Approval Form for Science and Engineering Fairs 2026–2027

This form is required for ALL projects (one form per student). This form must be signed by the student researcher and parent BEFORE experimentation. The SRC will sign as appropriate for pre-approval and/or approval just before competition.

1. Required Approvals

a. Prior SRC/IRB Approval

Required for projects that need prior SRC/IRB approval BEFORE experimentation (humans, vertebrates, or potentially hazardous biological agents).

The SRC/IRB has carefully studied this project’s Research Plan/Project Addendum and all the required forms are included. My signature indicates approval of the Research Plan/Project Addendum before the student begins experimentation.

SRC Chair’s Printed Name	Signature	Date of Approval (mm/dd/yy)

b. Final ISEF Affiliated Fair SRC Approval

Required for research conducted at all Regulated Research Institutions with no prior fair SRC/IRB approval. This project was conducted at a regulated research institution (not home or high school, etc.), was reviewed and approved by the proper institutional board before experimentation, and complies with the ISEF Rules. Attach (2C) and any required institutional approvals (e.g. IACUC, IRB).

SRC Chair’s Printed Name	Signature	Date of Signature (mm/dd/yy)

2. SRC Approval After Experimentation and Before Competition

I certify that this project adheres to the approved Research Plan/Project Addendum and complies with all ISEF Rules.

Regional SRC Chair’s Printed Name	Signature	Date of Approval (mm/dd/yy)

State/National SRC Chair’s Printed Name	Signature	Date of Approval (mm/dd/yy)

3. To Be Completed by Student and Parent

a. Student Acknowledgment

• I understand the risks and possible dangers to me of the proposed research plan.
• I have read the ISEF Rules and Guidelines and will adhere to all International Rules when conducting this research.
• I have read and agree to uphold all aspects of the student researcher ethics statement.

Student researchers are expected to maintain the highest standards of honesty and integrity. Scientific fraud and misconduct are not condoned at any level of research or competition. Such practices include but are not limited to plagiarism, forgery, use or presentation of other researcher’s work as one’s own, and fabrication of data. Fraudulent projects will fail to qualify for competition in affiliated fairs and ISEF.

Student’s Printed Name	Signature	Date Acknowledged (mm/dd/yy)

b. Parent/Guardian Approval

I have read and understand the risks and possible dangers involved in the Research Plan/Project Addendum. I consent to my child participating in this research.

Parent/Guardian’s Printed Name	Signature	Date Acknowledged (mm/dd/yy)

4. To be Completed by the Local or Affiliated Fair SRC

Required for projects requiring prior SRC/IRB approval. Sign 2a or 2b as appropriate.