Junior Innovators Challenge - Society for Science

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.

The silver team having a five-way high five after completing their prototype

2023 Application Now Open!

The 2023 Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge (JIC) application is now open. Visit the For Nominees page for more information.

2022 Top Award Winners, Broadcom MASTERS

2022 Winners Announced!

Broadcom Foundation and Society for Science announced top awards at the 2022 Broadcom MASTERS Competition in Washington, DC. The Broadcom MASTERS (Math, Applied Science, Technology and Engineering for Rising Stars), a program of Society for Science, awards middle school students for their STEM passions to inspire them to continue their pursuit of science and engineering. Thirty finalists took home more than $100,000 in awards.

See the press release and view the top award winners here.

Meet the Top Middle School Scientists & Engineers!

Society for Science and Broadcom Foundation invite you the Virtual Broadcom MASTERS Science and Engineering Project Showcase. Join us and explore their STEM research projects. The virtual exhibition is now open and will remain open through the end of November.

Visit the virtual showcase

Congratulations, 2022 Finalists!

Society for Science and Broadcom Foundation are proud to announce the 30 finalists in the 2022 Broadcom MASTERS® — the nation’s premier STEM competition for middle school students. The finalists will travel to Washington, DC from October 28 – November 2 to compete for more than $100,000 in awards including the top Samueli Foundation Prize of $25,000.

Finalists were selected from 1,807 entrants and come from 28 schools in 12 states. All finalists receive a $500 cash award and will compete for over $100,000 in prizes. Click here to see the full list of 30 finalists.

Middle School Competition Alumni

Visit our alumni page to learn about each class of the Society’s middle school competition.

How to Compete

Find-a-Fair

To earn a nomination to Thermo Fisher JIC, students must first compete at a Society-affiliated science fair. Find your local science fair today!

Eligibility and Important Information

Learn about how to compete, what you can win, and more.

For Nominees

The top 10% of the 6th, 7th, and 8th grade competitors at Society-affiliated fairs in the U.S. are eligible for nomination. Learn more about how to complete and submit your application.

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!

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE

FIND OUT MORE!

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

Middle School Research Teachers Conference

Learn more about our annual conference for 50 middle school teachers and how to attend.

Science News Explores

Looking for inspiration for your students? Science News Explores covers science, health, and technology for students, their parents and teachers. Stories are appropriate for readers in grades 5 and up.

Affiliating Your Fair with Thermo Fisher JIC

Find out how to affiliate your fair if you do not have any Thermo Fisher JIC affiliated fairs in your area.

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

Find Resources for Affiliated Fairs

From the Society Blog

April 17, 2023

Five Questions with Rory Hu, winner of the $10,000 DoD STEM Talent Award

The 2022 top 30 Broadcom MASTERS finalists gathered for a picture on George Mason University's campus in between challenges.

November 10, 2022

Broadcom MASTERS tackle quantum physics and Parkinson’s disease at George Mason University

All thirty finalists, wearing their team colors, pose for a photo on a dock, with the Chesapeake Bay in the background

November 3, 2022

Down by the bay, Broadcom MASTERS finalists take on biomimicry

Sponsors and Partners

Thermo Fisher Scientific

With the generous support of title sponsor and partnerThermo Fisher Scientific, Society for Science is pleased to be running the Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge (JIC) in its inaugural year. Learn more here.

Award and Educational Partners

The Society thanks its partners for their contributions to Thermo Fisher JIC through sponsorship of awards and supporting each phase of the competition.

Learn more about how to support Thermo Fisher JIC

Sponsorship Opportunities

Find out more about how to support Thermo Fisher JIC.