Regeneron ISEF brings the noise in the Buckeye State
The 75th Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair is officially underway in 2025! Nearly 1,700 finalists from more than 60 countries, regions and territories have come together in Columbus, Ohio for a week of sharing their original research and building connections with their peers from around the world.
Offering a preview of what’s sure to be an unforgettable week, the fair was ushered in with an energizing Opening Ceremony. Follow the links throughout this post to jump to specific moments in the Opening Ceremony video on YouTube.
If anyone wasn’t already fired up for the start of Regeneron ISEF, The Ohio State University pep band’s performance got everyone’s toes tapping. “Louie Louie” became Louie LouISEF as the sounds of blaring horns and trilling winds permeated the hall to entertain the world’s brightest young innovators.
A familiar face at Regeneron ISEF, seasoned emcee Barb Baker took the stage to open the evening’s program, starting by introducing Maya Ajmera, President and CEO of Society for Science and Executive Publisher of Science News.
Maya welcomed the finalists to Regeneron ISEF, expressing her hope that it would be “one of the best weeks of your lives!”
She shared stories of some of the remarkable Society alumni who once stood in the finalists’ shoes and encouraged the finalists to embrace the moment—and perhaps meet some lifelong friends. Maya told the crowd, “The students here might come from different countries, speak different languages, do research in different fields, but among the faces around you are people who care about science. The brainpower in this room is simply astonishing. In short, you have found your people.”
Next, Regeneron co-Founder and Chief Scientific Officer George Yancopoulos took the stage to address the finalists. He shared the story of what inspired his journey into science, along with lessons learned over the course of his career as one of the most successful drug discoverers in biopharma history.
George shared some wise words with the audience: “Challenge everything. Don’t just do things the way everyone else is doing them—don’t even accept everything you’ve been taught. If you’re doing something that’s likely and easily going to work, it’s probably not going to change the world. You change the world by daring to do something that most think is impossible. Every real breakthrough comes from pushing beyond the edge of what’s known and being okay with stumbling along the way.”
In a lighthearted interstitial video, Kevin Easterly, the Society’s “Man on the Street,” walked the halls of the Greater Columbus Convention Center, meeting finalists, learning where they were from, and ask hard-hitting questions like, “What’s your go-to brainfood?”
Maya returned to the stage to host a candid panel discussion of leaders who, in addition to being highly accomplished in their fields, are also helping make this year’s fair special—and uniquely Ohio. Here are some of their key insights:
Frederic Bertley, President and CEO, Center of Science and Industry; CEO, National Veterans Memorial and Museum
“The questions you’re answering are things you think about in your everyday lives: how to solve problems around energy and diseases your loved ones have. Your ability to learn outside of a school environment, where life really happens, is critical to solving some of the world’s greatest challenges.”
Jeni Britton, Founder, Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams; Founder & CEO, Floura
“Follow your curiosity. Trust your curiosity. It’s leading you somewhere, and you can build anything you can imagine.”
Walter “Ted” Carter, Jr. (ISEF 1977), President, The Ohio State University
“You’re the future that will build trust in our country and trust in the world. Everywhere, we see trust eroding. That trust can be found in the truth, and the truth can be found in science. So, believe in yourself, seek truth and tell the truth.”
Lou Von Thaer, President and CEO, Battelle
“We’re taught growing up that we should never fail, that we should never do anything wrong. But you have to. Be bold, don’t be afraid to fail, and embrace it when you do. Keep learning.”
Finally, finalists representing all 67 countries, regions and territories at this year’s fair were welcomed onto the stage for the International Shout Out, carrying their self-designed posters while a pre-recorded video message from each team was played for all to see.
There is plenty more to come at Regeneron ISEF 2025. Check out the Society blog for the latest stories, and be sure to tune in to the Grand Awards Ceremony on Friday, May 16 at 9 a.m. ET!
