International Rules
The International Rules for Pre-college Science Research: Guidelines for Science and Engineering Fairs are published annually to support students doing independent research safely. The International Rules are the official rules of the Regeneron ISEF and students competing at Society-affiliated science fairs.
The purpose of these rules is to:
- protect the rights and welfare of the student researcher
- protect the rights and welfare of the human participant
- ensure adherence to federal regulations
- ensure use of safe laboratory practices
- protect the environment
- determine eligibility for competition in the Regeneron ISEF
Rules and Guidelines
- 2026 Rules and Guidelines (PDF)
- 2026 Rules and Guidelines (HTML)
- 2025 Forms only (PDF) – 2026 Forms to be posted soon
- Changes to 2025-2026 Rules
- 2025 Abstract with 22 Regeneron ISEF categories (PDF) – 2026 Abstract to be posted soon
2025 Forms
The Rules and Guidelines booklet includes the forms necessary to document adherence to the rules. These forms constitute written documentation of what will occur, or in some cases, has already occurred, in a research project.
Additional Resources to Support Student Researchers
Use this wizard to help determine required documentation.
Read definitions of the 22 categories of Regeneron ISEF competition.
View the Display & Safety Rules
Get answers to common rules questions.
Find more information about dates and required forms.