Latest News The 75th California Science and Engineering Fair Apr 12, 2026 Read More The 72nd Greater San Diego Science and Engineering Fair Mar 18, 2026 Read More The 75th International Science and Engineering Fair May 16, 2025 Read More The 71st Greater San Diego Science and Engineering Fair Mar 12, 2025 Read More

Past Results GSDSEF Directories, Awards, and Awards Ceremony Slides by Year 2026 Results - 72nd Annual GSDSEF (under construction) 2025 Results - 71st Annual GSDSEF 2024 Results - 70th Annual GSDSEF 2023 Results - 69th Annual GSDSEF 2022 Results - 68th Annual GSDSEF (under construction)

The GSDSEF Fair Executive Director, Board of Directors, and Management Committee are all volunteers who give their time and expertise to coordinate and produce the Greater San Diego Science & Engineering Fair each year.

SHOW YOUR BRILLIANCE SAN DIEGO'S SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING FAIR SINCE 1955 Science | Technology | Engineering | Math | Open to all San Diego and Imperial County Students Grades 6th through 12th Greater San Diego Science & Engineering Fair Since 1955, the GREATER SAN DIEGO SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING FAIR (GSDSEF) has provided an inspiring experience in science and engineering for tens of thousands of San Diego and Imperial County students, motivating them to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. This regional competition challenges students to go beyond classroom studies to do independent research – to ask compelling questions, to design and implement innovative solutions, and to present and defend results to judges who are professionals in their fields. Learn More STUDENTS How to Participate Student Resources Project Categories Mentoring Program Workshops LOGIN Calendar & Schedule Past Results Latest News TEACHERS How to get your Students Involved Create Account Advisor Responsibilities Teacher Resources LOGIN 72nd Greater San Diego Science and Engineering Fair The 72nd Greater San Diego Science and Engineering Fair was held this year at the Balboa Park Activity Center, on Wednesday, March 18, 2026. Read More BECOME A SPONSOR Thank You To Our Sponsors JUDGES Read More PROFESSIONAL SOCIETIES AND AWARDS Read More VOLUNTEERS Read More Important Dates JAN 2026 2 Student Registration Begins MAR 2026 12 Application Payments Required. TEACHERS This is a space to welcome visitors to the site. Grab their attention with copy that clearly states what the site is about, and add an engaging image or video. LOGIN Get Your Students Involved Add paragraph text. Click “Edit Text” to update the font, size and more. To change and reuse text themes, go to Site Styles. Advisor Responsibilities Add paragraph text. Click “Edit Text” to update the font, size and more. To change and reuse text themes, go to Site Styles. Teacher Resources Add paragraph text. Click “Edit Text” to update the font, size and more. To change and reuse text themes, go to Site Styles. STUDENTS The Science Fair is your gateway to discovering the endless possibilities within the scientific world. LOGIN HOW TO GET STARTED The GSDSEF follows the rules and guidelines set by the International Science and Engineering Fair. The GSDSEF has set additional guidelines to protect the safety of participants in addition to the ISEF Rules and Guidelines. PARTICIPATION PROCESS This is the space to describe the service and explain how customers or clients can benefit from it. It’s an opportunity to add a short description that includes relevant details, like pricing, duration, location and how to book the service. STUDENT RESOURCES This is the space to describe the service and explain how customers or clients can benefit from it. It’s an opportunity to add a short description that includes relevant details, like pricing, duration, location and how to book the service. MENTORING / TUTORING This is the space to describe the service and explain how customers or clients can benefit from it. It’s an opportunity to add a short description that includes relevant details, like pricing, duration, location and how to book the service. STUDENT AND TEACHERS RESOURCES The Greater San Diego Engineering & Science Fair promises an enriching experience for students and teachers alike. We have carefully organized a set of rules to guide participants through the event, providing a clear understanding of project categories and expectations. Get ready to engage with the wonders of science in a meaningful way! Explore ISEF and GSDEF Rules Sample text for Introduction of Rules Read More Categories Sample text for Introduction for Categories Read More Judges Sample text for Introduction for Judges Read More FEATURED PROJECTS Student Project Highlights ALL PROJECTS I’M AN IMAGE TITLE. I’M AN IMAGE TITLE. I’M AN IMAGE TITLE. I’M AN IMAGE TITLE. I’M AN IMAGE TITLE. I’M AN IMAGE TITLE. I’M AN IMAGE TITLE. I’M AN IMAGE TITLE. I’M AN IMAGE TITLE. I’M AN IMAGE TITLE. I’M AN IMAGE TITLE. I’M AN IMAGE TITLE. I’M AN IMAGE TITLE. I’M AN IMAGE TITLE. I’M AN IMAGE TITLE. I’M AN IMAGE TITLE. I’M AN IMAGE TITLE. I’M AN IMAGE TITLE. I’M AN IMAGE TITLE. I’M AN IMAGE TITLE. I’M AN IMAGE TITLE. I’M AN IMAGE TITLE. I’M AN IMAGE TITLE. I’M AN IMAGE TITLE. I’M AN IMAGE TITLE. I’M AN IMAGE TITLE. I’M AN IMAGE TITLE. I’M AN IMAGE TITLE. I’M AN IMAGE TITLE. I’M AN IMAGE TITLE. CASE STUDY Project Spotlight Year completed: 2025 STUDENT Describe the client PROBLEM ISSUE: DESCRIBE

