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SLB SLB Workshops SLB members are eager to share their enthusiasm, experience, and knowledge with you in a series of interactive step-by-step workshops designed to help you produce a successful STEM project. Workshop topics focus on how to participate in the GSDSEF as well as the entire science fair process and the scientific method/engineering principles from start to finish - from coming up with a project idea, to putting together your science notebook, to designing your poster board, and to finally preparing you for judging. Experienced SLB members are also available to work with you on an individual basis - to answer your specific questions based on your own project. For 2025-26, SLB will be hosting most workshops via Zoom. Workshop information will be sent to your teachers. Zoom links to each workshop will be sent to those who RSVP. Workshop Schedule 2025-26 All workshops are scheduled on Saturdays from 9:30-10:30 AM. After a workshop is completed and its recording is ready, click the description to see the Workshop Video. Sept. 6, 2025 - Workshop #1- Finding an Idea Sept. 20, 2025 - Workshop #2- GSDSEF Student Account and SRC Process Oct. 11, 2025 - Workshop #3- Using the Scientific Method/Engineering Design Process: Problem to Results Dec. 6, 2025 - Workshop #4A- Data Analysis and Statistics- Basic Dec. 20, 2025 - Workshop #4B- Data Analysis and Statistics- Advanced Jan. 10, 2026 - Workshop #5- Screening- Digital Project Slidedeck and Notebook Feb. 14, 2026 - Workshop #6- Science Fair Display Backboard and Notebook March 14, 2026 - Workshop #7- In -person Science Fair Judging Practice ; 2:00-5:00pm; La Jolla/Riford Library, 7555 Draper Ave, La Jolla, CA 92037 [Note updated location and time as of Jan. 22 and new date as of Feb 12 ] March 28, 2026 - Workshop #8- Post Fair Workshop Check out our GSDSEF YouTube page for more workshops!

Latest News The 75th International Science and Engineering Fair Jun 6, 2025 The 75th International Science and Engineering Fair, the world's largest and most prestigious science competition, concluded with the Grand Awards ceremony in host city Columbus, Ohio. Read More The 71st Greater San Diego Science And Engineering Fair Jan 26, 2025 The 71st Greater San Diego Science And Engineering Fair Was Held in 2025 At The Balboa Park Activity Center, 2145 Park Blvd, On Wednesday, March 12. Read More

Past Results Fair Past Results 2025 - 71st Annual GSDSEF Results 2024 - 70th Annual GSDSEF Results 2023 - 69th Annual San Diego Science and Engineering Fair 2022 - 69th Annual San Diego Science and Engineering Fair

Information Judging and Awards The GSDSEF has three types of judging with various awards: Categorical Judging – PLACE AWARDS Category Judges decide the GSDSEF’s award placements (first, second, third, and fourth place) in 15+1 different categories, based on scientific merit using specified criteria. Categorical judging takes place in the morning. There are 15 categories in Senior Division and Junior Division has one additional category. GSDSEF Categories and Descriptions All students are given a Certificate of Merit for participating. All students receive a Place Award ribbon on-stage at the Awards Ceremony. Grand Awards Judging – GRAND AWARDS Teams of Grand Awards Judges review projects that have been recommended by the Category Judges for Grand Awards consideration. Grand Awards judging takes place in the afternoon and Grand Awards Judges must be willing to stay until at least 3 p.m. the day of Judging. Four Grand Awards and four Grand Award Runners-up are selected in the Junior Division (6th-8th grade) and receive cash awards and a plaque/trophy. Four Grand Award Runners-Up/Alternates are selected in the Senior Division (9th -12th grade) and each receive a cash award and a plaque. Four Grand Award Winners are selected in the Senior Division. Each receives a college scholarship award, an engraved plaque, and the opportunity to compete in the International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF). Professional Societies Judging and Professional Society SPECIAL AWARDS Over 100 Professional Societies and other organizations provide their own judges and each set their own criteria for awards. Professional Societies/Organizations judge student projects during the afternoon of judging day. 2023 GSDSEF ProfSoc Awards Criteria .pdf Download PDF • 91KB Professional Societies and organizations provide their own awards - ribbons, certificates, or plaques, and/or monetary scholarships. Awards may be left with the GSDSEF for distribution directly to students or the Professional Society may arrange another method to present their awards. Several of the Professional Societies present their awards at their own banquets or board meetings and certain organizations/companies