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 2026-27, 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 2026-27 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. 2026 Sept. 19, 2026 - Workshop #1- Finding an Idea [NOTE new date, changed 8/28/2026] Sept. 26, 2026 - Workshop #2- GSDSEF Student Account and SRC Process [NOTE new date, changed 8/28/2026] Oct. 10, 2026 - Workshop #3- Using the Scientific Method/Engineering Design Process: Problem to Results Nov. 21, 2026 - Special Workshop (new this year!)- Summer Research Opportunities and Research Publications. [Watch here for updates] Dec. 5, 2026 - Workshop #4A- Basic Data Analysis and Statistics Dec. 12, 2026 - Workshop #4B- Advanced Data Analysis and Statistics 2027 Jan. 9, 2027 - Workshop #5- Screening- Digital Project Slidedeck and Notebook Feb. 13, 2027 - Workshop #6- Science Fair Display Backboard and Notebook March 6, 2027 - Workshop #7- In -person Science Fair Judging Practice ; [Location(s) will be provided in January 2027] March 27, 2027 - Workshop #8- Post Fair Workshop Check out our GSDSEF YouTube page for more workshops! 2025-26 Workshop Recordings 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

2022 Results - 68th Annual GSDSEF (under construction) long description coming soon Next Previous

Engineering: Electrical, Mechanical & Robotics a) Engineering: Electrical Studies involving electrical systems in which information is conveyed via signals and waveforms for purposes of enhancing communications, control and/or sensing. Subcategories: Circuits Internet of Things Microcontrollers Networking and Data Communications Optics and Photonics Sensors Signal Processing Other/Multiple Circuits: The study, analysis, and design of electronic circuits and their components, including testing. Internet of Things: The inter-networking of physical devices embedded with electronics, software, sensors, actuators, and network connectivity to enable objects to collect/exchange data and/or provide control. Such devices are to be connected with the internet and/or the cloud. Microcontrollers: The study and engineering of microcontrollers and their use to control other devices. Networking and Data Communications: The study of systems that transmit any combination of voice, video, and/or data among users. Optics and Photonics: The use of visible or infrared light instead of signals sent over wires. The study and development of optical devices and systems devoted to practical applications (e.g. photonics) such as computation. Sensors: The study and design of devices that transmit an electrical response to an external device. Signal Processing: The extraction of signals from noise and their conversion into a representation for modeling and analysis. Other/Multiple: Studies in Engineering: Electrical, Mechanical, and Robotics that do not fit in the above subcategories or which may involve multiple subcategories. b) Engineering: Mechanical Studies that focus on the science and engineering that involve movement or structure. The movement can be by the apparatus or the movement can affect the apparatus. Subcategories: Computational Mechanics Industrial Engineering-Processing Mechanical Engineering Computational Mechanics: A study that applies the discipline and techniques of computer science and mathematics to solve large and complex problems in Engineering Mechanics. Industrial Engineering-Processing: Studies of efficient production of industrial goods as affected by elements such as plant and procedural design, the management of materials and energy, and the integration of workers within the overall system. The industrial engineer designs methods, not machinery. Mechanical Engineering: Studies that involve the generation and application of heat and mechanical power and the design, production, and use of machines and tools. Other/Multiple: Studies in Engineering: Electrical, Mechanical, and Robotics that do not fit in the above subcategories or which may involve multiple subcategories. c) Robotics Studies in which the use of machine intelligence is paramount to reducing the reliance on human intervention. Subcategories: Biomechanics Cognitive Systems Control Theory Machine Learning Robot Kinematics Other/Multiple Biomechanics: Studies and apparatus which mimic the kinematic role of mechanics in biological systems. Cognitive Systems: Studies/apparatus that operate similarly to the ways humans think and process information. Systems that provide for increased interaction of people and machines to more naturally extend and magnify human expertise, activity, and cognition. Control Theory: Studies that explore the behavior of dynamical systems with inputs, and how their behavior is modified by feedback. This includes new theoretical results and the applications of new and established control methods, system modelling, identification and simulation, the analysis and design of control systems (including computer-aided design), and practical implementation. Machine Learning: Construction and/or study of algorithms that can learn from data involving a robot/machine. Robot Kinematics: The study of movement in robotic systems. Other/Multiple: Studies in Engineering: Electrical, Mechanical, and Robotics that do not fit in the above subcategories or which may involve multiple subcategories. Next Project Category Previous Project Category

