Society for Science to host 2025 Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) in Columbus, Ohio
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Society for Science is thrilled to announce that the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) 2025 will be taking place in Columbus, Ohio. The week-long event will be held May 10-16, 2025. ISEF was last hosted in Columbus in 1984, when 581 finalists from seven countries, regions and territories participated in the event. In 2025, that number is expected to jump to nearly 2,000 finalists from more than 60 countries, regions and territories.
Established in 1950, Regeneron ISEF gives the world’s best and brightest young scientists a global stage to share their outstanding science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) research and compete for more than $8 million in awards, prizes and scholarships. Each year, over 175,000 students compete in the Society’s 400 affiliated high school science fairs around the world. Top winners earn the right to compete at Regeneron ISEF where nearly 2,000 finalists, half of whom are young female scientists, are judged in 22 different categories.
The subject of two documentaries that launched at the Sundance Film Festival and a docuseries on Disney +, Regeneron ISEF plays a pivotal role in directing students toward STEM fields.
“The Columbus scientific community has welcomed Society for Science and the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair with open arms, and we look forward to returning there after more than 40 years,” said Maya Ajmera, President and CEO of Society for Science and Executive Publisher of Science News Media Group. “Home to Ohio State University and a thriving technology and healthcare community, I look forward to introducing young scientists from around the world to this incredible city.”
Each year the Society works with a local organization that will play a key role in organizing the event, including recruiting volunteers, interpreters and local businesses to support Regeneron ISEF. In Columbus, the Society will partner with the Ohio Academy of Science. These volunteers and businesses will help the Society inform, educate and inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers. More than 1,000 volunteers and 200 interpreters across a spectrum of activities will be needed.
“The Ohio Academy of Science is thrilled to welcome brilliant young minds from around the world to Columbus, Ohio, in 2025,” said Michael Woytek, Executive Director, Ohio Academy of Science. “We eagerly anticipate showcasing the cutting-edge innovation flourishing in the Buckeye State.”
Experience Columbus, the destination marketing organization for Columbus, anticipates a total of 10,000 attendees from around the world will visit Columbus for the event, leaving a huge impact on the local community. Tourism officials anticipate $9.2 million in direct visitor spend will be invested back into the local community as a result of the six-day event.
“It is an honor for Columbus to be selected to host this world-class event featuring the best and brightest in STEM,” said Brian Ross, President and CEO of Experience Columbus. “We can’t wait to showcase how the city has become an innovation hub with one of the most dynamic life science industries in the country since Society for Science was last here. We hope attendees will make time to explore all that Ohio’s capital has to offer, including visiting our unique attractions such as the Center of Science and Industry, or COSI, named the best science museum in the country for four consecutive years by USA Today 10Best.”
About Society for Science
Society for Science is a champion for science, dedicated to promoting the understanding and appreciation of science and the vital role it plays in human advancement. Established in 1921, Society for Science is best known for its award-winning journalism through Science News and Science News Explores, its world-class science research competitions for students, including the Regeneron Science Talent Search, the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair and the Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge, and its outreach and equity programming that seeks to ensure that all students have an opportunity to pursue a career in STEM. Learn more at www.societyforscience.org and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn and Snapchat (Society4Science).
