Regeneron ISEF is heating up in Phoenix!
Phoenix temperatures may be soaring into the triple digits, but so is the excitement as more than 1,700 finalists from around the world gather for Regeneron ISEF 2026. Back in Phoenix for the first time since 2019, young scientists and engineers filled the Phoenix Convention Center Monday night to kick off the world’s largest precollegiate STEM competition with big ideas, bold challenges and a reminder that science truly is a global language.
The Opening Ceremony offered a lively start to what promises to be an unforgettable week. Here are some snapshots of the energy, inspiration and excitement that defined the evening. Follow the links throughout this post to jump to specific moments in the Opening Ceremony video on YouTube.
Barb Baker, a familiar face who has hosted Regeneron ISEF for many years, got the evening started, welcoming the 2026 finalists, some of the brightest young innovators in the world.
Barb next introduced Maya Ajmera, President & CEO of Society for Science and Executive Publisher of Science News, who acknowledged the truly global nature of this year’s fair. She mentioned that some finalists would be competing remotely this year due to the ongoing conflicts, embassy closures and other travel issues. These finalists are from Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Mexico, Nigeria, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia and Zimbabwe.
Maya encouraged finalists to continue embracing the characteristics that have propelled them to Regeneron ISEF: curiosity, passion, grit and responsibility. She said, “The people around you might come from different countries, speak different languages or do research in different fields. But by being here, all these differences build a powerful commonality.”
George Yancopoulos, Regeneron co-Founder, Board co-Chair, President and Chief Scientific Officer, also took the stage to share some of his own journey and challenge finalists to think boldly about the future they will help shape. He issued a lofty, but vital challenge: “We need you, the best young minds, to take on our most important challenges. You all have a debt and responsibility to be the best ancestors you can be. We’re counting on you not just to inherit the future, but to build it, to fight for it and reimagine it. I dare you all to dream big, challenge everything, fail fearlessly and not hold back.”
In a light-hearted video, finalists in the halls of the Phoenix Convention Center shared their favorite scientists, what they’re looking forward to at Regeneron ISEF and even gave a preview of their victory dances.
The evening also featured a conversation with Ambassador Barbara Barrett, former U.S. Secretary of the Air Force, and Craig Barrett, retired CEO and Chairman of Intel. They shared personal stories from their long and illustrious careers and offered words of wisdom to the 2026 finalists.
Craig Barrett reflected on the ongoing conversation around artificial intelligence. “There’s a lot of talk about how AI is going to change education in every possible way. Thirty years ago, people said the same thing about the personal computer, but that didn’t happen for a very specific reason. Computers are a tool, AI is a tool, but there’s nothing more magical than a good teacher.”
Barbara Barrett offered finalists a reminder to savor the moment, encouraging them to see Regeneron ISEF not just as a competition, but as the beginning of something much bigger. “Enjoy the next few days. This will be one of the most memorable occasions of your life, even though your lives will be filled with exciting and fabulous things. These several days will be among your most exciting days and will kick off so much of what will be the joy of your career. Dare greatly and do something wonderful.”
Among the evening’s most memorable moments was the International Shout Out, one of Regeneron ISEF’s most beloved traditions, as finalists representing all 67 countries, regions and territories took the stage carrying their posters while video messages from each delegation were shared.
If the Opening Ceremony was any indication, there is plenty more to come at Regeneron ISEF. Check out the Society blog for the latest stories, and be sure to tune in to the Grand Awards Ceremony on Friday, May 15 at 12 p.m. ET!