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). Special Awards and Judging 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. GSDSEF Special Award Sponsors and Award Criteria 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.

Behavioral & Social Sciences The science or study of the thought processes and behavior of humans and other animals in their interactions with the environment studied through observational and experimental methods. Subcategories : Clinical & Developmental Psychology Cognitive Psychology Neuroscience Physiological Psychology Sociology and Social Psychology Other/Multiple Subcategories Clinical and Developmental Psychology: The study and treatment of emotional or behavioral disorders. Developmental psychology is concerned with the study of progressive behavioral changes in an individual from birth until death. Cognitive Psychology: The study of cognition, the mental processes that underlie behavior, including thinking, deciding, reasoning, and to some extent motivation and emotion. Neuroscience: Studies of the neural basis of cognitive processes, including learning and memory, language and thought, perception, attention, and affect. It investigates the human brain, from the functional organization of large-scale cerebral systems to microscopic neurochemical processes. Physiological Psychology: The study of the biological and physiological basis of behavior. This field studies the neural mechanisms of perception and behavior through direct manipulation of the brain in controlled experiments. Sociology and Social Psychology: The study of human social behavior, especially the study of the origins, organization, institutions, and development of human society. Sociology is concerned with all group activities-economic, social, political, and religious. Includes studies of consumers and decision-making about a particular product/service or study of the need, attitude, and markets of a particular group. Other/Multiple: Studies in Behavioral and Social Science that do not fit in the above subcategories or which may involve multiple subcategories. Next Project Category Previous Project Category

