Let’s put a pin in this! Regeneron ISEF finalists at the annual Pin Exchange Ceremony
The 76th Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair kicked off this week with a wonderful tradition: the annual pin exchange ceremony. Finalists from all over the world come prepared with pins and unique knick-knacks from their countries. Many of them wear attire that reflects their home countries.
Once finalists connect on the floor, they swap enamel pins that represent their nation and attach them to their lanyards.
The room where it all happened was more than just exchanging pins. Students were also exchanging names, project details and forming new friendships.
First-time ISEF finalist, Lahari Nellore, 17, from Kirkland, Washington says her team brought a variety of pins that best represent them.
“One is an Alaska Airlines pin, since Alaska Airlines is really popular with us,” Lahari says. “We also brought the city of Bremerton flag, where our state fair is held, along with the American flag.”
While Lahari says she has her eye on a Koala pin from Australia, one of the most interesting pins she received so far has been a dragon pin from Thailand.
Northern neighbors to Arizona, Utah finalists Neve Bawden, 17 of Bountiful and Samantha Stander, 15 of Layton brought a pin that represented The Beehive State.
“We’re a state that has many hard workers,” Neve says. “We all work together, so our pin is a beehive, and then we added a little atom to symbolize science fair.”
While this marks Neve’s fourth ISEF, it is Samantha’s first!
“Just seeing so many people from different countries all in the same room has been really interesting,” Samantha says. Another first-time competitor, Darion Ayoola, 16, from Jonesboro, Georgia, brought a pin that has the iconic Georgia peach on it with electrical wires. He says the pin represents Georgia’s culture of blending agriculture and technology in the state.
“I’m looking forward to getting to know more of the people here,” Darion said. “As well as being able to go to the college fair and hearing from people who are responsible for admissions.”
Not only were pins being exchanged, but Hikaru Kuribayashi, 17, a senior from Sapporo, Japan, brought pieces of his project to share. In his box full of goodies, he was handing out pins, matcha candy and origami cranes. Origami is the Japanese art and culture of creating intricate folds and designs from a single piece of paper.
“I’m really looking forward to talking with many students who are the same age and talking about the research they’re in,” Hikaru says.
With more than 1,700 young scientists from 49 U.S. states and over 60 countries, regions and territories, the pins exchanged at Regeneron ISEF are unique to each student and delegation, while reflecting a shared passion for STEM.
This year’s Pin Exchange was sponsored by the Adam R. Scripps Foundation. Follow the events at Regeneron ISEF 2026 through theSociety’s Instagram, Facebook and Youtube channels.
