Massachusetts Science & Engineering Fair - MSEF

07/29/2026

Teachers: Get Ready for MSEF 2026–27! 🍎🔬
Join MSEF’s virtual Teacher Info Sessions this August to learn about:
✅ 2026–27 program updates
✅ Research plan guidance
✅ Approval deadlines
✅ AI policies & guidance
✅ And more!
Find session dates and pre-registration details in the teacher newsletter: linktr.ee/MSEF
Student and Parent sessions coming in September.

07/16/2026

Thanks to the Broadcom Foundation for their support of Massachusetts Science & Engineering Fair students.

Congratulations Aarti, Broadcom Coding with Commitment® winner at Massachusetts Middle School Science & Engineering Fair!

Broadcom Coding with Commitment® recognizes students in middle school who combine STEM learning with coding to solve a community problem they care about that aligns with the 17 Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations.

Aarti's project “Fractal Exploration: A Mathematical Tool to Measure Biological Complexity in Tumors” is an integrated, Python-based platform (PyQt6) offering an accessible solution to explore the intersection of mathematics and medical imaging through four core components: fractal generation, box-counting dimension analysis, image comparison, and AI-driven tumor detection. Her project aligns with United Nations Sustainable Development Goal #3 Good Health and Well-Being.

Broadcom Coding with Commitment® provides a catalyst for students to learn basic coding and AI as essential problem-solving tools in STEM. It fosters active civic engagement by thinking globally while acting locally.

Aarti says, "AI has turned coding from a barrier into a bridge. Instead of getting lost in the weeds of syntax, I now spend my energy where it matters most: providing solutions and solving real-world problems. "

Learn more here: https://broadcomfoundation.org/programs/broadcom-coding-with-commitment/

Massachusetts Science & Engineering Fair - MSEF

07/09/2026

Calling Massachusetts Teachers & School Leaders: Help Students Own Their Science 🔬

Looking for practical ways to strengthen authentic STEM learning and build student ownership of scientific inquiry?

The Massachusetts Science & Engineering Fair (MSEF) is offering FREE summer professional development workshops for teachers designed to help schools create meaningful science fair experiences that align with classroom learning and support student success. New and returning teachers are welcome!

📍 Science Fair Foundations
August 5–6 | Adams, MA
For middle school teachers interested in learning how to guide students through the science fair process. Explore NGSS and Science & Engineering Practices (SEP), support students in identifying project ideas, conducting background research, developing research plans, and analyzing data.

📍 Stronger Together: Growing Your STEM Community
August 19 | Billerica, MA
For middle and high school educators looking to build a sustainable culture of STEM and science fair participation. Learn strategies for leveraging school, industry, and community partnerships while empowering student leadership.

📍 Why So Many Forms? Demystifying the High School SRC Process
August 21 | Newton, MA
Designed for high school teachers, this workshop provides guidance on Scientific Review Committee (SRC) requirements, risk assessment, paperwork, and advising students on complex research projects.

✅ Free to attend
✅ Designed specifically for teachers
✅ Practical tools you can bring directly into your classroom

If you're a Massachusetts teacher, curriculum leader, STEM coordinator, or school administrator committed to expanding authentic student research opportunities, these workshops are for you.

Learn more and register through our linktr.ee/_MSEF_

06/30/2026

Join the MSEF team! We are currently hiring a Communications Manager.

Every year, thousands of Massachusetts students pursue original, independent research through Science & Engineering Fair programs. This role turns those projects into stories that travel — opening doors, building relationships, and strengthening a vibrant ecosystem of innovation.

🧪 Linking students with real-world opportunities
🏫 Bridging schools, industry, and academia
🤝 Amplifying partnerships across education, corporate, and policy sectors

If you’re energized by networks, storytelling, and being a part of a STEM Ecosystem, we’d love to meet you.

Fully remote (Massachusetts-based)

🔗 https://ideali.st/CWq6Yu

05/08/2026

We often talk about the skills students gain through science fair, like critical thinking and problem‑solving, but this week a teacher shared a perspective that highlighted something often overlooked.

She said the real growth she sees isn’t just academic—it’s human.

Students learning how to:
• navigate disagreements
• articulate their ideas clearly
• listen (really listen) to each other
• work through challenges together

Friendships form. Sometimes they fall apart.

Students face pressure, competition, and setbacks—and learn how to handle all of it.

And in that process, they build something incredibly important:
social competence—the ability to communicate, collaborate, and adapt.

In a world where so much interaction is digital, that matters more than ever.
Teachers are the ones holding space for all of this.

Guiding not just research projects, but real human development.

At Massachusetts Science & Engineering Fair, we’re proud to support educators in making this kind of learning possible—through classroom resources, coaching, and a program that meets them where they are.

Because science fair isn’t just about projects on a board.

It’s about helping students figure out how to think, how to communicate, and how to work with others.

And that starts with teachers.

Thank you for everything you do, we are proud to work alongside you 🙏

04/27/2026

💬 “Engaging with really talented youth brings such joy and optimism.”
— Multi-year MSEF Judge

“You’re not just evaluating a project, you’re encouraging someone at a formative moment.” ✨
— First-time MSEF Judge

These reflections from last month’s High School State Fair offer a glimpse into what it means to be a Science & Engineering Fair judge.

There is still time to get involved! We’re recruiting STEM professionals to join us for the Middle School State Fair on May 9 at Clark University.

One day. Real impact—for students, and for you.

04/23/2026

As we welcome the Science Fair Season alumni of 2026, we’re proud to celebrate alumni from seasons past like Dhruv.

Dhruv's science fair journey shows what’s possible when curiosity meets collaboration. What began as two separate projects became a powerful partnership when Dhruv and a classmate realized they were asking the same big question. Together, they used machine learning to explore how movement, economics, and public health intersected during COVID‑19, refining their work through thoughtful judge feedback.

That experience sparked a lasting interest in MedTech research. This spring, Dhruv is graduating from UW‑Madison with a B.S. in Biomedical Engineering and will pursue a Master’s in Electrical Engineering at Northeastern University, specializing in micro‑devices—continuing a path that began at science fair. To our newest alums: your journey is just beginning, and we can’t wait to see where it takes you.

As we say - Once a Science Fair Kid, always a Science Fair kid.

04/21/2026

This is what a few hours as a Science & Engineering Fair judge can feel like.

💬 “Listening to students describe their projects, endeavors they’ve poured their heart and soul into, is a truly gratifying experience.”
— Multi-year MSEF Judge

Last Massachusetts fair of the season. Don't miss the opportunity to join us as a Science & Engineering Fair judge!!

04/09/2026

Today’s the day.
Hundreds of students. Months of work.
Let’s GO!

04/09/2026

Day 1 – Final Countdown
The rooms are setup and ready to go!
Tonight - rest up.
Tomorrow the DCU Center will come alive, is going to be something special!
Incredible projects. Thoughtful conversations. A chance to inspire—and be inspired.
We’ll see you at the crack of dawn!