Science Fair
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/judging opportunities, please contact Michelle Hafey at hafeym@uncw.edu or (910) 962-3168.
2026 Event Dates
Region 2 (Southeast) NC Science & Engineering Fair
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- Official NCSEF Abstract
- Parent Release Form
- Research Plan (& Bibliography)
- Project Presentation Slides
- EZ Form (replaces 1, 1A, and 1B)
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.
Helpful Links
2026 Fair Schedule
| 8:00 - 9:15 AM | Project Registration & Setup | Sayed Hall |
| 8:30 - 9:15 AM | Judge's Briefing & Breakfast[no students or parents allowed] | Sayed Hall, Room 130 |
| 9:15 - 10:30 AM | Judges Preview Projects *students & parents must exit the exhibit rooms – can either remaining in lounge areas in building or exit the building* |
Sayed Hall |
| 9:15 - 10:30 AM | UNCW Program Showcase | Sayed Hall Atrium |
| 10:30 AM - 12:45 PM | Judging of Projects *students must stay with their projects* **parents must remain in waiting areas or exit the building** |
Sayed Hall |
| 12:45 - 1:45 PM | Public Viewing of Projects *lunch on your own* |
Sayed Hall |
| by 2:15 PM | Project Removal *students must remove their projects from the building by 2:15 PM* |
Sayed Hall |
| 2:30 PM | Award Ceremony | Cameron Hall Auditorium |
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]