The online application asks questions about your science or engineering fair project and your understanding of science and engineering in everyday life. Students must complete and submit their online application and parental/guardian permission form by the June 10, 2026 deadline to officially enter the national competition.

All nominees who submit an application will receive a T-shirt and other prizes. Entrants join the Society alumni network and are officially Thermo Fisher JIC alumni!

Entries are judged during the summer and 300 top projects will be announced on September 2, 2026. From these Top 300 students, 30 finalists and one parent/guardian will win an all-expense-paid trip to the national finals week in Washington, DC to showcase their projects, compete in teams and visit sites that celebrate innovation through science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.