From Pins to Pals: 2025 Regeneron ISEF finalists connect at the annual Pin Exchange Ceremony
The 75th Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair would not be complete if the annual pin exchange didn’t kick off the event. Finalists from all over the world come prepared with pins and unique knick-knacks from their countries. Many wear attire that reflects their home countries—the place they proudly call home.
Finalists from around the world bring a small token of home, often in the form of an enamel pin to collect and attach to their lanyards.
The ballroom where the event was held buzzed with a mix of languages and expressions as finalists eagerly awaited the start of ISEF festivities. For some, this was their first pin exchange; for others, like Norah Ahmed from Newburgh, Indiana, this marked her second ISEF.
Indiana’s pin features a robot inside the outline of the state, with ISEF rimmed on top and the year 2025 centered.
“Our team is very put together; we’re unified as a team,” Norah says. “We all chose this pin together and I love feeling that sense of connection with them.”
Another second-year returner, Elle Sugimoto from Honolulu, Hawaii, didn’t just bring pins, but she also brought a sweet pineapple gummy treat. “These are one of the candies made by the Dole factory here, which is from one of the plantations,” Elle says. She also adds that the pin exchange is great for meeting all these people from different parts of the world and sharing the love of science.
With over 1,700 young scientists from 49 U.S. states and more than 60 countries, regions, and territories, the pins they exchanged are unique to each student, yet all share a common passion for STEM.
Adrian Hernandez Vega, from Lakeland, Florida, shared that he’s fascinated by the math projects he’s learning about from his fellow finalists. “I did a math project in geometry, and I like seeing other math topics students are pursuing,” Adrian says.
First-time finalist, Faisal Al-Muhannadi, from Doha, Qatar, was also ecstatic to meet fellow young engineers and scientists. “We’re exchanging our cultures and knowledge,” Faisal says. “I think it’s important that we meet each other and we understand each other. It’s a fun experience, and I recommend it to everyone.”
This year’s Pin Exchange was sponsored by the Adam R. Scripps Foundation. Follow the events at ISEF 2025 through the Society’s Instagram, Facebook and Youtube channels.