Computer Science & Systems Software The study or development of software, information processes or methodologies to demonstrate, analyze, or control a process/solution. Subcategories: Algorithms Cybersecurity Databases Human/Machine Interface Languages and Operating Systems Mobile Apps Online Learning Virtual/Augmented Reality and Simulations (abiotic) Technology and the Arts Other/Multiple Algorithms: The study or creation of algorithms – step-by-step procedure of calculations to complete a specific task in data processing, automated reasoning and computing. Artificial Intelligence : Studies involving the ability of computers to think and learn--including speech recognition, problem solving, and planning. Cybersecurity: Studies involving the protection of a computer or computer systems against unauthorized access or attacks. This can include studies involving hardware, network, software, host or multimedia security. Databases: Studies that create or analyze data organization for ease of access, management and update. Human/Machine Interface: Software application that presents information to a user about the state of a process and to accept and implement the operator’s control instructions. Languages and Operating Systems: Studies that involve the development or analysis of artificial languages used to write instructions that can be translated into machine language and then executed by a computer or system software responsible for the direct control and management of hardware and basic system operations of a computer or mobile device. Mobile Apps: A study involving a software application developed specifically for use on small, wireless computing devices. These studies may include front-end development techniques, such as user interface design and cross-platform support, and/or back-end development techniques, such as data services and business logic. Online Learning: Studies that focus on utilizing electronic technologies to access educational curriculum outside of a traditional means. Studies explore the design of learning activities and programs with online technologies, as well as the effective use of e-learning systems. Virtual/Augmented Reality and Simulations (abiotic) : Creation of immersive, simulated environments using computer systems allowing the user to use/explore/manipulate 3D visual images. Technology and the Arts: Display Technology (DSP): New presentation technology to enhance the realism and excitement in entertainment. Human Information Exchange (HIE): Technologies that enhance linguistic communications between people to include languages, interpretations, and narrations. Music and Image Manipulation (MIM): The use of waveform manipulation technology to create, enhance or improve the enjoyment and/or selection of music or images. Games (GAM): Technology that creates or enhances the interactive sensory environments for competition. 3D Modeling (MOD): Technologies based on additive processes to produce new 3D art works. Engineering Effects (ENG): The use of autonomous devices to enhance the human artistic experience. Other/Multiple: Studies in Computer Sciences and Systems Software that do not fit in the above subcategories or which may involve multiple subcategories. Next Project Category Previous Project Category

SLB SLB Members 2026-2027 Student Leadership Board Board Officers: President - Steven Chen Vice President of Outreach - Medha Aravind Vice President of Activities - Adhiban Arulselvan Secretary - Ritam Sen Treasurer - Jolina Jian 2026-27 SLB Members: NAME SCHOOL GRADE Aarav Ahuja Del Norte High School 11 Aarav Wadhwani Del Norte High School 10 Aaron Cooper Canyon Crest Academy 10 Adhiban Arulselvan Scripps Ranch High School 11 Advita Rajagopalan Del Norte High School 10 Agustya Ganti Eastlake High School 9 Alexander Allport La Jolla High School 11 Amy Zhang Westview High School 10 Anabia Ehsan Scripps Ranch High School 10 Andrew Xu The Bishop's School 9 Andy Feng The Bishop's School 10 Angelynn Ham Olympian High School 9 Anika Marathe Del Norte High School 11 Arjun