Information 2027 GSDSEF Schedule The 2027 GSDSEF will be held at the Balboa Park Activity Center in Balboa Park, 2145 Park Blvd, San Diego. See below for schedule details about the participation process and Fair Week: 2026-27 Participation Process Overview Student Account Creation Deadline 2026-2027 SRC Deadline – Safety Check 2027 Quality Screening Deadlines 2027 Application (Tab 8) & Payment Deadline 2027 zFairs Deadlines 2027 GSDSEF Fair Week Dates 2026-27 Participation Process Overview See specific dates below for the following three general stages of participation: August 2026 - January 2027 : Go through SRC Review (Scientific Review Committee – Safety Check), Work on Project, and go through Quality Screening February 2027 : After passing Quality Screening: complete application and payment in order to be accepted into the Fair March 2027 : After being accepted into the Fair: participate in Fair Week, including project setup, judging, awards ceremony, and project pickup For details, go to: How to Participate Student Account Creation Deadline December 7, 2026, 11:59pm – Last day to create a student account 2026-2027 SRC Deadline – Safety Check December 9, 2026, 11:59pm – Last day to submit SRC (Scientific Review Committee) information for safety approval. All projects must comply with the GSDSEF and ISEF Rules & Regulations . The window to submit SRC information is August 1 - December 9, 2026 . The earlier you get your project proposal approved through SRC, the earlier you can start on your project. All projects (including re-submissions) must have SRC safety approval by December 14, 2026 , in order to move on. 2027 Quality Screening Deadlines Once a project is completed, it must pass Quality Screening before it can be accepted into the GSDSEF. Quality Screening requires your timely submission of Digital Presentation slides that follow the GSDSEF template. You are strongly encouraged to submit your Digital Presentation earlier than the deadline for your school grade : January 15, 2027 – 6th and 7th grade Digital Presentation submissions due January 22, 2027 – 8th grade Digital Presentation submissions due February 1, 2027 – 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th grade Digital Presentation submissions due Digital Presentation submissions may be returned to a student for necessary corrections or clarifications in order to meet GSDSEF Quality standards. After making any required corrections or clarifications, the student must resubmit their Digital Presentation for final Quality Screening. February 12, 2027, 11:59pm – all Digital Presentation resubmissions due (ONLY required if your initial Quality Screening result was "Needs Modifications") NOTE: AFTER FEBRUARY 12TH, ANY PROJECT THAT STILL REQUIRES A DIGITAL PRESENTATION SUBMISSION OR RESUBMISSION WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED INTO THE GSDSEF, BECAUSE IT HAS NOT PASSED QUALITY SCREENING 2027 Application (Tab 8) & Payment Deadline February 19, 2027, 11:59pm – all GSDSEF Applications and Payments are due NOTE: AFTER FEBRUARY 19, ANY PROJECT WITHOUT A COMPLETED APPLICATION AND PAYMENT WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED INTO THE GSDSEF (FOR TEAM PROJECTS, THE APPLICATION AND PAYMENT MUST BE COMPLETED BY BOTH STUDENTS BEFORE THIS DEADLINE) 2027 zFairs Deadlines zFairs is a separate website from the one used above during project registration, SRC safety approval, Quality Screening, Application, and Payment. Each project accepted into the GSDSEF is required to upload project information into zFairs, so that: GSDSEF staff can assign projects to judging teams judges can preview your project prior to the Fair students can self-nominate their project for Special Awards February 22, 2027 – Students whose projects have been accepted into the Fair will receive an email from zFairs with their account information, so they can log in, complete their zFairs profile, and upload PDFs of their Notebook and Digital Presentation ( same slides that were submitted previously for Quality Screening ). These two PDFs must be uploaded for all projects . February 26, 2027, 11:59pm – all zFairs account profile completions, Digital Presentation PDF uploads, and Notebook PDF uploads due. You are strongly encouraged to complete your zFairs uploads earlier than this deadline. 2027 GSDSEF Fair Week Dates March 8-14, 2027, at the Balboa Park Activity Center (BPAC) Monday, March 8, 2027 10am-5pm – Fair Setup Tuesday, March 9, 2027 8am-1pm – Fair Setup 1-7pm – Student project setup at the BPAC – Bring your Backboard Display , Notebook , any display items , and a chair . All display items must be safety screened and approved in order for the items to be displayed. Before you leave, be sure to pick up your exhibitor badge . Note: after approval, valuable items such as laptops may be brought home, but remember to bring them with you again the next morning! Wednesday, March 10, 2027 7:15-8:00am – Student dropoff at the BPAC Bring your badge, a lunch, and a chair if not already brought! 8:00-11:30am – Category Awards Judging 11:30am-12:00pm – Student Lunch 11:45am-2:00pm – Special Awards Judging 12:30-3:00pm – Grand Awards Judging 3:00-3:30pm – Student pickup Thursday, March 11, 2027 BPAC Closed 6:30-9:00pm – Awards Ceremony (The Magnolia, 210 E Main St, El Cajon, CA 92020 , with free parking adjacent to the theater on W D Hall Drive off E. Main St; attendees are encouraged to check traffic in Apple/Google Maps etc to choose the best exit off Highway 8, as there are multiple options) Friday, March 12, 2027 BPAC closed to the public. Open for student tours 10am-2pm. Reservation information will be sent out to teachers/advisors. Saturday, March 13, 2027 10am-1pm – BPAC open to public to view projects. 1-3pm – Project pickup Sunday, March 14, 2027 10am-1pm – Project pickup – all projects remaining after 1pm will be disposed of 1-6pm – BPAC Cleanup

