Special Award Organizations

Each year, dozens of professional organizations — representing a wide variety of scientific disciplines across government, industry, and education — affiliate with Regeneron ISEF as Special Award Organizations (SAOs).

Partnering with Society for Science as an SAO gives the participating organization the chance to set criteria for, recruit judges for, and present one or multiple named Special Awards at ISEF. Special Awards provide opportunities for outstanding students to be recognized beyond the Grand Awards, while allowing participating organizations to publicly demonstrate their commitment to STEM education and the next generation of innovators.

Learn more about Special Award Organization Judging.

ISEF Finalists at the 2024 SAO Ceremony

Become a Special Award Organization

If your organization is interested in becoming an SAO, please contact Dawn Abel, Chief Advancement Officer.

Society for Science thanks the following 2026 Special Award Organizations for their support.

Adam R. Scripps Foundation

The Adam R. Scripps Foundation is the proud sponsor of the ISEF 2026 Pin Exchange and the Adam R. Scripps Foundation Special Award. The Foundation is committed to the power of lifelong learning, and supports education through all life stages, both in and outside the classroom. Adam Scripps lived a life of humble generosity, helping to improve the lives of others without seeking recognition or fanfare for himself. The family-run Adam R. Scripps Foundation, established posthumously in 2023, allocates millions annually to his cherished causes like animal welfare and community development, with grants overseen by his relatives to honor his legacy.

American Chemical Society

The American Chemical Society Education Division promotes excellence in science education and science literacy through a number of activities supporting teachers and learners of chemistry. Through its participation in Regeneron ISEF, ACS encourages and supports high school students in their exploration of the chemical sciences through research experiences.

American Mathematical Society

The American Mathematical Society was founded in 1888, to further the interests of mathematical research & scholarship, as well as to serve the national/international community through its publications, meetings, advocacy & other programs. Friends and family of the late mathematician, Karl Menger, contribute to a fund in his memory, to be distributed by the AMS for annual awards at the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair.

American Psychological Association

The American Psychological Association is the leading scientific and professional organization representing psychology in the United States, with more than 173,000 researchers, educators, clinicians, consultants and students as its members. APA’s mission is to promote the advancement, communication, and application of psychological science and knowledge to benefit society and improve lives.

Aramco

As part of their global commitment to inspire the leaders of tomorrow, Aramco presents special awards for Excellence in Energy and Environmental Stewardship. This year, we shine a spotlight on student pioneers focused on energy efficiency, advanced storage, and the evolution of our power systems. This award celebrates the innovators who aren’t just studying the future of energy—they are creating it.

Arizona State University

Arizona State University is pleased to offer a scholarship combining a monetary award and an environment focusing on knowledge, learning and research. The New American University ISEF Scholarship is renewable for four years. Individuals and teams will be considered for these awards.

Association for Computing Machinery

ACM is widely recognized as the premier membership organization for computing professionals, delivering resources that advance computing as a science and a profession; enable professional development; and promote policies and research that benefit society.

ACM hosts the computing industry’s leading Digital Library and serves its global members and the computing profession with journals and magazines, conferences, workshops, electronic forums, and Learning Center.

Association for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence

AAAI is a scientific society devoted to advancing the scientific understanding of the mechanisms underlying thought and intelligent behavior and their embodiment in machines. AAAI promotes research in, and responsible use of, artificial intelligence, as well as public understanding of artificial intelligence. AAAI also strives to improve the teaching and training of AI practitioners, and provide guidance on the importance and potential of current AI developments and future directions.

Association of Old Crows Educational Foundation

The AOC Educational Foundation is a non-profit organization that educates, connects, and advocates on behalf of its members and stakeholders across the global electromagnetic warfare (EW) and spectrum community. AOC is the premier global association that unites members, organizations, and like-minded individuals interested in electromagnetic warfare (EW) and spectrum operations across government, defense, industry, and academia, and spanning air, land, maritime, space, and cyber maneuver spaces.

Broadcom Foundation

Broadcom Foundation is the philanthropic arm of Broadcom Inc. a US-based global designer, developer, manufacturer, and supplier of a wide range of semiconductor and infrastructure software products. Broadcom Foundation promotes digital and AI literacy as critical 21st Century+ skills that all young people need to compete for highly skilled jobs in industries build on technologies of the future. Through Code Clubs and foundation-sponsored science fairs, Broadcom Foundation encourages civic engagement through Broadcom Coding with Commitment®, which encourages young people to act locally and think globally.