present their Special Awards on stage at the Awards Ceremony. Professional Societies and Organizations Awards list is passed out at the Awards Ceremony and their names are listed on screen before Awards Ceremony begins. SPECIAL AWARDS given by Professional Societies are presented on-stage at the Awards Ceremony. These include the BD Awards, Fred H. Rohr Award, Ronald E. Domb Memorial Award, Mickey Award, Professional Engineers in California Government (PECG) Awards, Reuben H. Fleet Awards, San Diego Zoo Global Awards, and Student Leadership Award. Other Special Awards may also be presented on stage. NOTE: Judging Team Projects In judging a team project in comparison to one done by an individual, it is fair to have a higher expectation of the team project regarding the overall level of effort involved in the project. Team projects have greater resources (the number of minds working together) and therefore a greater capacity for more research and data collection, more time, effort, and thought spent on the project, as well as more/in-depth analysis than someone acting alone. This should be evident in the project. There should also be evidence of team collaboration and synergy among team members (which should become evident during the interview process). Who are the Category and Grand Awards Judges? Category judges are scientists, engineers, computer science/technology specialists, professors, and other professionals, whether currently working, or retired. They are community members who are interested in encouraging the young people of San Diego and Imperial Counties to consider a career in science, engineering, technology, or mathematics. Grand Awards judges have 7 or more years of experience in judging science fairs. Awards are announced at the Annual Awards Ceremony. ALL students receive their place awards ribbons on stage culminating with the Grand Awards Winners announcement.

History of the Greater San Diego Science Fair (an excerpt of a "Report on the Greater San Diego Science Fair" written by Paul A. Terry, Executive Director, Greater San Diego Science Fair, 1962) A group of San Diego scientists and educators met in the spring of 1954 to discuss the possibility of having a Science Fair in San Diego. Representatives of The San Diego Union shared the enthusiasm of this group for the benefits of such a fair. The purpose of the Fair is to encourage the scientific and technical interests of young people. The Fair stimulates students to actively apply their scientific talents. Community recognition and the opportunity for exposure to scientists and scientific installations are provided in order to encourage talented youths to enter scientific careers. The San Diego Union agreed to act as a sponsor and to provide for sending of the two sweepstakes winners to the National Science Fair each year. Incident to sponsorship of the Fair, The San Diego Union entered into a promotional agreement with the National Science Fair, Washington, D.C. Accordingly, the Greater San Diego Science Fair affiliated with the National Science Fair of Science Service. The affiliating agreement provided for an executive secretary and general chairman, and the basic administration of the Fair. The first Greater San Diego Science Fair was held in 1955 at the Institute of Aeronautical Sciences on Harbor Boulevard. Space considerations limited the Fair to 53 exhibits, which were selected from a total of 100 science projects. The possibility of entering an exhibit in the Fair was, as it is now, extended to any student in grades 7 through 12 in a public, private or parochial school in San Diego County. Entrants from grades 7 through 9 compose the junior division, and entrants from grades 10 through 12 compose the senior division. By 1956, interest in the Fair had grown to such proportions that it was decided to move the Fair to the Conference Building at Balboa Park. That year 194 projects were selected from some 750 projects viewed at 15 local and school fairs. Ten industrial, educational and military facilities offered guided tours and briefings to the students... These tours and briefings contribute to the concrete knowledge of the student, as well as providing him with an opportunity to meet scientists at work... In 1957, the Science Fair was again held in the Conference Building. The Fair had grown to 238 exhibits, which were selected from 1,200 projects... The 1959 Fair had grown to 250 exhibits, which created such a parking problem near the Conference Building that the Fair was moved in 1960 to the Federal Building in Balboa Park, where it has remained." By 1961, the Greater San Diego Science "Fair was not only as large as the National Science Fair, but of comparable quality... The boy and girl sweepstakes winners placed first and fourth at the National Science Fair-International held that year in Kansas City... Also in 1961, professional societies provided awards and "the Screening Committee was now becoming active." 324 entrants "were selected from approximately 3,000 exhibits screened at many local and school fairs." Inspirational…motivational…transformative… For over 60 years, the GSDSEF has been encouraging young minds in their pursuits that will define the next generation of scientific thought, discovery, and innovation. Pres.Obama speaks with Eric Chen about his project on influenza treatments 2014 (photo: Reuters - 27 May,'14) Robert Gonset, 14 designs a lie detector for the 1961 GSDSEF (SDUT)

