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.

How to Compete
Important Dates
Application Open
February 1, 2023 – June 14, 2023
Top 300 Junior Innovators Announced
September 6, 2023
Top 30 Finalists Announced
September 20, 2023
Finals Week
October 28 – November 2, 2023
Science and Engineering Project Showcase
October 29, 2023
Research at Home
Resources, advice, and stories of inspiration on completing research outside of a traditional laboratory environment
In light of the global pandemic, the Society encourages students and teachers to think outside the lab when approaching research!
FIND OUT MORE!2022 Highlights
In 2022, the middle school competition, formerly titled Broadcom MASTERS, was held in Washington, DC for the first time since 2019. Watch highlights from 2022 Finals Week to see the finalists in action and read the press release to learn about the winners.
For Educators
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