If you're taking part in ISEF & want to get familiar with the template, rules, & guidelines for an ISEF research paper, read this blog alongside helpful guides!

If you’re a young scientist participating in the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF), understanding the research paper template and guidelines is crucial.

These rules ensure that your project adheres to ethical standards, safety protocols, and scientific rigor.

Let’s dive into the essential components of an ISEF research paper.

Crafting an Outstanding ISEF Research Paper Virtual Display (ProjectBoard): Regeneron ISEF Paperwork: Submit the following documents in the Finalist Questionnaire: Official Abstract (250 words) Regulated Research Institutional Setting Form 1C Continuation Form 7 (if applicable) Project Presentation: Replace the traditional project poster with a project presentation.

The presentation should be the primary vehicle to present your project’s content.

Three suggested templates based on project type: Science Projects Engineering Projects Mathematics/Computer Science Projects Submit the project presentation by the set deadline for Display & Safety inspection.

Quad Chart: Summarize your project in a single page for quick overview by judges.

Keep it visual and concise.

Project Video (Optional): Create a 2-minute maximum video summarizing your project.

Aim for a layman audience.

Feature the finalist(s) prominently on screen.

In-Person Display (Physical Display Board): Physical Display Board: Provide a physical display board for the finalist exhibit hall in Dallas.

Use the same core materials as in the virtual display to avoid duplication of effort.

Correct any infractions identified within the virtual display before printing or constructing the final physical display.

Display & Safety (D&S) Inspections: Both virtual and in-person displays will undergo D&S inspections.

Ensure adherence to the International Rules & Guidelines.

All written materials must be in English.

Additional Notes: Active links are not permitted in the virtual display.

Research paper or notebook images should not be part of your virtual display.

An optional 1-minute demo video is allowed if applicable to your project.

Human Participant Rules: Prohibited Medical Procedures: Students are prohibited from independently diagnosing disease, administering medication, and/or performing medical procedures on human participants.

A student may observe and collect data for analysis of medical procedures, medication/treatment efficacy, and diagnosis of illness, only under the direct supervision of a licensed health care provider/professional.

Students are prohibited from drawing blood or conducting any other medical procedures on anyone except themselves.

Professional Feedback: IRB review and pre-approval are required when the student-designed invention, prototype, application, etc. , is tested by human participants other than the student researcher(s) or single adult guardian/adult sponsor/QS/DS when the testing requires an adult tester.

This includes surveys conducted regarding potential use or opinions of the invention or consumer product by the general public.

However, professional feedback from experts in the field of study is exempt from this requirement. https://youtu. be/qWERHVs14uE?si=24rn4BL4njplqBup How To Make a Science Fair Poster Board: An ISEF's Winner Guide Vertebrate Animal Rules: Restructured Listing: Vertebrate animals, as covered by these rules, are defined as: All nonhuman vertebrates (including fish) at hatching or birth.

Live nonhuman vertebrate mammalian embryos or fetuses.

Tadpoles.

Bird and reptile eggs starting three days (72 hours) prior to hatching.

Exception: Zebrafish embryos may be used up to seven days (168 hours) post-fertilization and not be considered a vertebrate.

However, regardless of time of treatment, survival past the 7 days must be considered a vertebrate animal, and the entire study is subject to all of the rules.

Potentially Hazardous Biological Agents (PHBA) Rules: Prohibited Use of Prions or Prion-like Proteins: All studies involving the use of prions or prion-like proteins are prohibited.

Display & Safety Regulations: Maximum Size of Project: Depth (front to back): 30 inches or 76 centimeters.

Width (side to side): 48 inches or 122 centimeters.

Height (floor to top): 108 inches or 274 centimeters.

Position of Project: The fair-provided table or freestanding display must be parallel to, and positioned at, the back curtain of the booth.

Projects may not lean against the back curtain.

Forms Required to be Visible: The placement of required forms may include the front edge of the table, the display board, or in a free-standing acrylic frame placed on the table top or floor (if a table is not used).

Forms required at all projects include the original Official Abstract and Certification approved by the ISEF Scientific Review Committee.

1. Title Page and Abstract The title page is more than just a formality—it sets the tone for your entire paper.

Here’s what it should include: Title: Craft a captivating title that succinctly conveys the essence of your research.

Author(s): List your name and any collaborators.

Acknowledge mentors if applicable.

School Affiliation: Mention your school or institution.

Date: Use the MM/DD/YY format for consistency.

The abstract is your research’s elevator pitch.

In about 250 words, summarize your project concisely: Problem Statement: Clearly state the research problem or question.

Methodology: Briefly describe your approach (experimental, observational, theoretical, etc. ).

Results: Highlight key findings.

Conclusions: Summarize the significance of your work.

FREE science fair / presentation resources.