Karthik Del Norte High School 9 Ashwin Mantravadi Del Norte High School 11 Audrey Guo Torrey Pines High School 11 Benjamin Luo Canyon Crest Academy 12 Charles Brum Cathedral Catholic High School 10 Charlotte Capaldi Canyon Crest Academy 11 Chloe Li Canyon Crest Academy 11 Chris Zheng The Bishop's School 12 Daniel Guo The Bishop's School 12 Derek Kang Del Norte High School 12 Emma Liu The Bishop's School 12 Ethan Hu The Bishop's School 10 Ethan Yu Del Norte High School 12 Guhan Senthil Canyon Crest Academy 11 Harper Tilley La Jolla Country Day School 11 Harshini Bharadwaj Del Norte High School 10 Humayra Paband To Be Determined 10 Ihan Sung Eastlake High School 12 James Cao La Jolla High School 11 Janeiro Perry Health Science High and Middle College 12 Janet Yang Canyon Crest Academy 12 Jeyanth Narayan Parthasarathy Canyon Crest Academy 11 Joie Green La Jolla High School 9 Jolina Jian Canyon Crest Academy 11 Jonah Luo Del Norte High School 12 Jonathan Wang Del Norte High School 12 Joshua Wang Del Norte High School 10 Kaden Wu Canyon Crest Academy 11 Kathleen Wang Canyon Crest Academy 11 Kayley Xu The Bishop's School 12 Khushi Brahmbhatt Del Norte High School 9 Kiruthic Selvakumar Del Norte High School 12 Kristen Yu The Bishop's School 12 Kyra Malik Canyon Crest Academy 11 Leo Meng Westview High School 12 Leviel Sachs La Jolla High School 9 Lillian Xu Francis Parker School 12 Madison Chen The Bishop's School 12 Maggie Hao The Bishop’s School 11 Matthew Yang The Cambridge School 10 Maya Bantval Canyon Crest Academy 10 Medha Aravind Del Norte High School 12 Medha Ravi Canyon Crest Academy 11 Menahem Nassi Rancho Bernardo High School 9 Mihir Bapat Del Norte High School 12 Navvu Gara Del Norte High School 11 Nicole Zagursky The Bishop’s School 9 Nikhil Srinivasan Canyon Crest Academy 11 Nisa Thomas Del Norte High School 11 Omar Abdulaziz Scripps Ranch High School 11 Raunav Mendiratta Westview High School 11 Risha Guha Del Norte High School 12 Rishabh Bhatia Canyon Crest Academy 9 Ritam Sen Francis Parker School 11 Ruchika Kench Del Norte High School 11 Ryan Zoch Rancho Bernardo High School 10 Saif Khsroo Patrick Henry High School 9 Samaira Agrawal Canyon Crest Academy 9 Savithr Mantravadi Del Norte High School 9 Sharvi Mahajan Westview High School 9 Shriya Paladugu Del Norte High School 12 Siri Tipirneni Canyon Crest Academy 11 Smaran Mukkavilli Canyon Crest Academy 10 Sophia Manuel Eastlake High School 9 Sophie Khan Westview High School 10 Steven Chen Canyon Crest Academy 11 Sumedha Mishra Rancho Bernardo High School 11 Swar Sinha Westview High School 10 Tanvi Pyla Canyon Crest Academy 9 Virginia Zhu Del Norte High School 11 Yash Parikh Del Norte High School 12 For questions or information on our workshops, project advice/peer mentoring, and other Student Leadership Activities, please CONTACT US at: gsdsefslb@gmail.com For all other questions and information, please use the Contact Us button at the bottom of the webpage. SLB Advisor and Supervisor: Mr. Steve Rodecker, Fair Executive Director Emeritus, steve.rodecker@gsdsef.org

Sponsors Sponsors 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 $5000 - $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. The Super Dentists Friends of GSDSEF In-Kind Sponsors San Diego County Office of Education San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance Signa Digital Solutions Area Merchants, Businesses, Community Organizations San Diego City Parks and Recreation – Balboa Park Activity Center Community Volunteers

Product Testing (Junior Division Only) Studies of quality control, and/or comparison studies of product designs by using accepted scientific tests to obtain quantifiable results. Product Testing: The study of the comparison and testing of commercial off–the-shelf products for quality and/or effectiveness for intended use in real-world consumer-oriented applications. Next Project Category Previous Project Category

Information Student Resources RESOURCES FOR A SUCCESSFUL SCIENCE, ENGINEERING, COMPUTER SCIENCE, OR MATHEMATICS PROJECT PREPARING FOR JUDGING: This PDF contains information for the Size and Safety requirements, the Do's and Dont's of putting together your project display board, what is allowed and not allowed with or on your display board, and sample board layouts. The following resources will also provide you with valuable information to help you decide which type of project you would like to do and how to have a successful project. Section A: Deciding on what Type of Project: Science, Engineering, Mathematics, or Computer Science Section B: Getting Project Ideas/Designing a Unique Project Section C: Deciding Which Forms are Needed Before Starting a Project Section D: