Idaho Science & Engineering Fairs (IDSEF)

About the Fairs

The Idaho Science & Engineering Fairs (IDSEF) are a system of three regional STEM competitive events for Idaho students in 9th-12th grade. Through the Idaho STEM Action Center and its partners, these fairs are proudly affiliated with the world’s most prestigious science fair competition, the Regeneron International Science & Engineering Fair (ISEF), and provide Idaho high schoolers with an opportunity to show their excellence on an international stage. Participating students engage in original STEM research projects throughout the school year that allow them to explore their interests and learn/implement the same techniques used by scholars in their field. The regional IDSEF events provide the opportunity for these students to present their findings to the public and be evaluated by panel of expert judges. A variety of honors and scholarships are awarded each year to recognize students with exceptional research projects.

History

Since 2017, IDSEF has consisted of three separate regional competitions: the Northern Idaho Science & Engineering Fair (NISEF), the Western Idaho Science & Engineering Fair (WISEF), and the Eastern Idaho Science & Engineering Fair (EISEF). After placing the fairs on a one-year hiatus in 2024 to restructure and improve the program, Idaho STEM Action Center has entered into a contract with the Idaho STEM Ecosystem (EcosySTEM) to bring IDSEF back with increased support for educators and students in the communities where the regional fairs take place.

Through funds provided by the STEM Action Center and its partners, the EcosySTEM will plan, implement, and run the regional fairs this year, as well as providing boots-on-the-ground support for educators with competing students. When the top finalists from each regional fair are selected, Idaho STEM Action Center will organize an all-expense paid trip for those students and their chaperones to compete at ISEF in Columbus, OH.

Support for Educators & IDSEF Student Participants

We recognize the importance of increasing accessibility for students across Idaho for exciting STEM opportunities like this. Through our funding agreement, the EcosySTEM will offer financial support for travel and lodging to participants at the regional science & engineering fairs. In addition, there will be funding opportunities available to offset the costs of educators who are supporting their students in original STEM research with the goal of IDSEF participation. For more information on this support, please contact Trisha Mick with the EcosySTEM.