Sponsors How To Support The Fair The GSDSEF Needs Your Support Since 1955, the Greater San Diego Science & Engineering Fair has been fostering creativity and innovation through inquiry and design. We celebrate students' STEM achievements and showcase how young minds can make an impact in the present and future. Why Contribute? The GSDSEF ... provides a forum for students to showcase their STEM research to the community. is a networking opportunity for students and the scientific, business, and academic communities. provides student recognition through awards and scholarships. provides an opportunity to advance to state, national, international, and other science and engineering competitions. By contributing to the GSDSEF, you are supporting the next generation of scientists, engineers, computer scientists, mathematicians, health-care professionals – the problem-solvers...doers...innovators...constructors – those who will make a positive difference in the world. GSDSEF_Brochure_for_Fundraising_ .pdf Download PDF • 1.06MB Become a Corporate Sponsor Premier - $25,000 and up • Major Sponsor of the GSDSEF • Introductory speech at Awards Ceremony, banner displayed • Name/Logo displayed on all GSDSEF digital and print literature Diamond - $15,000 - $24,999 • Presence on stage at Awards Ceremony, banner displayed • Name/Logo displayed on all GSDSEF digital and print literature Platinum- $10,000 - $14,999 • Mention at the Awards Ceremony, banner displayed Gold - $5,000 - $9,999 • Name/Logo displayed on all GSDSEF digital and print literature Silver - $2,500 - $4,999 • Name/Logo displayed on all GSDSEF digital and print literature Bronze - $1,000 - $2,499 • Name/Logo displayed on all GSDSEF digital and print literature Friends of GSDSEF - $999 and less • Name displayed on Sponsor page—no logo GSDSEF_Sponsorship_Levels .pdf Download PDF • 273KB Contact our team at sponsor@gsdsef.org to become a Corporate Sponsor. For individual or group donations, please contact us via the Contact Us Online link at the bottom of the page. Your support of the students of San Diego and Imperial Counties is greatly appreciated! The GSDSEF wishes to thank the following sponsors: Premier Sponsor $25,000 and up – Qualcomm Diamond Sponsors $15,000 - $24,999 – PECG (Professional Engineers in California Government), Xzom Platinum Sponsors $10,000 - $14,999 – ASML, Broadcom Foundation, General Atomics Science Education Foundation, Lilly, Walter J. and Betty C. Zable Foundation Gold Sponsors $5,000 - $9,999 – Thermo Fisher Scientific Silver Sponsors $2,500 - $4,999 – Collins Aerospace Systems, DRS Daylight Solutions, Future Forward Labs, Pfizer Bronze Sponsors $1,000 - $2,499 – Taiwanese American Foundation of S.D., Friends of GSDSEF In-Kind Sponsors – Fleet Science Center, San Diego County Office of Education, San Diego Wildlife Alliance GSDSEF is an all-volunteer, registered tax-exempt California non-profit 501 (c) 3 Corporation, operating as a Public Charity Status. We are totally dependent on donations from industry, business, and friends like you to make the science fair possible. EIN #23-7332855

Board of Directors Dr. Earl Williams, BOD President, Naval Information Warfare Systems Command Mr. Sany Zakharia, BOD Treasurer, Qualcomm Ms. Vickie Driver, Zim Biosciences Dr. Donna Kritz-Silverstein, UCSD Mr. Sam Ferguson, Lockheed Martin Board of Directors Dr. Earl Williams, BOD President, Naval Information Warfare Systems Command Mr. Sany Zakharia, BOD Treasurer, Qualcomm Ms. Vickie Driver, Zim Biosciences Dr. Donna Kritz-Silverstein, UCSD Mr. Sam Ferguson, Lockheed Martin Management Committee Steve Rodecker, Fair Executive Director Sany Zakharia, GSDSEF Treasurer/Fundraiser Officers *Board Members Emeritus* Phil Gay Wendy Gay Student Leadership Board Management Committee Member Arnav Dagar, SLB President Board of Directors Meeting Dates TBD Liaisons Mrs. Shirley Miranda, San Diego City Schools, Liaison to the California Science and Engineering Fair Mr. John Spiegel, San Diego County Office of Education Liaison The Management Committee is a group of volunteers who give their time and expertise to coordinate and produce the Greater San Diego Science & Engineering Fair.

