About NEOSEF

Established in 1953, the Northeastern Ohio Science and Engineering Fair (NEOSEF) is a non-profit, all volunteer organization, whose goal is to get young adults interested in science and engineering by participating in a science and engineering competition. The Fair has been held every year since 1954 and is affiliated with the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF).

During the four day event, approximately 600 students from over 80 schools in the area set up their science fair displays, discuss their projects with 260+ judges and compete for more than $40,000 in prizes. One of the most rewarding aspects of NEOSEF is the opportunity for the students to discuss their research with professional scientists and engineers from the local area.

At the fair students compete in nine categories which are subdivided by grade levels. NEOSEF awards one 1st place, and multiple 2nd place, 3rd place and honorable mentions per subdivision. Students also compete for over 300 Special Awards totaling more than $20,000 that are donated by companies, societies and organizations.

NEOSEF will nominate students from grades 7-8 to compete in the Thermo Fisher Scientiic Junior Innovators Challenge (JIC). This is the nation’s premier STEM research competition for 6th, 7th and 8th grade students. These nominees will have the honor of continuing their science fair journey by applying to compete in the Thermo Fisher JIC. From the entrants, the Top 300 Junior Innovators will be selected and will receive a prize of $125. From the Top 300, thirty finalists will be selected and compete for more than $100,000 in prizes, including a top prize of $25,000 and scholarships for STEM summer camps. Additionally, each of the finalists’ schools receive $1,000.

NEOSEF selects and sponsors up to five 9-12th Grade Grand Prize Winners to attend the Regeneron International Science & Engineering Fair (ISEF) where they will compete with over 1,700 students from all over the world for over $4,000,000 in scholarships and prizes. Regeneron ISEF is the world’s largest and most prestigious pre-college STEM competition.

Meet the Next Generation of Innovators

NEOSEF’s mission is to inspire excellence by challenging and empowering the leaders of tomorrow.