Resources on How to Design and Conduct a Science or Engineering Project Section E: Resources for Background Research/Articles Section F: Publishing Your Project in Scientific Journals Section A: Deciding on what type of Project: Science, Engineering, Mathematics, or Computer Science Look at the Student Guides to differentiate between Science Research and Non-Inquiry based Research. Some areas of research are based on the scientific method, but since engineers, inventors, and computer programmers have different objectives than those of other scientists, they follow a different process. What makes a Good STEM Research Project .pdf Download PDF • 68KB Comparing_the_scientific_method_to_the_engineering_design_method .pdf Download PDF • 680KB Engineering_project_guidelines .pdf Download PDF • 210KB Computer_science_project_guidelines .pdf Download PDF • 328KB Math_project_guidelines .pdf Download PDF • 213KB VIDEO LINK: Comparing Science and Engineering Projects - GSDSEF video series Section B: Getting Project Ideas If you aren’t sure what kind of project you would like to work on, there are several sites that can help with ideas…HOWEVER… YOU WILL NEED TO MAKE THE PROJECT UNIQUE AND YOUR OWN! Whatever you come up with, “Google” it to make sure it is not a “been there-done that” project. Remember, even one change you make to an existing procedure/protocol makes it your own! Links to other successful project ideas...Again, these projects are NOT to be repeated or copied!!! They are to give you some ideas... General Science or Engineering: Science Buddies can help. Answer a short questionnaire about your interests and hobbies and it will use your responses to recommend ideas you will enjoy: https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-fair-projects/project-ideas Environmental Inquiry Project Ideas: https://gradcoach.com/research-topics-environmental-sciences/ Geology Project Ideas: https://www.usgs.gov/programs/earthquake-hazards/science-fair-project-ideas Math Project Ideas: https://cms.math.ca/Education/mpsf/ You can also check out the Society for Science Database to see award-winning projects at the International Science and Engineering Fair to get ideas for a project. https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/ The California State Science Fairs has abstracts from winning projects from all over the state of California. - Pick a year and then click on "Projects organized by category". Browse the categories & open what interests you. Look through the project titles that are "hot linked". Read the abstract. It may spark an idea for a new investigation that is uniquely your own. Whatever idea you come up with for your project, be sure to Google it to be sure it is unique. https://csef.usc.edu/History/ This site, UCRiverside Chemical Engineering Fun for Kids , is a springboard for ideas in Chemical Engineering. It also has fun activities you can try out. https://engineeringonline.ucr.edu/chemical-engineering-fun-kids/ If you are interested in electrical projects, this site has background information, activities, and links to help you think of your own project: https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-fair-projects/science-projects/electricity-electronics This website, Best Kid Stuff: Kid’s Online Learning Tools for Science, Technology, and Beyond connects you to other sites for science fair project ideas and resources, as well as coding and programming resources for all ages: https://www.bestkidstuff.com/stem/online-learning-tools-science-tech/ Consider these questions as you come up with a project idea: Is my project unique in at least one aspect, or has it been done before exactly? Is my project an experiment/investigation or is it a demonstration of principle? Is the answer to my question already known? Will my investigation add something new to what is known about the topic? How much time will it take to conduct my research? Will I be able to meet all of the deadlines? Will it look like I did it in one day? Are my results measurable (using the metric system) or is it only based on observation? projects_to_avoid .pdf Download PDF • 60KB VIDEO LINK: Projects to Avoid - GSDSEF video series Tutorials on how to make a project your own: Tutorial_on_adapting_project_ideas .pdf Download PDF • 100KB Strategies for an Original Science Fair Project from Scientific American Section C: Deciding on What Forms Are Required You’ve decided on a project but you’re not sure if Additional ISEF Forms need to be completed before beginning. All projects requiring Additional ISEF Forms must be reviewed and approved by the GSDSEF Scientific Review Committee (SRC) BEFORE STARTING with experimentation. Please find all the