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GSDSEF Privacy Statement Privacy and COPPA The Greater San Diego Science and Engineering Fair, Inc. (GSDSEF) exists to promote project-based learning in science/engineering/mathematics and to foster public awareness of the scientific/engineering/mathematics accomplishments of students throughout San Diego and Imperial Counties in grades 6-12, especially the accomplishments of those who participate in the GSDSEF. We recognize, however, that both parents and students are rightfully concerned about their online privacy. The purpose of this page is to explain the policies of the GSDSEF with respect to the protection of participants' privacy. This page also serves to satisfy the requirements of the Children's On-Line Privacy Protection Act of 1998 (COPPA), whose rules became effective on April 21, 2000. The privacy protection policies of the GSDSEF go beyond the requirements of COPPA by including all participants (not just those under age 13). Privacy Policy All private personal information about participants collected by the Greater San Diego Science and Engineering Fair will be used only for the purposes of the operation/promotion of the GSDSEF. No private personal information will be shared with any outside agency except as required for the operation/promotion of the GSDSEF. No personal or private information of any participant will be sold or given to any organization for any commercial purpose by the GSDSEF. However, the GSDSEF will share private personal information with external agencies which sponsor Special and Professional Society Awards. This information includes the addresses and/or email addresses of their award winners only for purposes of delivering award checks and/or invitations to awards dinners. "Private Personal Information" as used here means personal identifying information which would not normally be known by random strangers, and includes such information as a person's home address, phone number, birthdate, and parents’ names. Certain information about a participant, such as his/her school or grade in school, is not considered "private" for purposes of this policy. While a participant's name is certainly "personal identifying information," the GSDSEF does publicize the names, schools, and teachers of participants in its Fair Directory, as well as the accomplishments of its participants such as their awards, including posting them on the GSDSEF website. This use has been authorized by all participants and their parents, on their Application to the GSDSEF. How Does GSDSEF Collect Information About Participants? The principal avenue by which the GSDSEF collects information is the electronic screening form and subsequent application that every student completes as a prerequisite to participate in the GSDSEF. Student names, emails, telephone numbers, and schools are available to screeners and GSDSEF officials to access their projects. Screeners and other GSDSEF officials can see the emails and telephone numbers of students; however, screeners and GSDSEF officials are instructed that no student personal identifying information is to be shared with any other person or entity. This Website, gsdsef.org, Also Collects Information About Its Visitors As with every Web server, every requested URL is logged along with the time, IP address, and referring URL. This information cannot be used to identify any individual unless further information is explicitly provided by that person. We use the information we collect to measure the number of visitors to the different sections of our site, and to help us make our site more useful to visitors. We want to be very clear: We will not obtain personally-identifying information about you when you visit our site, unless you explicitly choose to provide such information to us. These are the only ways that any information about any person is collected by the Greater San Diego Science and Engineering Fair as of the time of this writing. Other forms may be created in the future if other opportunities are then offered by the GSDSEF, and should be included in the above list. United States Federal Government Information About Privacy Rules On October 21, 1998, COPPA, the Children's On-Line Privacy Protection Act of 1998, was signed into law by President Clinton, with broad support from industry and advocates for children and privacy. The statute required that the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) issue rules to implement COPPA's privacy protections within one year. On April 27, 1999, the Commission published a proposed rule in the Federal Register and requested public comment. Following a review of the comments, the FTC issued the final rule on October 20, 1999, giving websites six months to come into compliance with the Rule's requirements by the Rule's effective date of April 21, 2000. The full text of COPPA, and helpful documents constructed by the Federal Trade Commission, are all available on the "Children's Privacy" page of the FTC's website at https://www.ftc.gov/business-guidance/privacy-security/childrens-privacy . Questions about GSDSEFs Privacy Policy If you have any questions or concerns about the policy described above, please click a Contact Us link, here or at the bottom of each GSDSEF website page.