Chemistry and the Law

The active Division of Chemistry and the Law (CHAL) created 40+ years ago within the American Chemical Society – the world’s largest scientific society. CHAL created a formal place within the Society for chemists with interests and training in relevant chemistry-legal matters. CHAL pushes boundaries with newsletters, symposia, and presentations at national, regional, and local section meetings, career counseling, awards, and the like. CHAL and the ACS Committee on Intellectual Property often collaborate on projects. 

Consortium for Math and its Applications

The Consortium for Mathematics and Its Applications (COMAP) develops curriculum resources, professional development programs, and contest opportunities that are multidisciplinary, academically rigorous, and fun for educators and students. Our educational philosophy is centered around using mathematical tools to explore real-world problems. We are pleased to present awards in the categories of Outstanding, Finalist, and Honorable Mention.

DataClassroom

DataClassroom makes the best digital tools on the planet for learners of graphing and statistics in middle school, high school, and university classrooms. DataClassroom’s mission is to improve the data skills of scientists in the making at all levels and give them the tools to analyze data while conducting authentic research.

Drug, Chemical & Associated Technologies Association (DCAT)

The Drug, Chemical & Associated Technologies Association (DCAT) is a not-for-profit, corporate member-supported, and volunteer-led global business development association for companies engaged in the Bio/Pharmaceutical business ecosystem. The Association’s mission is to provide a diverse array of educational opportunities and industry experiences to enhance learning and create opportunities for members to expand their networks and deepen their relationships throughout the global Bio/Pharmaceutical business ecosystem.

Florida Institute of Technology

Florida Institute of Technology is a nationally ranked, doctoral degree granting research university. The university offers degrees in engineering, science, computing, aeronautics, business, psychology and liberal arts. It’s location just south of the Kennedy Space Center provides incredible research opportunities for students interested in engineering and science. Florida Tech will offer three presidential scholarships to ISEF participants that equal full tuition each year for four years upon fulltime enrollment at the university. Awardees must complete the FAFSA to be Eligible

Foresight

The Foresight Institute is a nonprofit dedicated to supporting transformative technologies for the long-term benefit of life. Its Existential Hope program investigates what flourishing futures would look like, mapping the technologies, policies, and social conditions needed for humanity to not just survive but thrive. The Existential Hope Award recognizes projects with exceptional potential to contribute to a positive future for humanity, with emphasis on research that considers the broader implications of scientific and technological progress or applies creative thinking to global challenges.

IEEE Foundation

IEEE is the world’s largest professional association dedicated to fostering technological innovation and excellence for the benefit of humanity. The IEEE Foundation supports the IEEE core purpose. IEEE awards the $10,000 Presidents’ Scholarship to recognize a deserving student for an outstanding project demonstrating an understanding of electrical/electronics engineering, computer science, or other IEEE field of interest. In addition to the scholarship, IEEE awards a $600 Second Place Award and a $400 Third Place Award.

International Council on Systems Engineering - INCOSE

The International Council on Systems Engineering (INCOSE) is a not-for-profit membership organization founded to develop and disseminate the interdisciplinary principles and practices that enable the realization of successful systems. The INCOSE Best Use of Systems Engineering awards are awarded to the best interdisciplinary projects that can produce technologically appropriate solutions that meet societal needs. There will be a first and second place Best Use of Systems Engineering and a INCOSE Bill Ewald Socio-Technical Systems Engineering Award.

International Precious Metals Institute

The International Precious Metals Institute (IPMI) is the premier precious metals trade organization which represents member companies managing billions of dollars in metals yearly. Gold and silver are utilized in the electronics and solar that connect and power our world while the platinum group metals find use in the catalysts which produce our fuels, our pharmaceuticals, and control pollution. The IPMI Foundation’s charitable mission is to increase public awareness of precious metals and their crucial role in improving modern life, including through research and development.

K. Soumyanath Memorial Award

This award is presented by the family of Krishnamurthy Soumyanath (1957 – 2010), for the best project in Computer Engineering. Dr Soumyanath was an Intel Fellow and held the title of Chief Architect, Integrated Platform Research at Intel Labs, USA. He led research and development in circuits and architectures for next-generation transceiver devices. The prize honors the memory of an energetic and adventurous individual who inspired and mentored many young people to excel in all aspects of life.

King Abdulaziz & his Companions Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity

“Mawhiba” is a non-profit foundation in Saudi Arabia dedicated to fostering a culture of creativity, The Foundation motivates young people around the world to explore innovative methods in diverse fields of study.

King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology

The King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST) is the national science lab of Saudi Arabia, dedicated to advancing scientific research, fostering innovation, and supporting a knowledge-based economy. Through its awards at Regeneron ISEF, KACST recognizes outstanding student projects that demonstrate scientific excellence, originality, and potential for real-world impact.