necessary ISEF forms on your student account . Your teacher/advisor can help you with the SRC pre-approval and make sure you have any necessary forms completed. If you have questions or are unsure concerning a project's acceptability, please have your teacher/advisor contact the Scientific Review Committee Rose Armour at rose.armour@gsdsef.org . Note: due to geographic regions and state/local rules, GSDSEF reserves the right to prohibit projects that use dangerous items that may be considered acceptable in ISEF. Section D: Resources on Conducting a Successful Science or Engineering Project Do you need help with the scientific method or following the Engineering principles to design and work on your project? The following resources will help you with the information on working through your project. UPDATED 2020 : Use the GSDSEF Sample Student Notebook as a template to produce a quality science fair notebook. The sample notebook contains a description, directions, and example for each section. It also includes a checklist and timeline to ensure each section is completed in a timely manner. Sample Student Notebook .pdf Download PDF • 559KB Science-fair-vocabulary .pdf Download PDF • 175KB gsef-student-guide-how-to-do-a-science-fair-project .pdf Download PDF • 1.30MB Using the Scientific Method - Science Buddies Using the Engineering Method - Science Buddies How to do a Science Fair Project video series from JPL/NASA Research at Home Resources by Society for Science & the Public (ISEF) Keeping a Logbook (Janice VanCleave) How to do an Engineering Project - GSDSEF video series Projects need to use SI (International System of Units: metric measurements, ampere, kelvin, etc.) and data tables/charts and graphs need to be clearly labeled. The following resources will help you with conversions and in creating charts/tables and graphs using Excel spreadsheets: Metric Conversion Calculator Metric Conversion Calculator Convert Me: Basic, Engineering, and Computer Conversions Creating charts in excel .pdf Download PDF • 641KB Creating_bar_graphs .pdf Download PDF • 357KB Creating_line_bar_graphs .pdf Download PDF • 309KB Graphing Tutorial website How to Write an Abstract: How-to-write-an-abstract .pdf Download PDF • 11KB Tips_on_writing_a_project_abstract .pdf Download PDF • 73KB How to Write an Intel ISEF Abstract Writing Abstracts (from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill) Backboard Display Info and Examples: GSDSEF DISPLAY REQUIREMENTS .pdf Download PDF • 182KB Science Fair Display Sample .pdf Download PDF • 275KB Engineering Display Sample .pdf Download PDF • 271KB What are Judges Looking for in the Projects: Judging_standards .pdf Download PDF • 93KB Helpful_hints_to_prepare_for_judging .pdf Download PDF • 97KB See also Guidelines for Engineering, Computer Science, and Mathematics Projects in Section A for specific criteria. How to Answer the 5 Most Common Questions Science Fair Judges Ask (Scientific American blog) Section E: Resources for Background Research/Articles Do you need information on specific topics for your project. The sites below has a library of articles that can be used for background research or just to learn more about science, math, and/or technology: (Don't forget to cite your sources in your project!) A Kid's Guide to Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Resource submitted by E. Williams and Amelia Science Resources Math Resources A Beginner's Glossary of Coding and Programming Terms plus Additional Resources Resource submitted by A. Pruitt and Avery Computer Science Resources Science News for Students Science Daily – Your source for latest research Resources from NASA US Geological Survey - Research US Geological Survey - Earthquakes for Kids Science Now Smithsonian - Science/Nature Info Please Neuroscience for Kids Activities, Games, and Resources Tinkering, Simple Electronics, Simple Machines, Engineering, and Coding Engineering Games and Activities - Includes descriptions of Engineering fields (added September 2022) Free STEM Activities and Resources for Kids Try Engineering - Learn about the different Engineering fields. This site includes resources, games, activities, lesson plans for teachers, and more Section F: Publishing Your Project in Scientific Journals PUBLISH YOUR RESEARCH: The National High School Journal of Science Journal of Emerging Investigators The Journal of Experimental Secondary Science Young Scientists Journal Journal of Youth in Science (JOURNYS) Workshops presented by the Student Leadership Board (SLB) are available to help you through the process. Sign up for one of these invaluable workshops, or if you were unable to attend, check out their powerpoint presentations.

