Welcome to our Fair Season edition of the MSEF Insider.

Science fair season is in full swing, and this year, more students than ever had the opportunity to participate! Regional fairs welcomed incredible student researchers from communities across Massachusetts, including North Reading, South Yarmouth and West Springfield!

With the support of dedicated educators, judges, and sponsors, students are gaining the skills and confidence to present and defend their research on bigger stages.

As we gear up for the High School State Fair on April 4th and look ahead to the Spring Student Symposium in June, we’re excited to continue fostering innovation, discovery, and STEM connections for students across the Commonwealth. Read on to find out more!

THANK YOU PRESENTATION COACHES

At MSEF, we know that presenting research is just as important as conducting it. That’s why we offer Practice Presentation Coaching, a dedicated session where students refine their communication skills with the help of experienced mentors.

This year these sessions took place earlier in the year so that more students had the opportunity to participate before their Regional Fairs!

This free coaching gave students the space to

• practice sharing their research,
• receive constructive feedback,
• and gain confidence in telling their science stories—an essential skill for the Fair and beyond.

A huge thank you to all the mentors who make these moments possible!

Presentation coaches meeting online before the student coaching sessions.

REGIONAL FAIRS - THAT'S A WRAP!

Over the past few weeks, high school students across Massachusetts have showcased their incredible research and innovation at one of 6 Regional High School Fairs—and what a success they were! From creative problem-solving to groundbreaking discoveries, these fairs highlighted the passion, dedication, and talent of students from across the state.

Shout out to some of the new schools participating this year, including Malden High, Burlington High, Sturgis Charter Public School and Hopedale Junior Senior High School!

A huge thank you to the educators, mentors, judges, and volunteers who made these events possible. Your support empowers students to explore, experiment, and grow in STEM.

Next stop: the High School State Science & Engineering Fair! 

High school students participating at the 2025 Region Fairs

GET TO KNOW OUR JUDGES

A civil engineer at MassDOT District 2, Kishore has gone above and beyond in supporting student research this season—judging at three Regional Fairs and registering for both the High School and Middle School State Fairs! That level of dedication might just be a record!

“Judging science fairs has been both a rewarding and challenging experience. It’s inspiring to see the creativity and dedication students bring to their research, and I take my role seriously in providing fair, thoughtful evaluations. Beyond scoring projects, I find it especially meaningful to offer encouragement and constructive feedback—helping students refine their ideas and build confidence in their work. Seeing their passion and problem-solving skills in action reinforces my own appreciation for innovation and the pursuit of knowledge.”

When he’s not supporting future scientists and engineers, Kishore is busy building bridges—both structurally and professionally—at MassDOT District 2.

Thank you, Kishore, for your incredible commitment to encouraging the next generation!

Do you have a science fair story to share? Let us know—we’d love to highlight more inspiring moments from our amazing community!

HIGH SCHOOL STATE FAIR

The High School State Science & Engineering Fair is happening April 4, 2025, at Gillette Stadium! Want to see the next generation of scientists and innovators in action? Join us for Public Hour from 4–5 PM at the Cross Insurance Club (formally the Putnam Club), W4 Entrance, Parking Lot 22 to witness incredible student research firsthand!

A huge thank you to Amazon for their continued support in making this opportunity possible for students across Massachusetts! Thanks to their generous funding, there is no cost for students to participate.

SPRING STUDENT SYMPOSIUM

Following the incredible success of our Fall Student Symposium, we’re excited to bring it back this spring at Holyoke Community College on June 7th! This full-day event offers high school students the chance to connect with STEM professionals, collaborate with fellow young innovators, and explore opportunities with universities from across Massachusetts.

Students who have participated in school, regional, or state fairs—or those encouraged by their teachers to explore independent research—are welcome to attend.

Plus, we’re keeping the momentum going! The Fall Student Symposium at MIT will continue, ensuring even more students can take part in this inspiring experience.

We’re thrilled to recognize Sanofi for increasing their support in 2025!



Through their sponsorship of the Sanofi Grand Prize Award and continued support for our Getting Science Fair Ready (GSFR) program, Sanofi is helping to break down barriers in STEM education—working toward a future where all students have the opportunity to thrive, innovate, and tackle the challenges of tomorrow.

By partnering with MSEF to mentor and educate the next generation of STEM leaders, Sanofi is making a lasting impact on young researchers, empowering them to pursue independent research and develop critical problem-solving skills.

Thank you, Sanofi, for your commitment to STEM education equity. We’re proud to work together to expand opportunities for future innovators!

We’re excited to welcome SharkNinja as a new supporter of MSEF!

Committed to the power of STEM education, SharkNinja is sponsoring the 2025 G.R.I.T Award—recognizing Guts, Resilience, Initiative, and Tenacity—to celebrate two students, one at the high school level and one at the middle school level, who have demonstrated exceptional growth throughout their science fair journey. Nominated by their teachers, these students embody the perseverance and determination that fuel innovation. 

Thank you, SharkNinja, for championing STEM education and helping us celebrate student success!

We're delighted to announce Saint-Gobain Research North America as a new supporter of MSEF. Their dedication to advancing STEM education is truly commendable.

Recently, they hosted an engaging visit for 30 Worcester Middle School students and their chaperones, offering a hands-on experience with cutting-edge technology. The students toured the labs, explored 3D printing, worked with an electron microscope, and learned how X-rays are used to see through objects, among other fascinating activities.

Saint-Gobain employees also donated their time to participate in the student Presentation Coaching sessions.

We are grateful for Saint-Gobain’s commitment to inspiring the next generation and look forward to continuing our partnership.

We're pleased to welcome Schrödinger as a new supporter of MSEF. Their strong commitment to STEM education aligns perfectly with our mission to inspire and empower the next generation of scientists.

Schrödinger places a significant emphasis on outreach, working with academic institutions from elementary schools to graduate programs. Their efforts aim to spread awareness of careers in technology and the sciences, while ensuring students have the skills they need to succeed.

We are grateful for Schrödinger's support and look forward to the impact we can make together in fostering the future of STEM.

We are proud to welcome Polsinelli as a new supporter of MSEF.

Polsinelli’s commitment to diversity and inclusion resonates deeply with our mission to create equal opportunities for all students in STEM. Their ethos of valuing diverse perspectives, backgrounds, and life experiences mirrors our own dedication to fostering an inclusive environment where every student can thrive. 



We are excited to partner with Polsinelli and look forward to the positive impact this collaboration will have on empowering diverse voices in STEM.

As the 2025 fair season unfolds, we are inspired by the incredible students, educators, and supporters who make this all possible. From regional competitions to the upcoming State Fair, the energy and passion for STEM is stronger than ever!

Stay tuned for Fair results, and thank you for being part of this amazing community that champions student innovation and discovery.

Sarah Thomas

Development Manager

sthomas@scifair.com

Why was the physics project so calm?

Because it had a lot of potential energy but no kinetic drama!

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Advancing science and engineering literacy since 1949, the Massachusetts Science & Engineering Fair (MSEF) was founded by the American Academy of Arts & Sciences, MIT professors, and a group of pioneering K-12 science educators. 

MSEF is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization. EIN (04-2707499)