Thermo Fisher Scientific
Junior Innovators Challenge

With the generous support of title sponsor and partner Thermo Fisher Scientific, Society for Science is pleased to be running the Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge (JIC) in its inaugural year. The Thermo Fisher JIC (previously the Broadcom MASTERS from 2010-2022, the Society’s Middle School Program (2008), and the Discovery Channel Young Scientists Challenge (1999-2007), is the nation’s premier STEM research competition for middle school students.

Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge

The 2024 Thermo Fisher JIC Application Is Now Open!

The top 10% of 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students in Society-affiliated science fairs are nominated to enter the competition each year. See the “For Nominees” page to access the application and for more information.

2023 Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge 2023 Top Award Winners

Congratulations to our top
Thermo Fisher Scientific
Junior Innovator Challenge Winners!

Society for Science is thrilled to celebrate the winners of the 2023 Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge! The winners were chosen from the 30 finalists, who were selected from nearly 2,000 applicants from 49 states, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands and Puerto Rico.

Learn more about our winners: Press Release.

Visit our Virtual Project Showcase.

How to Compete

Important Dates

Application Open

February 1, 2024 – June 14, 2024

Top 300 Junior Innovators Announced

September 4, 2024

Top 30 Finalists Announced

September 18, 2024

Finals Week

October 2024 (exact dates TBD)

Science and Engineering Project Showcase

October 2024 (exact date TBD)

For Educators

Educators are key accelerators of students’ achieving in STEM. We have curated a selection of resources to provide support to educators who are interested in helping their students become more engaged with STEM. If you’re an educator eager to help your students learn more about the research process, find a topic of interest, formulate scientific questions, or help with the application cycle, click here! We also have information on how to affiliate a fair at your school if there isn’t one in your area. 

LEARN MORE

2023 Highlights

Watch highlights from 2023 Finals Week to see finalists in action and read the press release to learn about the winners.

Affiliated Fairs

The Society’s network of affiliated science fairs around the globe are critical to the success of the International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) and Thermo Fisher JIC. Resources for science fair personnel include:

 

  • Affiliated Fair Dashboard
  • Affiliated Fair Guidelines
  • Resources for Science Fair Management
  • Standards for Science Fairs
Find Resources for Affiliated Fairs

From the Society Blog

Finalists try out the green team's minigolf course.
The green team analyzes their samples
Group photo of all 30 Thermo Fisher JIC finalsits at the the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center

Sponsors and Partners

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