Computational Biology & Bioinformatics Studies that primarily focus on the discipline and techniques of computer science and mathematics as they relate to biological systems. This includes the development and application of data-analytical and theoretical methods, mathematical modeling and computational simulation techniques to the study of biological, behavior, and social systems. Subcategories: Computational Biomodeling Computational Epidemiology Computational Evolutionary Biology Computational Neuroscience Computational Pharmacology Genomics Other/Multiple Computational Biomodeling : Studies that involve computer simulations of biological systems most commonly with a goal of understanding how cells or organism develop, work collectively and survive. Computational Epidemiology: The study of disease frequency and distribution, and risk factors and socioeconomic determinants of health within populations. Such studies may include gathering information to confirm existence of disease outbreaks, developing case definitions and analyzing epidemic data, establishing disease surveillance, and implementing methods of disease prevention and control. Computational Evolutionary Biology : A study that applies the discipline and techniques of computer science and mathematics to explore the processes of change in populations of organisms, especially taxonomy, paleontology, ethology, population genetics and ecology. Computational Neuroscience: A study that applies the discipline and techniques of computer science and mathematics to understand brain function in terms of the information processing properties of the structures that make up the nervous system. Computational Pharmacology: A study that applies the discipline and techniques of computer science and mathematics to predict and analyze the responses to drugs. Genomics: The study of the function and structure of genomes using recombinant DNA, sequencing, and bioinformatics. Other/Multiple: Studies in Computational Biology and Bioinformatics that do not fit in the above subcategories or which may involve multiple subcategories. Next Project Category Previous Project Category

Information Judges Info The Fair has three sets of judges: Category Awards Judges These judges decide the Fair's own placements (first through third) in each of the categories of the Junior and Senior Divisions . Category Judging will take place during the morning of Judging Day in March (see the Schedule page). Grand Awards Judges These judges decide on the Fair's top awards in Life and Physical Sciences. Grand Awards Judging will take place during the afternoon of Judging Day in March (see the Schedule page). Special Awards (Registered Professional Societies) These judges choose among the participants based on specific criteria, as described on this page . Special Awards Judging will take place during assigned periods per organization of Judging Day in March (see the Schedule page). Judging Descriptions Category Awards 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 over 400 science projects on display and the over 450 6th-12th graders who produced them. Being a judge is a lot more fun than you might think, mostly requiring just 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 and what kinds of questions to ask on this page . Category Judging is always done in teams, so each team will have an experienced captain and others who can advise new judges. 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 (except perhaps for the Product Testing category), and a good knowledge of the scientific method. Grand Awards Judging (formerly Sweepstakes Awards 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 (5 or more years of experience are required). Four Grand Award and four Runners-up are selected in both Junior (6th-8th grade) and Senior (9th-12th grade) Divisions. Special Awards Judging Numerous professional societies and other organizations present Special Awards at the GSDSEF. Each provides its own judges and sets its own criteria for awards. Details are described on this page . Click here to learn more about Special Awards 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 - from nonprofits to global corporations - 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, businesses, nonprofit organizations, academic institutions, 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. Special Awards by the Numbers Our Special Awards program is a cornerstone of the GSDSEF experience: 60+ sponsoring organizations, including professional societies, businesses, and government agencies. 250+ professional judges representing local and national industries. 200+ unique awards and recognitions. $40,000+ in total prizes and scholarships awarded annually. How Special Awards Work There is no set minimum financial commitment - you have full flexibility to customize your involvement: Define Your Award: You determine the award’s name, field of interest, selection criteria, and the prize. Choose Your Prize: Awards range from formal certificates and branded swag to professional event invitations. Monetary awards typically range from $100 to $1,000, though some organizations choose to sponsor immersive experiences. Select Your Winners: You can send your own representatives to judge on-site or have the GSDSEF select winners based on your specific criteria. Celebrate Achievement: Awardees are recognized during the GSDSEF Awards Ceremony, and sponsors receive contact information to follow up with their winners directly. Become a Sponsor We welcome participation from industry organizations, professional societies, nonprofits, startups, and academic institutions. Help us inspire the next generation of leaders in science and innovation. Ready to get started? If you are interested in sponsoring an award, please contact our Special Awards Coordinator: Sejal Pabari | specialawards@gsdsef.org

