IRIS National Fair in India is a platform for young scientists to present their projects & potentially qualify for ISEF.

This blog provides guides to win!

If you're a young scientist in India, the IRIS National Fair is as an exciting Science Fair to showcase your research skills.

This comprehensive guide will navigate you through the ins and outs of excelling at the IRIS National Fair and potentially securing your spot to represent India at the prestigious Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) held annually in the USA.

What Is the IRIS National Fair?

The Initiative for Research and Innovation in STEM (IRIS) is a research-based national-level fair for Indian students.

It aims to promote and nurture science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) research among young innovators.

Here are the key points about IRIS: Purpose: IRIS provides a platform for Indian students to showcase their research projects.

Feeder to ISEF: While IRIS might not be as well-known in India compared to the US, it plays a crucial role as a feeder to the ISEF, the world’s largest international pre-college science competition.

Sponsors: IRIS is funded and supported by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, along with Broadcom and Exstemplar Education Linkers Foundation.

Eligibility Participation in the IRIS National Fair is open to students of Indian Origin enrolled in Class 5 to Class 12 and studying in schools based in India.

Individual or Team Entries: Students with original and innovative ideas can participate either individually or in a team of two.

Project Criteria: Projects eligible for participation must be research-based or present a novel engineering design.

Originality in content is paramount, and projects should be supported by data obtained from experimentation, where applicable.

Engineering projects are expected to demonstrate significant improvements over existing solutions.

Exclusion Criteria: Students who have previously participated in IRIS as a Class 12 student are ineligible to submit project synopses for evaluation.

Additionally, appeals based on re-examinations conducted by government or private organizations/institutions will not be entertained.

Participating in IRIS

1. Selection Process Around 100 students are selected to exhibit their projects at IRIS every year.

You can participate through either of the following routes: Direct Applications: Most students apply directly through the IRIS website.

You’ll need to submit your project details during the application period (usually in September/October).

School-Level Science Fairs: IRIS has partnered with India’s five school-level science fairs: Jawaharlal Nehru National Science Exhibition for Children National Children’s Science Congress National Council of Science Museums CBSE Science Exhibition INSPIRE

- Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research Winners from these fairs are invited to IRIS and receive mentorship guidance. https://rishabacademy. com/2024/03/11/how-to-win-regeneron-isef-rishab-jains-winning-project ISEF's Winning Project What is not accepted as an IRIS Project: Screening Criteria: Only a few entries progress beyond screening due to non-adherence to scientific method, lack of research, or innovation.

Non-Selected Examples: Textbook experiment replication (e. g. , oxygen generation from hydrogen peroxide).

Science topic essays or survey-based reports.

Unsupported hypotheses (e. g. , electricity from speed breakers).

Claims violating scientific laws (e. g. , perpetual motion).

Toxicity tests or experiments leading to vertebrate animal death.

Basic visual aids (e. g. , thermocol models of science principles).

FREE Student STEM Guide.

Sceince Fair Poster Board.

IRIS National Fair Timeline: Typically held annually, the IRIS National Fair takes place in [Month] of each year.

Students submit their projects for evaluation by a specified deadline, usually several months before the fair.

Judging and evaluation of projects occur during the fair, with winners announced at the conclusion of the event.

Shortlisted projects that qualify for ISEF are typically announced shortly after the conclusion of the IRIS National Fair.

International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF): ISEF usually takes place in May of each year.

Students from various regions and countries, including those who qualify through events like IRIS, gather to showcase their projects.

The fair includes judging, exhibitions, and various events spanning several days.

Awards and recognition are presented at the end of the event, acknowledging outstanding projects and achievements in various scientific disciplines. https://youtu. be/qWERHVs14uE?si=fTShGLWnC49J86v7 How to Make a Science Fair Poster Board: An ISEF Winner's Guide Project Submission Process: Register at https://irisnationalfair. org/registration to submit your project.

Submission Details: Participants can submit as many projects as they want.

Multiple projects can be submitted in one or multiple subject categories.

Team projects can have a maximum of 2 participants.

Partners need to be registered with IRIS to collaborate on a project.

Editing and Review: Projects can be edited until submissions are closed.

Edit option is available in the IRIS Dashboard.

Projects previously displayed in other science competitions can be submitted.

Project research data cannot be more than 12 months old.

Other Queries: IRIS does not provide unofficial reviews before official evaluation.

Subject category change requests can be made after official email confirmation and approval from IRIS SRC.

Queries regarding submission or registration can be emailed to contact@irisnationalfair. org.

Additional Information: Past IRIS projects can be referenced on the IRIS website.

Prototype creation is not mandatory; novelty, correct hypothesis, and authentic research are crucial.

If two projects are shortlisted, participants must choose one for the National Fair showcase.

Mandatory questions related to project details must be answered during submission, along with the submission of a short video explaining the project.