Information GSDSEF / ISEF Rules and Regulations The GSDSEF is an affiliated fair of the International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) and its parent organization, the Society for Science. Per the Society's Affiliated Fair Guidelines , this includes the requirement that the GSDSEF will "operate under the ISEF Rules and Guidelines and ensure that students and teachers are aware of these requirements as they begin research projects." All students who develop a project for the GSDSEF must read and comply with all Rules and Regulations in this document. Parents, teachers, and adult supervisors must also read and understand these rules and regulations. Below is an eligibility and participation overview, as well as the GSDSEF ETHICS STATEMENT , ISEF RULES , and ADDITIONAL GSDSEF RULES . WHO MAY ENTER THE GSDSEF Any 6th through 12th grade student attending a public, private, parochial, or home school in San Diego or Imperial Counties may enter a project into the Greater San Diego Science and Engineering Fair (GSDSEF). Team projects of not more than two students are permitted, and there is no requirement for participation in or qualification from a school or school district science fair. DIVISIONS Junior -- students in grades 6 through 8 (both students, for team projects) Senior -- students in grades 9 through 12 (both students, for team projects) Click here for details about how to participate in the GSDSEF . To summarize, students must: identify a teacher to oversee their project (an adult sponsor , as defined in the ISEF rules for Roles and Responsibilities of Students and Adults), and ask them to create an account for your project on the projects.gsdsef.org website (for team projects, both students must have an account created for them); complete a Review process by the GSDSEF SRC (Scientific Review Committee), where their project is reviewed for safety and other compliance with GSDSEF and ISEF rules; complete a Screening process to be accepted into the Fair, by uploading a digital overview of their completed project which is then reviewed by the SRC for quality; complete a Registration process to finalize their participation in the Fair, including uploading a final digital version of their project on the gsdsef.zfairs.com website; and participate in all required Fair Week activities, including setting up their project, attending judging sessions, and removing their project (attendance at the Awards Ceremony is also strongly encouraged). ETHICS STATEMENT FOR GSDSEF PARTICIPATION The GSDSEF follows the Ethics Statement of the International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF). Student researchers, as well as adults who have a role in their projects , are expected to maintain the highest ethical standards. These include, but are not limited to: Integrity. Honesty, objectivity, and avoidance of conflicts of interest are expected at every stage of the research. The project should reflect independent research done by the student(s), and represent only one year’s work. Legality. Compliance with all federal, country, state, and local law is essential. All projects must be approved by a Scientific Review Committee (SRC), and when necessary must also be approved by an Institutional Review Board (IRB), Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC), and/or Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC). Respect for Confidentiality and Intellectual Property. Confidential communications, as well as patents, copyrights, and other forms of intellectual property must be honored. Unpublished data, methods, or results may not be used without permission, and credit must be given to all contributions of research. Stewardship of the Environment. It is the responsibility of the researcher(s) and the adults involved to protect the environment and its organisms from harm. All projects involve some amount of risk. Everyone is expected to recognize the hazards, assess the risks, minimize them, and prepare for emergencies. Animal Care. Proper care and respect must be given to vertebrate animals. The guiding principles for the use of animals in research includes the following “Four R’s”: Replace, Reduce, Refine, Respect. Human Participant Protection. The highest priority is the health and well-being of the student researcher(s) and human participants. Potentially Hazardous Biological Agents (PHBAs ). It is the responsibility of the students and adults involved in the project to conduct and document a risk assessment, and to safely handle and dispose of organisms and materials. Scientific fraud and misconduct are not condoned at any level of research or competition. This includes plagiarism, forgery, use or representation of other researcher’s work as one’s own, and fabrication of data. Fraudulent projects will fail to qualify for competition in affiliated fairs and ISEF. The Society for Science reserves the right to revoke recognition of a project subsequently found to be fraudulent. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS BY ISEF These requirements are not limited to the following list. For COMPLETE requirements, please refer to the ISEF Rules and Guidelines . All students must adhere to local, state, and US Federal laws, regulations, and permitting conditions. Note: The GSDSEF may have additional restrictions or requirements beyond those of ISEF ( see below ). All projects must adhere to the GSDSEF rules, guidelines, and requirements in order to qualify for ISEF. It is the responsibility of the student and the Adult Sponsor/Teacher/Advisor to evaluate the study to determine if the research will require forms and/or review and approval PRIOR to experimentation . As necessary, SRC, IRB, IACUC, IBC approvals must be received and documented before experimentation begins. The use of non-animal research methods and alternatives to animal research are strongly encouraged and must be explored before conducting a vertebrate animal project. Introduction or disposal of non-native, genetically-altered, and/or invasive species (e.g. insects, plants, invertebrates, vertebrates), pathogens, toxic chemicals or foreign substances into the environment is prohibited. Please reference local, state, and national regulations. 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). Projects may include no more than 12 months of contiguous research and may not include research in the prior year. For example, for the 2026 ISEF competition, research cannot be from before January of 2025. A research project may be a part of a larger study performed by professional scientists, but the project presented by the student must only be only their own portion of the complete study. GSDSEF PROJECT SAFETY RULES AND GUIDELINES – in Addition to ISEF The Greater San Diego Science and Engineering Fair (GSDSEF) adheres to and complies with the Safety Rules and Guidelines of the International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF). Refer to the ISEF Rules and Guidelines for questions regarding general safety and specifically Vertebrate Animals, Research Involving Humans, Biohazards, and other Hazards. Research involving Vertebrate Animals and Humans have additional rules, regulations, and guidelines which must be complied with. In addition to the ISEF Rules and Guidelines, GSDSEF: reserves the right to decline any project it deems unsafe prohibits projects involving tobacco; tobacco products; smokeless powder; black powder; explosives; and the manufacture or production of rocket fuel and/or alcohol/other intoxicants or gasohol prohibits students from loading or reloading any ammunition requires any project in which anything is burned to complete a Hazards Form For questions about GSDSEF Rules, please contact Steve Rodecker, steve.rodecker@gsdsef.org

