Society for Science and Thermo Fisher Scientific Extend Partnership to Support Premier U.S. Middle School STEM Research Competition

Continuation of the Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge will help more students discover STEM and inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers

Key Takeaways:

• Thermo Fisher Scientific will extend its title sponsorship of the Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge (Thermo Fisher JIC), a program of Science for Science, through 2030.
• The Thermo Fisher JIC provides young scientists and engineers the opportunity to showcase their STEM research, compete at a national level and connect with a community of like-minded peers.

WASHINGTON, D.C., Society for Science (the Society) today announced that global life sciences leader Thermo Fisher Scientific has renewed its title sponsorship of the Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge through 2030. The renewed sponsorship ensures that the program continues to inspire innovation and nurture talent among middle school students nationwide.

“We are proud to continue our partnership with Thermo Fisher Scientific,” said Maya Ajmera, President and CEO of Society for Science and Executive Publisher of Science News. “Their support enables us to reach young scientists at a critical moment in their development — the middle school years, when curiosity is high, foundational STEM skills are taking shape and students are forming their identities. Together, we are delivering a real and lasting impact for the next generation of innovators.”

Thermo Fisher’s sponsorship of the Thermo Fisher JIC reflects its longstanding commitment to broadening access to STEM education. For decades, the company has invested in school- and community-based STEM programs, and employees across the company volunteer thousands of hours each year to support education initiatives around the world.

“Access to hands-on STEM learning experiences like the Thermo Fisher JIC can change how students see the world and their ability to improve it,” said Meron Mathias, Vice President, Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainability, Thermo Fisher Scientific. “Through our continued partnership with Society for Science, we can help more students of all backgrounds build critical skills, connect with peers and mentors and recognize the potential of their ideas to shape a healthier, cleaner and safer world.”

Each year, nearly 300 middle school science fairs across the country affiliate with the Society’s science fair network and nominate students to compete in the Thermo Fisher JIC. Sixth, seventh and eighth grade students who place in the top 10% of their science fairs are eligible. Finalists go on to showcase their projects in Washington, D.C., compete in team challenges, visit historical sites and vie for more than $100,000 in awards, including the $25,000 Thermo Fisher Scientific ASCEND (Aspiring Scientists Cultivating Exciting New Discoveries) Award.

This enduring partnership between Society for Science and Thermo Fisher demonstrates their shared vision of empowering young minds to push the boundaries of scientific discovery.

To find out whether your local science fair is affiliated with the Society for Science, or to find an affiliated fair in your area, visit findafair.societyforscience.org.

What is 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 STEM Outreach programming that seeks to ensure that all students have an opportunity to pursue a career in STEM. A 501(c)(3) membership organization, Society for Science is committed to inform, educate and inspire. Learn more at www.societyforscience.org and follow us on Facebook, X, Instagram, and LinkedIn.