The purpose of the following template is to assist you in writing your accessibility statement. Please note that you are responsible for ensuring that your site's statement meets the requirements of the local law in your area or region. *Note: This page currently has several sections. Once you complete editing the Accessibility Statement below, you need to delete this section. To learn more about this, check out our article “ Accessibility: Adding an Accessibility Statement to Your Site ”. Accessibility Statement This statement was last updated on [enter relevant date] . We at [enter organization / business name] are working to make our site [enter site name and address] accessible to people with disabilities. WHAT WEB ACCESSIBILITY IS An accessible site allows visitors with disabilities to browse the site with the same or a similar level of ease and enjoyment as other visitors. This can be achieved with the capabilities of the system on which the site is operating, and through assistive technologies. ACCESSIBILITY ADJUSTMENTS ON THIS SITE We have adapted this site in accordance with WCAG [2.0 / 2.1 / 2.2 - select relevant option] guidelines, and have made the site accessible to the level of [A / AA / AAA - select relevant option] . This site's contents have been adapted to work with assistive technologies, such as screen readers and keyboard use. As part of this effort, we have also [remove irrelevant information] : Used the Accessibility Wizard to find and fix potential accessibility issues Set the language of the site Set the content order of the site’s pages Defined clear heading structures on all of the site’s pages Added alternative text to images Implemented color combinations that meet the required color contrast Reduced the use of motion on the site Ensured all videos, audio, and files on the site are accessible DECLARATION OF PARTIAL COMPLIANCE WITH THE STANDARD DUE TO THIRD-PARTY CONTENT [ONLY ADD IF RELEVANT] The accessibility of certain pages on the site depend on contents that do not belong to the organization, and instead belong to [enter relevant third-party name] . The following pages are affected by this: [list the URLs of the pages] . We therefore declare partial compliance with the standard for these pages. ACCESSIBILITY ARRANGEMENTS IN THE ORGANIZATION [ONLY ADD IF RELEVANT] [Enter a description of the accessibility arrangements in the physical offices / branches of your site's organization or business. The description can include all current accessibility arrangements - starting from the beginning of the service (e.g., the parking lot and / or public transportation stations) to the end (such as the service desk, restaurant table, classroom etc.). It is also required to specify any additional accessibility arrangements, such as disabled services and their location, and accessibility accessories (e.g. in audio inductions and elevators) available for use] REQUESTS, ISSUES, AND SUGGESTIONS If you find an accessibility issue on the site, or if you require further assistance, you are welcome to contact us through the organization's accessibility coordinator: [Name of the accessibility coordinator] [Telephone number of the accessibility coordinator] [Email address of the accessibility coordinator] [Enter any additional contact details if relevant / available]

Information Judges Info The Fair has three sets of judges: The Category judges These judges decide the Fair's own placements (first through third) in each of the 16 categories. Category (Morning) Judging will take place on Wednesday, March 18th , 2026 from 7:30AM –12:00PM. Grand Awards Judges These judges decide on the Fair's top awards in Life and Physical Sciences. Grand Awards Judging will take place on Wednesday afternoon, March 18th , 2026 from 1:00pm to 3:00pm. Special Awards (Registered Professional Societies) These judges choose among the participants based on specific criteria. Judging Timeline For 2026. Professional Society/Special Awards Judging will take place during the afternoon of Wednesday, March 18th , 2026 from 1:00pm to 3:00pm. Judging Descriptions Category Judging The Greater San Diego Science & Engineering Fair is an exciting and important San Diego community event that relies entirely on the generosity of our community's volunteers. The Fair will usually have about 325 science projects on display along with the 350 plus 6th-12th graders who produced them. Being a judge is actually a lot more fun than it sounds. It mostly requires listening to enthusiastic young kids tell you