Biochemistry The study of the chemical basis of processes occurring in living organisms, including the processes by which these substances enter into, or are formed in, the organisms and react with each other and the environment. Subcategories : Analytical Biochemistry General Biochemistry Medicinal Biochemistry Structural Biochemistry Other/Multiple Analytical Biochemistry: The study of biochemical components found in a cell or other biological sample. The study of the separation, identification, and quantification of chemical components relevant to living organisms. General Biochemistry: The study of chemical and physiochemical processes, including interactions and reactions, relevant to living organisms. Medicinal Biochemistry: The study of biochemical processes within the human body, with special reference to health and disease. Structural Biochemistry: The study of components, functions, and structures of molecules of cells within living organisms. Projects in this subcategory can address various variables of cells through the theories of Chemistry and the laws of Physics. Other/Multiple: Studies in Biochemistry that do not fit in the above subcategories or which may involve multiple subcategories. Next Project Category Previous Project Category

Information Mentoring Program SLB Mentorship Program The GSDSEF SLB will be continuing its annual Mentorship Program designed to pair GSDSEF participants with experienced mentors to help you improve and succeed with your project. You will receive individualized attention with an experienced GSDSEF mentor who will not only assist you with the science/engineering in your project, but guide you through the GSDSEF participation process as well. Meetings will be approximately 30-45 minutes/week (or as needed) and conducted via Zoom. Mentors will guide you on how to: Navigate the online participation process Submit necessary ISEF forms for the Scientific Review Committee (SRC) Process Create an impactful methodology Gather reliable results Analyze complex data Organize information into presentable formats Prepare a cohesive presentation for Judges Prepare your digital and physical presentations and notebooks Extend the impact of your project And much, much more!! In order to best support students, GSDSEF SLB pairs mentees and mentors based on their project categories and interests. NOTE: We highly recommend students have a general understanding of what they want their project to be before signing up. Information on how to sign up for a mentor will be sent to your advisors/teachers in September and October. It will also be available here online.

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(used with QR code poster for Fair Week reminders) Important Student Reminders Remember on Tues-Wed March 17-18: Badges can be picked up once you have completed your Secondary Size & Safety check T-shirts (if you ordered one) can be picked up near the check-in table inside the Balboa Park Activity Center (BPAC). Wednesday you will need to be dropped off between 7:15 and 8:00 AM Line up on the north side (close to Park Blvd) of the BPAC before 8:00.You will be allowed in exactly at 8:00. Proceed to your project and get ready for judging, which starts at 8:15. Dismissal/Pickup on Wednesday is between 3:00 and 3:30 PM. Remember to bring your lunch as there is nothing to buy here! A water bottle with a screw on cap is also fine to bring You can bring a chair, and quiet things to do such as a book, homework, cards. If you are bringing home parts of your project overnight, you need to have them approved in the Size and Safety tent outside (to get a green re-entry sticker for each item) and bring them in the morning.