science, engineering, and education communities evaluate projects and interview students to determine place awards. Additionally, sixty professional societies and organizations provide more than 150 special awards and scholarships totaling over $50,000.
The best of the 1st place projects are recommended to the California Science and Engineering Fair (CSEF) and the top six projects (Grand Award Winners) compete at the International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF). The top Junior Division projects are recommended for the Middle School STEM Research competition.
Students compete in two divisions:
- Junior: Grades 6 through 8 (either individual or 2-person team projects may be entered)
- Senior: Grades 9 through 12 (either individual or 2-person team projects may be entered)
There are 16 GSDSEF Categories: Animal Sciences, Behavioral and Social Sciences, Biochemistry, Biomedical/ Health Sciences and Biomedical Engineering, Chemistry, Cellular and Molecular Biology, Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, Computer Science and Systems Software, Earth and Environmental Sciences, Engineering: Electrical, Mechanical, and Robotics, Engineering: Energy, Materials, and Transport, Mathematics, Microbiology, Physics and Astronomy, Plant Sciences, and Product Testing (Junior Division only).
Location(s)
- Municipal Gymnasium, San Diego, California
Schedule
- Annually in March
Cost/Compensation
- $25 entry fee
Eligibility Requirements
- Any 6th through 12th grade student attending a public, private, parochial or home school in San Diego or Imperial Counties may enter a project in a local school science fair. Top projects from each school then move through the online 1) SRC Pre-Approval Process, where projects are reviewed for safety, 2) Screening, where projects are reviewed for quality, and 3) Application, where students apply to attend the GSDSEF.
- All students must follow the Ethics Statement and ISEF Rules and Guidelines in order to compete at the affiliated fair (GSDSEF), California Science and Engineering Fair (CSEF) and the International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF).
Deadline
- Mid January: Middle School digital project submissions due
- Early February: High School digital project submissions due
Application or Entry Requirements
- Teacher or other adult supervisor must first create an account, then students can create an online account
- Some projects that involve human participants, vertebrate animals, or potentially hazardous biological organisms and tissues must complete forms and obtain SRC approval before starting experimentation.
- After completing research and making conclusions, create and submit a digital project slidedeck for the fair screening process.
- Students accepted through the screening process can then complete the GSDSEF application process.
Notifications of Decisions
Financial Aid Details
Other Dates to Keep in Mind
Have other questions?
The Greater San Diego Science and Engineering Fair (GSDSEF) is an organization dedicated to promoting STEM education and fostering scientific inquiry among students in the San Diego area. It provides a platform for students from elementary school through high school to showcase their research projects in various scientific disciplines, including biology, chemistry, physics, engineering, and computer science. GSDSEF offers opportunities for students to develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and presentation skills while engaging in hands-on scientific exploration. Through its annual science fair, workshops, mentorship programs, and community outreach efforts, GSDSEF inspires young minds to pursue careers in science and technology and contributes to the advancement of STEM education in the region.