what they did. For anyone new to judging, there is a great deal of advice regarding how to judge kinds of questions to ask (see judging resources page). Also, judging is done in teams, so there are typically experienced judges to assist someone new, should that need arise. Most of the projects are done by 7th and 8th graders, so you don’t need to be a PhD (although we do appreciate having PhD’s on our judging teams). You do need a background in science, math, computers or engineering and a good knowledge of the scientific method. Click here to learn more about Category Judging Grand Award (Formerly Sweepstakes) Judging These are the very best projects in the Fair. Projects recommended for Grand Award consideration are reviewed by teams of our most experienced judges during the afternoon judging session (7 or more years of experience are required). Four Grand Award and four Runners-up are selected in both Junior (7th - 8th grade) and Senior (9th -12th grade) Division. Special Awards/Professional Society Judging Over 40 Professional Societies and other organizations present awards at the GSDSEF. Each provides its own judges and sets its own criteria for awards. In order to participate, one person for the Professional Society must agree to act as a point of contact for the GSDSEF. This person is responsible for recruiting judges for that Professional Society, and reporting their selected winners to the GSDSEF. Awards may be then left with the GSDSEF for distribution directly to students, or the Professional Society may arrange another method to present their awards. Click here to learn more about Special Awards/Professional Society Judging

Information What Are Special Awards? Note: What were previously referred to as “Professional Society Awards” are now called “Special Awards.” This updated name better reflects the wide variety of organizations that participate in sponsoring these recognitions. “Special Awards” is a broad term used to describe any recognition given independently by a participating group, organization, or company at the Greater San Diego Science & Engineering Fair (GSDSEF). This includes industry organizations, professional societies, special interest groups, nonprofits, businesses, and government agencies. Each year, these organizations come together to celebrate student achievement by sponsoring Special Awards that honor excellence in specific fields - from engineering and environmental science to health, innovation, and community impact. Why Special Awards Matter Special Awards are a meaningful way to recognize and encourage promising young scientists and engineers. These awards connect students with real-world opportunities and highlight exceptional work that aligns with an organization’s mission or values. Over 175 Special Awards and scholarships - totaling more than $40,000 - are given each year. We thank all the local and national organizations who support GSDSEF students through their generous contributions. How Special Awards Work Customize your award : Define the award’s name, field, selection criteria, number of winners, and the prize. Awards may include certificates, event invitations, gift cards, or monetary awards. Choose your judges : Send your own representatives or have GSDSEF select winners based on your specifications. Celebrate achievement : Awardees are recognized during the GSDSEF Awards Ceremony. Sponsors receive contact information to follow up with their winners directly. Who Can Sponsor a Special Award? We welcome: Industry organizations Professional societies Special interest groups Companies and startups Government agencies Nonprofit organizations Academic institutions Professional Awards Sponsors and Criteria .pdf Download PDF • 466KB If you’re interested in sponsoring an award, contact our Special Awards Coordinator, Sejal Pabari, at sejal.pabari@gsdsef.org . Awards and Eligibility Criteria The actual number and scope of sponsoring organizations from year to year can vary. Below, you will find a list of recent participants and their respective judging criteria for your reference. Please keep in mind that this is not a definitive list. Ready to Support the Next Generation of Scientists? Become a Special Award sponsor and help inspire future leaders in science, engineering, and innovation. If you’re interested in sponsoring an award, contact our Special Awards Coordinator, Sejal Pabari, at sejal.pabari@gsdsef.org . For more information about Professional Society and Special Awards, please review the Special Awards FAQs Page