3. Categories at IRIS Animal Sciences (ANIM) Behavioral and Social Sciences (BEHA) Biochemistry (BCHM) Biomedical and Health Sciences (BMED) Biomedical Engineering (ENBM) Cellular and Molecular Biology (CELL) Chemistry (CHEM) Computational Biology and Bioinformatics (CBIO) Earth and Environmental Sciences (EAEV) Embedded Systems (EBED) Energy: Sustainable Materials & Design (EGSD) Engineering Mechanics (ENMC) Environmental Engineering (ENEV) Materials Science (MATS) Mathematics (MATH) Microbiology (MCRO) Physics and Astronomy (PHYS) Plant Sciences (PLNT) Robotics and Intelligent Machines (ROBO) Systems Software (SOFT) Translational Medical Science (TMED) For those eager to start working towards competitions, Rishab, who won ISEF, has achieved success in numerous research competitions and undertaken several research projects during his high school years, offers science fair coaching and a YouTube playlist on how to do research.

2. Timeline and Important Points Understanding the IRIS National Fair Judging Criteria: IRIS judges evaluate projects based on several criteria, including scientific merit, creativity, clarity of presentation, and potential real-world impact.

They look for projects that demonstrate a deep understanding of scientific principles, innovative approaches to problem-solving, and clear communication of findings.

Judging Panels: The judging panels at IRIS comprise experts from various scientific disciplines, including academia, industry, and research institutions.

These seasoned professionals bring diverse perspectives and expertise to the evaluation process, ensuring a fair and comprehensive assessment of each project.

Interactive Sessions: In addition to evaluating projects based on display boards and presentations, judges often engage participants in interactive discussions to delve deeper into their research methodologies, data analysis techniques, and conclusions.

This provides participants with an opportunity to showcase their depth of understanding and scientific acumen.

Feedback and Guidance: Judges at IRIS are not only tasked with selecting winners but also with providing constructive feedback and guidance to participants.

They offer valuable insights, commendations for strengths, and suggestions for improvement, helping participants grow as young scientists and researchers.

Tips for Winning IRIS Mandatory Questions: When submitting your project, answer the following questions in detail: Introduction & Objective: Clearly state your project’s purpose.

Innovation: Explain what sets your project apart.

Methodology: Describe your research approach.

Results and Conclusions: Present your findings.

Acknowledgment and Reference Links: Give credit where it’s due.

Scientific Report: You can attach a scientific report or additional details related to your work on the portal.

Use this opportunity to provide depth and context. https://youtu. be/AEgL_sjoE4o?si=wDvOlNkJfLOFaIjg How to Pick a Science Research Topic & Idea: FULL GUIDE by ISEF Winner Originality is Key: Focus on developing a project that stands out with its uniqueness and innovative approach.

Avoid clichéd experiments or topics commonly seen in textbooks.

Thorough Research: Invest time in conducting comprehensive research to support your project.

Collect and analyze data meticulously to strengthen your findings.

Clear Presentation: Ensure your project is well-organized and visually appealing.

Use clear and concise language in your written materials and presentations to effectively communicate your ideas.

Follow the Scientific Method: Adhere to the scientific method in designing and conducting your experiments.

Clearly outline your hypothesis, experimental procedures, results, and conclusions.

Attention to Detail: Pay close attention to every aspect of your project, from experimental design to data interpretation.

Address any potential flaws or limitations and demonstrate critical thinking in overcoming challenges.

Practice Effective Communication: Be prepared to confidently present and defend your project to judges.

Practice speaking about your research in a clear, engaging manner, and be receptive to feedback.

Seek Feedback: Utilize the expertise of teachers, mentors, or professionals in your field to provide feedback on your project.

Incorporate constructive criticism to refine and improve your work.

Stay Updated: Stay informed about current trends and advancements in your field of study.

Incorporating cutting-edge research or technologies into your project can make it more competitive.

Demonstrate Passion: Let your enthusiasm for your project shine through in your presentation.

Judges are often drawn to projects that showcase genuine passion and dedication.

Be Professional: Approach the competition with professionalism and respect for the process.

Maintain integrity in all aspects of your work, including citing sources properly and adhering to ethical guidelines.

As the judges deliberate and the audience holds its breath, take a deep breath.

Look around—the bright-eyed competitors, the proud parents, the curious onlookers—they’re all part of this beautiful journey of innovation.

Remember, winning isn’t the end; it’s a new beginning.

Use this platform to amplify your voice, inspire others, and ignite change.

Share your story, mentor budding scientists, and continue pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.

Because the IRIS National Fair isn’t just an event; it’s a launchpad for dreams.

Whether you’re an aspiring or accomplished student researcher, always recognize your efforts.

Continue progressing towards your goals, and best of luck on your science journey!

Not sure how to start?

Rishab Jain, who won ISEF, 3M Young Scientists Challenge, JSHS, Broadcom MASTERS/Thermofisher JIC, and more, has achieved success in numerous research competitions and undertaken several research projects during his high school years.

His FREE Student STEM guide has a list of 50+ opportunities, internships and competitions, and course on Science Fair For those aspiring to win science fairs and work on research projects.

Rishab shares his winning strategies.