Biomedical/Health Sciences & Bioengineering a) Biomedical/Health Sciences This category focuses on studies specifically designed to address issues of human health and disease. It includes studies on the diagnosis, treatment, prevention or epidemiology of disease and other damage to the human body or mental systems. Includes studies of normal functioning and may investigate internal as well as external factors such as feedback mechanisms, stress or environmental impact on human health and disease. Subcategories: Cell, Organ, and Systems Physiology Genetics and Molecular Biology of Disease Immunology Nutrition and Natural Products Pathophysiology Other/Multiple Cell, Organ, and Systems Physiology: These studies investigate mechanisms that are involved in maintaining health or when disrupted, cause disease. They could involve investigating such things as the role of cell signaling pathways both within the cell (intracellular) and/or between cells (extracellular). Alternatively, studies in this subcategory could investigate the maintenance of homeostasis at the organ or whole-body level (e.g., hormonal control and regulation). These studies may also be in areas such as disease-related, stress-related, biochemical, mechanical, or physical changes at the tissue, organ, and /or cellular level. Genetics and Molecular Biology of Disease: These studies investigate the genetic and molecular mechanisms involved in the regulatory pathways that maintain normal body and cellular function or if disturbed can lead to disease. Studies could include examining the activation and deactivation of genes (e.g., transcription factors or epigenetic regulation) or involve more classical genetic identification studies. Immunology: These studies will investigate any aspects of the immune system that are involved in maintaining health or when altered lead to pathology. These studies can include new investigations of normal immune function (e.g., immune cell interactions and signaling), or they may study diseases caused by disorders in regulation of the immune system (e.g., immunodeficiency or autoimmunity). Alternatively, the studies could investigate problems such as graft vs host or host versus graft disease that arise during the treatment of other diseases or conditions. Nutrition and Natural Products: The study of food, nutrients and dietary need in humans, and the effects of food and nourishment on the body. These studies may include the effects of natural or supplemental nutrients and nutrition. Pathophysiology: These studies will be focused on determining specific causes of disease and on physiological mechanisms responsible for disease development. Investigations in this category will examine changes in the normal physiological balance, or homeostasis that cause a reaction(s) within the body leading to disease. b) Bioengineering Projects that involve the application of engineering principles and design concepts to medicine and biology for healthcare purposes including diagnosis, monitoring and therapy. Prominent biomedical engineering applications include the development of biocompatible prostheses, various diagnostic and therapeutic medical devices ranging from clinical equipment to micro-implants, common imaging equipment such as MRIs and EEGs, regenerative tissue growth, pharmaceutical drugs and therapeutic biologicals. Subcategories: Biomaterials and Regenerative Medicine Biomechanics Biomedical Devices Biomedical Sensors and Imaging Cell and Tissue Engineering Synthetic Biology Other/Multiple Biomaterials and Regenerative Medicine: These studies involve the creation or use of biomaterials or biocompatible materials to construct a whole or a part of a living structure. These studies can include scaffolds for recruiting or supporting regenerative cells or tissues or the engineering designs for creating the correct environment for regenerative growth. Biomechanics: Studies that apply classical mechanics (statics, dynamics, fluids, solids, thermodynamics, and continuum mechanics) to understand the function of biological tissues, organs, and systems and solve biological or medical problems. It includes the study of motion, material deformation, flow within the body and in devices, and transport of chemical constituents across biological and synthetic media and membranes. Biomedical Devices: The study and/or construction of an apparatus that use electronics and other measurement techniques to prevent and/or treat diseases or other conditions within or on the body. Biomedical Sensors and Imaging: The study and/or construction of an apparatus or technique that obtains data to measure a condition of the body using physical phenomenon (sound, radiation, magnetism, etc) with high speed electronic data processing, analysis and display to support biomedical advances and procedures. Cell and Tissue Engineering: Studies that utilize the anatomy, biochemistry and mechanics of cellular and sub-cellular structures in order to understand disease processes and to be able to intervene at very specific sites. Synthetic Biology: Studies that involve the design and construction of new biological parts, devices and systems. Such studies include biological circuit design, genetic circuits, protein engineering, nucleic acid engineering, rational design, directed evolution and metabolic engineering. Other/Multiple: Studies in Biomedical/Health Sciences and/or Bioengineering that do not fit in the above subcategories or which may involve multiple subcategories. Next Project Category Previous Project Category