The following evaluation criteria are used for judging at the ISEF. As shown below, science and engineering have different criteria, each with five sections as well as suggested scoring for each section. Each section includes key items to consider for evaluation both before and after the interview.

STEM Research Grants provide support to middle and high school teachers engaging their students in authentic scientific research. Over 6 years, $775,000 has been awarded to 367 teachers. Priority consideration is given to schools that support students from low-income communities and demographics underrepresented in STEM fields.

Students in grades 9-12 or equivalent must compete in a Regeneron ISEF affiliated science fair and win the right to attend Regeneron ISEF.  Each affiliated fair may send a pre-determined number of projects to ISEF (as calculated by participation and high school population) to compete in 22 different categories.

The ISEF Scientific Review Committee (SRC) has attempted to provide answers to questions that they commonly receive about the International Rules and Guidelines.