Application Information and Forms

Science Fair Exhibit Hall

Applications for the 2009 NYCSEF are now available. The deadline for all paperwork and research paper is Wednesday, January 7th, 2009. Students will also be encouraged to submit their project information through the NYCSEF online registration system beginning in early November 2008. Final confirmation and application status will be sent to all students by email (for students who register online) and 'snail' mail after the NYCSEF Scientific Review Committee review process in mid-January.

Students interested in participating in the 2009 NYCSEF are encouraged to review the rules, guidelines, and eligibility information posted below.

IMPORTANT - Changes & Modifications for 2008-2009

The following are the major changes and modifications to the rules and guidelines for the 2009 NYCSEF. It is recommended that students and associated adults review the appropriate rules and guidelines as it relates to the specific research project.

  • For ALL PROJECTS – NYCSEF forms and research paper deadlines have been combined. Complete application materials must be received by January 7, 2009.
  • For projects involving Human Subjects – Ingestion, tasting, smelling, application of a substance or exposure to ANY materials other than those encountered routinely in DAILY LIFE by the subject is considered more than minimal risk and require Informed Consent and a Qualified Scientist. See page 14.
  • For projects involving Vertebrate Animals – Research projects classified as USDA Pain Categories A or B are permitted only with proper training and certification. Research projects classified as USDA Pain Category C are permitted only with proper training and certification AND must be conducted in a Regulated Research Institution. Research projects classified as USDA Pain Category D or E are PROHIBITED from entry into NYCSEF. See page 19.
  • For projects involving Non-Inquiry Based Research – Projects in engineering, mathematics, computer science and other theoretical research will be reviewed using the criteria outlined in pages 8 and 9. Projects failing to meet these criteria may fail to qualify for competition.

You will need a PDF viewer like Adobe Reader to read the application.

Not sure which forms you need?

Depending on the area of research and materials used in experimentation, different forms and approvals may be necessary. We recommend that you use the Quick Guide tool to help you identify which forms you will need to submit with your application. At the end of the questionnaire, you will be provided with the various PDF forms needed for your NYCSEF application. Check our FAQs page for more detailed explanations that address common inquiries about the application process.

Eligibility and Limitations

Note: For additional information about eligibility and limitations for participation in NYCSEF, see pg 7 of the NYCSEF Rules and Guidelines.

  • Students must be currently enrolled in grades 9 - 12 or equivalent in a public, private, or parochial school within the five boroughs of New York City.
  • Students must not reach the age of 21 by May 1, 2009.
  • Each student may only enter ONE project which covers research done over a maximum of 12 continuous months between January 2008 and May 2009.
  • Team projects may have a maximum of three (3) members.
  • Students eligible to participate in NYCSEF will not be sponsored or permitted to participate in any other Intel ISEF-affiliated fair. Only those students selected as a NYC Finalist will be invited to attend the Intel ISEF in Reno, NV.

Instructions to Apply to NYCSEF

  • Review the NYCSEF Rules and Guidelines and Application Forms. Download the appropriate forms needed for submission.
  • Complete and mail all required paperwork, including research paper, no later than the Wednesday, January 7th, 2009 deadline.
  • Submit TWO COPIES of your student research paper (Students who do not submit a scientific research paper will not be eligible to compete in any of the NYCSEF events.)

Application materials must be mailed to:

NYCSEF c/o College Now
City University of New York
101 West 31st Street, 14th Floor
New York, NY 10001

NYC Science & Engineering Fair | 101 West 31st Street, 14th Floor | New York, NY 10001 | 212.652.2015 | sciencefair@listserv.cuny.edu