Science Fair

CESTEM CESTEM

CESTEM proudly sponsors the Southeast Regional Science & Engineering Fair at the University of North Carolina Wilmington.

Please direct questions regarding the Southeast Regional Science & Engineering Fair to Gianna Geiss Feder at geissg@uncw.edu or (910) 962-3287.

For information on volunteer opportunities, please contact Michelle Hafey at hafeym@uncw.edu or (910) 962-3168.

Frequently Asked Questions

2026 Event Dates

Region 2 (Southeast) NC Science & Engineering Fair

TENTATIVE: Saturday, February 7
UNCW Watson College of Education & Cameron Hall Auditorium

State Virtual Science & Engineering Fair: Tuesday, March 17 (Zoom)

State Science & Engineering Fair: Saturday, March 21 (NC State University)

Regeneron International Science & Engineering Fair (ISEF): 5/9-5/15 (Phoenix, AZ)

2026 Registration

Registration Deadline: Sunday, January 11, 2026

Requirements: Submit forms & digital materials during registration in STEM Wizard. [Trifold back boards are required for the in-person fair.]

2026 Forms & Digital Materials

Required for All Projects

ALL Divisions

Elementary & Junior Divisions Only

EZ Form (replaces 1, 1A, and 1B)

Senior Division Only

Required for Some Projects

Some projects (ex: human subjects, vertebrate animals, PHBAs, continuation) may require additional forms. Please use the ISEF Rules Wizard before you begin your research to determine which forms you will need.

ISEF Rules Wizard

Helpful Links

2026 Rules

IBEC Science Fair Academy Videos

The Science Fair Academy (SFA), a student-run club at Isaac Bear Early College High School, created an eight-part video series to guide students through the Science & Engineering Fair process.

Mentors walk students through each step, sharing tips from their own experiences to help them understand requirements, use the Scientific Method, and build confidence. [Watson Chronicle]

Watch The Videos

About the Region 2 (SE) NC Science & Engineering Fair

The Southeast Regional NC Science and Engineering Fair welcomes students from Sampson, Wayne, Craven, Pamlico, Jones, Onslow, Duplin, Carteret, Pender, New Hanover, and Brunswick counties. This event provides the opportunity for students in 3rd through 12th grades interested in STEM fields to research the topic of their choice and present their work at a competition with their fellow students. Students from our regional fair can advance to state and international competitions.

Award Archives

2025 List of Awardees
2025 Award Ceremony
2025 Program Book