Lehigh University

Lehigh University is ranked #29 in The Wall Street Journal’s 2026 Best Colleges in the United States. Lehigh’s five colleges are comprised of over 7,000 undergraduate and graduate students. Students are encouraged to partake in research beginning in their first year and are inspired to think deeply, create pragmatic solutions, and innovate collaboratively.

London International Youth Science Forum CIC

Founded in 1959, LIYSF offers a two-week science summer program. Each year 500 students aged 16-21 years old from 90 countries attend, with lecture demonstrations from leading scientists, including Nobel prize winners, scientific visits to world-class laboratories and science universities combined with international cultural interaction. A vital part of the experience of attending LIYSF is creating global citizens through the exchange of different cultures and traditions, and for many students visiting LIYSF offers their first opportunity to travel abroad.

Midjourney

Midjourney is a community funded research lab known for building the most beautiful AI models in the world. We believe that we are all midjourney: that we have a rich past behind us and an unimaginable future ahead — and the question we want to most help answer is: what do we want to become?

Midwest Microelectronics Consortium

MMEC leads the acceleration of microelectronic technologies and delivers solutions to build a trusted, resilient domestic supply chain. As a premier public-private ecosystem, MMEC engages innovative partners across industry, academia, and government to rapidly advance defense and commercial applications. This unique environment empowers members to discover new technologies, share capabilities, grow a skilled workforce, and launch innovation into scalable commercial production supporting national security and economic strength.

Missouri University of Science and Technology

At Missouri University of Science and Technology, over 7,000 future innovators are turning bold ideas into real-world impact. As a STEM-focused R1 research university offering 101 degrees in 40 fields, S&T delivers hands-on learning, cutting-edge research, and one of the best returns on investment in the nation.

* THREE $8,000 scholarships over the course of four years for first-time students choosing to attend Missouri S&T.

* FIVE Missouri S&T summer camp scholarship up to $1,500 to be used towards the camp and travel expenses.

Mu Alpha Theta, National High School and Two-Year College Mathematics Honor Society

Mu Alpha Theta, the National High School and Two-Year College Mathematics Honor Society, strives to promote the enjoyment and scholarship of mathematics. The Mu Alpha Theta Award is given to the most challenging, thorough, and creative investigation of a problem involving mathematics accessible to high school students. Components of the investigation often include mathematical proof, mathematical modeling, statistical analysis, visualization, simulation, and approximation.

National Anti-Vivisection Society

Since 1929, the National Anti-Vivisection Society has promoted greater compassion, respect and justice for animals. NAVS educational and advocacy programs advance better, more humane science; support the development of alternatives to the use of animals in research, testing and education; and effect changes which help to end the unnecessary suffering of animals.

National Taiwan Science Education Center

National Taiwan Science Education Center (NTSEC) is a national organization and science center aiming at promoting science education in Taiwan. NTSEC holds Taiwan International Science Fair (TISF) every year to encourage Taiwanese students as well as international participants with excellent performance in science research to showcase their work. Taiwan International Science fair Special Award recognizes projects with the best creativity and scientific applications and offers opportunities to participate in TISF.

NC State College of Engineering

NC State is home to one of the world’s finest colleges of engineering and computer science. NC State Engineering integrates classroom learning, research, and hands-on experience, and our graduates emerge with the skills they need to succeed. Award winners will take part in a week-long summer camp, completing hands-on engineering challenges, exploring solutions, and sharing achievements along with other aspiring engineers.

Non-Trivial Ventures

Non-Trivial is a non-profit research fellowship for exceptional teenagers working on important global problems, with more than 45,000 applicants and 450 fellows selected since 2022. Through selective, free, remote programs, Non-Trivial supports talented young researchers in developing the reasoning skills, peer communities, and opportunities they need to pursue work that meaningfully improves the world and the future. Alumni have published in leading peer-reviewed venues, founded organizations, and joined frontier research roles, all optimized for positive impact.

Office of Naval Research on behalf of the United States Navy and Marine Corps

The Naval Science Awards Program (NSAP) is a U.S. Navy and Marine Corps program that encourages our nation’s students to develop and retain an interest in science and engineering. NSAP recognizes the accomplishments of eligible students at regional and state science and engineering fairs, as well as the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) in producing and presenting quality science and engineering projects.

Patent and Trademark Office Society

The PTOS is a membership-based organization for Patent and Trademark professionals and other interested individuals. From its inception in 1917, the Society has been dedicated to the improvement and appreciation of the United States Patent and Trademark Systems through promoting the systems’ growth and well-being, as well as promoting the social and intellectual welfare of the Society members.

