The Thermo Fisher JIC, a program of Society for Science, aims to inspire young scientists, engineers and innovators who will solve the grand challenges of the future. This year’s cohort asked bold questions about the world around them, including how we can better steward natural resources, protect human health, harness the promise and pitfalls of artificial intelligence, and design resilient technologies for the future.

Society for Science and Thermo Fisher Scientific are proud to announce the 30 finalists in the 2025 Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge — the nation’s premier STEM research competition for middle school students. The finalists will travel to Washington, DC to participate in the Finals Week of the competition. Each student will be judged on both their science research projects as well as their demonstration of collaboration and critical thinking skills during team challenges, emphasizing the importance and value of teamwork in STEM fields.