Picture this: You are walking around ISEF, checking out the competition and learning about everyone’s projects. But as you are looking, you realize that some of the projects seem to be more applicable to the real world than others. That super complex math project? Incredible, but… isn’t it mostly theoretical? It is so conceptual that you yourself, an incredible teenage scientist, struggle to understand it. But that other girl who developed an enzyme to break down plastic waste? Boom! You can see it in the real world, immediately, solving the very serious plastic pollution problem. (P.S., I’m one of the plastic enzyme girls.)

Judges will feel the same way when they are evaluating projects. Even though you will most likely get a judge that is specific to your category, and therefore they are used to a certain type of project (i.e. math judges understand the conceptual math projects), the best way to make your project stand out is to show the direct impact that your work has on the world.

This is where the “translational impact” of your work comes into play. It’s not just about presenting an interesting scientific discovery; it’s about showing how your research could help solve a problem that matters. Take the plastic enzyme project, for example. While the science behind it may involve complex biochemistry, the impact is immediate and obvious—breaking down plastic waste could drastically reduce pollution and help protect the environment. When judges or viewers can see that your work could be used right now to address a crisis, it makes your project more compelling and relevant. It’s that real-world application that sets your work apart from others.

So, how do you achieve this translational impact? Start by framing your research in terms of the problems you're solving. When you’re designing your project, think about the bigger picture. Consider how you can frame your project in terms of real-world applications. Is there a pressing global issue—like pollution, renewable energy, or healthcare—that your research could help address? Even if your project is focused on a niche topic, finding a way to connect it to something that affects people’s daily lives greatly elevates the sophistication and uniqueness of your work. A project with a tangible solution or real-world connection speaks volumes more than one that exists purely in the abstract. 

Don’t stress out– it is still possible to weave a translational impact into a more abstract project. Even if your project isn’t a direct solution to a global issue, you can highlight its potential applications in that context. Focus on finding 1-2 connections to an issue, and let that drive your background research and data analysis. For example, say that you have a strong interest in mathematical connections between certain life circumstances and the chance of developing a particular disease. Connect that project to circumstances caused by climate change, like decreased access to clean water, increased natural disasters, and pollution exposure; now, you have a mathematical project that has a clear, predictive impact relative to a serious global issue. 

Of course, a crucial element in making your project impactful is clearly communicating that connection. Anticipate someone asking you: Why should I care about this work? When explaining your work to judges or even to a general audience, avoid getting lost in the complexity of the scientific details. While it’s important to show that you understand your research, what will make your project memorable is how you convey the real-world importance. For instance, you might emphasize how your project aligns with sustainability goals or how it could change the trajectory of industries such as agriculture, medicine, or technology. The more you can help your audience see that your research is not just an academic exercise but a necessary advancement for society, the stronger your project becomes.

Be prepared to answer how your work could potentially affect people's lives in concrete ways. For example, if you’re working on a medical project, explain how it could lead to better treatment options, lower costs, or improved health outcomes. If you're researching renewable energy, describe how your work could reduce reliance on fossil fuels and help combat climate change. Judges will appreciate your ability to not only show technical expertise but also to illustrate the broader implications of your work.

Also, don’t underestimate the importance of passion when talking about your project’s impact. Judges are not just looking for intellectual prowess—they’re also looking for enthusiasm and a genuine desire to make a difference. When you can speak about your research with excitement, clearly articulating how your work could improve lives, you will leave a lasting impression. In the end, it’s not just about doing science for the sake of science; it’s about showing how your discoveries can shape the future and make a positive impact on the world around you.

The power of translating your research into the real world genuinely cannot be overstated. Focus on the technical while in the lab, but when presenting, convey to your judges and your audience why you and your work are important to the advancement of society. Whether your project is addressing climate change, healthcare, or sustainable solutions, judges will be looking for how your work can make a difference. Showcase your vision as much as you showcase the technology or method you used, because the future of science lies not just in the discoveries we make, but in how we apply those discoveries to create a better world for everyone.