Qorvo

Qorvo technology has been at the heart of systems that connect, protect and power the planet for more than 30 years. As a company, we foster multiple outreach activities, focus on building a strong foundation for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM). An important pillar of our Qorvo Cares Program is promoting STEM Education, where the passions of our scientific communities are cultivated, inspired, and transferred to the next generations of young people, including our future employees, customers, and global community networks.

Ricoh USA, Inc.

Ricoh is empowering digital workplaces using innovative technologies and services that enable individuals to work smarter from anywhere. With cultivated knowledge and organizational capabilities nurtured over its 86-years history, Ricoh is a leading provider of digital services and information management, and print and imaging solutions designed to support digital transformation and optimize business performance. Ricoh has a long-standing environmental mission and commitment to sustainability, bringing corporate, social and environmental responsibilities into balance.

Robert Silence Fund

The Robert Silence Citizen Scientist Memorial Award honors the legacy of a man who was both a brilliant engineer and a dedicated ISEF judge. This special award recognizes an exceptional finalist in the fields of solar energy and electric vehicles – someone whose enthusiasm spills out of the classroom and into the community.

Shanghai Science Association for Young Talent

The Shanghai Science Association for Young Talents (SSAYT) is committed to promoting science and technology among young people and the general public. As a leading STEM education organization with a 20-year history, SSAYT collaborates with hundreds of researchers and industry experts to provide high-quality online and on-site STEM education resources and training programs. Awards are presented to recognize outstanding projects across all disciplines.

Sigma Xi, The Scientific Research Honor Society

Founded in 1886, Sigma Xi is the international honor society of research scientists and engineers, with a distinguished history of service to science and society. This multi-disciplinary society includes members who were elected based on their research achievements or potential, and historically, more than 200 members have won the Nobel Prize. The Society is pleased to offer awards for the best demonstration of interdisciplinary research.

Society Alumni Special Award

The Society for Science Alumni Special Award Committee is composed of alumni from Society programs, such as ISEF, Science Talent Search, and Junior Innovators Challenge. The committee is a self-organizing group of over 100 volunteers who worked together to devise the criteria, raise money, and judge this year’s award. This group of alumni was inspired by the resilience they learned to have while doing research and competing in Society for Science programs. The 2026 award is for the project that best exemplifies extraordinary outcomes with ordinary resources.

The Knowledge Society

The Knowledge Society (TKS) is a global accelerator for students aged 13–17, with 5,500+ alumni across 80+ countries. Founded in 2016, TKS develops future leaders in science, technology, and entrepreneurship through applied learning. TKS recognizes Regeneron ISEF participants whose work demonstrates excellence in scientific inquiry, innovation, and the application of emerging technologies to address global challenges.

The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Türkiye TUBITAK

TUBITAK is the leading agency for funding and conduct of research in Türkiye. TUBITAK is responsible for promoting, developing, organizing, conducting, coordinating research and development in line with national targets and priorities. TUBITAK not only supports innovation, academic and industrial R&D studies but also develops scientific and technological policies and manages R&D institutes, carrying on research, technology and development studies.

TUBITAK will distribute 5 cash awards to the best projects, each of which is in the amount of $1,000 ($5,000 in total) in ISEF 2026.

Westlake University

Established in 2018, Westlake University is a leading research university with a strong emphasis on fundamental scientific research and cutting-edge technological innovation in Hangzhou, China. Our university is making pioneering research breakthroughs and advancing the frontiers of knowledge by inspiring the next generation of leaders in science and engineering from diverse cultures through world-class research, international collaboration, and academic programs taught in English.

YM American Academy

YM American Academy (YMAA) is a leading education consulting organization, dedicated to help US and Chinese students apply to US universities, graduate schools and high schools. We are focusing on the student’s life growth through our comprehensive service and guidance. YM American Academy (YMAA) is pleased to award outstanding projects that display outstanding creativity, ingenuity in science and engineering, focusing on all areas in chemistry sciences.

Zydus Pharmaceuticals USA Inc.

Zydus Pharmaceuticals (USA) Inc., based in Pennington, New Jersey, has grown significantly since its 2005 launch. It now offers over 500 products in the U.S. and ranks among the top unbranded generic companies by prescriptions dispensed. The company is committed to providing high-quality, affordable medicines while expanding its portfolio of complex generics, with hundreds of approved, pending, and developing products. As a company, our vision, mission, and purpose exemplify our commitment to science and our dedication to care and nurturance.

Interested in ISEF Sponsorship Opportunities?

Join the exclusive group of forward-thinking corporations, foundations, organizations, and individuals that foster the next generation of innovators by providing support for the world’s largest science fair.