2. Introduction The introduction serves as the gateway to your research.

Here’s how to make it robust: Context: Explain the broader context of your topic.

Why is it important?

Significance: Clearly state the significance of your research.

Research Question or Hypothesis: Pose your central question or hypothesis.

3. Background and Literature Review This section provides context and demonstrates your understanding of existing research: Background: Discuss the historical context or previous studies related to your topic.

Literature Review: Cite relevant research articles.

Explain how your work builds upon existing knowledge. https://rishabacademy. com/2024/03/11/how-to-win-regeneron-isef-rishab-jains-winning-project How to Win Regeneron ISEF: Rishab Jain's Winning Project

4. Methods The methods section is the backbone of your research.

Be meticulous: Experimental Design: Describe your research design in detail.

Data Collection: Explain how you gathered data (surveys, experiments, observations, etc. ).

Analysis Techniques: Specify statistical methods used.

Variables and Controls: Clearly define variables and any control measures.

5. Results Present your findings logically and transparently: Data Presentation: Use tables, graphs, and figures to illustrate your data.

Interpretation: Provide context for each result.

Avoid Bias: Be objective and transparent.

FREE STEM Guide with a list of 50+ opportunities, competitions, internships and more!

List of competitions for high school students.

Mathematics competitions for students worldwide.

Biology competitions.

Psychology competitions.

6. Discussion Here’s where you delve into the heart of your research: Interpretation: Analyze your results.

What do they mean?

Implications: Discuss the broader implications of your findings.

Limitations: Address any limitations or unexpected outcomes.

7. Conclusion Summarize your research journey effectively: Restate Findings: Recap your main findings.

Broader Impact: Emphasize how your work contributes to the field.

Future Directions: Suggest areas for further exploration.

8. References List all the sources you cited.

Proper citations are essential for academic integrity. https://youtu. be/TKHlaiPVXgE?si=-tmZh7has7A801a7 How to Win ISEF (by 1st Place Winner) | Regeneron International Science & Engineering Fair Key Guidelines for Success Adherence to International Rules: Familiarize yourself with the ISEF rules and guidelines.

Use the required forms to document compliance.

Ethical considerations matter—especially if your research involves human participants or animals.

Scientific Rigor: Conduct thorough background research.

Design experiments meticulously.

Analyze data rigorously.

Clarity and Conciseness: Write clearly.

Avoid jargon.

Use headings and subheadings to organize content.

Abstract Categories: When submitting your abstract, choose from the 22 Regeneron ISEF categories.

Forms and Documentation Before conducting any research, complete the necessary forms.

These forms serve as written documentation of your project and its compliance with ISEF rules.

Here are some key forms: Form 1: Checklist for Adult Sponsor/Safety Assessment: This form outlines safety considerations and ensures that an adult sponsor approves your project.

Form 1A: Student Checklist/Research Plan: Use this form to plan your research.

Form 1B: Approval Form: Obtain approval from your school or institutional review board.

Form 1C: Regulated Research Institutional/Industrial Setting Form: Required for research conducted in regulated settings.

Form 2: Qualified Scientist Form: If you collaborate with a scientist, this form is essential.

Form 3: Risk Assessment Form: Evaluate potential risks associated with your project.

Form 4: Human Participants: Document informed consent and other human participant details.

Form 5A: Vertebrate Animal Form (School/Home/Field Site): For research involving vertebrate animals.

Form 5B: Vertebrate Animal Form (Regulated Research Institution): For research conducted in regulated institutions.

Form 6A: Potentially Hazardous Biological Agents Form: Required if your project involves hazardous biological agents.

Form 6B: Human and Vertebrate Animal Tissue Form: Document tissue samples used.

Form 7: Continuation Projects Form: For ongoing research.

Abstract Form with 22 Categories: Summarize your project in the abstract.

Rules and Guidelines The ISEF rules cover various aspects of research.

Here are some important categories: Roles and Responsibilities of Students and Adults: Understand your role and responsibilities.

Human Participants: Follow ethical guidelines when involving human participants.

Vertebrate Animals: Comply with regulations for animal research.

Potentially Hazardous Biological Agents: Safely handle hazardous agents.

Hazardous Chemicals, Activities, and Devices: Ensure safety in your experiments.

Engineering and Invention Projects Guide: Specific guidelines for engineering projects.

Display and Safety Regulations: Present your project safely at ISEF.

Remember to adhere to these guidelines to ensure a successful ISEF project display!

Resources to win Science Fairs Rishab Jain, who won ISEF, has achieved success in numerous research competitions and undertaken several research projects during his high school years.

For those eager to start working towards competitions, Rishab offers science fair coaching and a YouTube playlist on how to do research.

It will provide you an opportunity to delve deeper into the world of STEM and win at Science Fairs.

Rishab shares his winning strategies.