The following 22 categories and subcategories are those that will be used at ISEF 2026, Phoenix, Arizona.

National Geographic Society has made a two-year commitment to sponsor the earth and environmental sciences category in addition to a delegation of finalists from Washington, DC. Additionally, National Geographic will be sponsoring the Pin Exchange, a signature event at Regeneron ISEF, featuring an ice breaker activity where students trade lapel pins representing their state or country with as many students as they can meet from other places in the United States and around the world.

The abstract should be a brief, yet comprehensive synopsis of the research project. It should seek to highlight the research question(s), experimental procedures, data, and conclusions in a way that is concise and easy to understand. It will be reviewed by Special Award Organization and Grand Award Judges to determine whether the project stands out within its category or qualifies for special awards. The general public and other Regeneron ISEF visitors read the abstract for a quick overview of the research design and findings.

ISEF: The mission of this committee is to ensure that all competitors qualify for competition according to the rules established in conjunction with the Scientific Review Committee and Society for Science.