2017 Intel ISEF Rules Only

Intel International Science
and Engineering Fair
International Rules
and Guidelines 2017
International Rules for Pre-college Science Research:
Guidelines for Science and Engineering Fairs
2016–2017
Table of Contents
For ALL Projects
Intel ISEF Ethics Statement...................................................................................................................................................................3
Intel ISEF Eligibility/Limitations..........................................................................................................................................................3
Intel ISEF Requirements.........................................................................................................................................................................3
Continuation/Research Progression of Projects..........................................................................................................................4
Team Projects..............................................................................................................................................................................................4
Roles and Responsibilities of Students and Adults

1. The Student Researcher(s)..............................................................................................................................................................5
2. The Adult Sponsor.............................................................................................................................................................................5
3. The Qualified Scientist.....................................................................................................................................................................5
4. The Designated Supervisor............................................................................................................................................................5
5. The Institutional Review Board (IRB)..........................................................................................................................................5
6. Affiliated Fair Scientific Review Committees (SRC)...............................................................................................................6
7. Other Review Committees..............................................................................................................................................................6
8. The Intel ISEF Scientific Review Committee............................................................................................................................7
Human Participants Rules

1. Exempt Studies....................................................................................................................................................................................8
2. Rules.........................................................................................................................................................................................................8
3. Human Participant Risk Assessment.......................................................................................................................................11
Vertebrate Animals Rules

1. Rules for ALL Vertebrate Animal Studies .............................................................................................................................12
2. Additional Rules for Projects Conducted at School/Home/Field...............................................................................13
3. Additional Rules for Projects Conducted in a Regulated Research Institution ....................................................13

Potentially Hazardous Biological Agents Rules
Rules for ALL Projects Involving Potentially Hazardous Biological Agents...................................................................15
Additional Rules for Projects Involving Unknown Microorganisms..................................................................................16
Additional Rules for Projects Involving Recombinant DNA (rDNA) Technologies......................................................16
Additional Rules for Projects Involving Tissues and Body Fluids Including Blood and Blood Products..........16
Potentially Hazardous Biological Agents Risk Assessment .....................................................................................18
Hazardous Chemicals, Activities or Devices Rules ....................................................................................................... 19

Sources of Information ............................................................................................................................................................ 21
Display and Safety Regulations ........................................................................................................................................... 24

Information on Required Abstract ...................................................................................................................................... 27
Categories & Sub-Categories................................................................................................................................................. 28
Forms .............................................................................................................................................................................................. 29
International Rules: Guidelines for Science and Engineering Fairs 2016 –2017 student.societyforscience.org/intel-isef Page 1
student.societyforscience.org/international-rules-pre-college-science-research
The International Rules and Guidelines for Science Fairs is available at student.societyforscience.org/intel-isef in
multiple formats. Familiarity with the rules is critical for students, parents, teachers, mentors, fair directors and
local and affiliated fair scientific review committees (SRC) and institutional review boards (IRB).
• International Rules and Guidelines – The full text of the International Rules and forms in html and as a
downloadable pdf.
• The Intel ISEF Rules Wizard – An interactive tool which asks questions about your intended project and
provides a list of forms required.
• Common SRC Problems – Frequent problems that emerge during Scientific Review Committee review for
qualification at the Intel ISEF. Read these to learn what NOT to do.
These Rules are applicable for:
The Intel International Science and Engineering Fair 2017

Los Angeles, CA, USA, May 14 –19, 2017
The purpose of these rules is to:

• protect the rights and welfare of the student researcher
• protect the rights and welfare of human participants
• protect the health and welfare of vertebrate animal subjects
• ensure adherence to federal regulations
• ensure use of safe laboratory practices
• protect the environment
• determine eligibility for competition in the Intel ISEF
For pre-review and approval of your project, find your fair at

http://apps2.societyforscience.org/ssp-affiliate-fair/
For Intel ISEF questions, contact:

Society for Science & the Public
Science Education Programs
1719 N Street, NW, Washington, DC 20036
office: 202-785-2255, fax: 202-785-1243
email: [email protected]
For rules questions, contact the Intel ISEF Scientific Review Committee:
[email protected]
Page 2 International Rules: Guidelines for Science and Engineering Fairs 2016 –2017, student.societyforscience.org/intel-isef
ALL PROJECTS
Ethics Statement 4. Projects must adhere to local, state and U.S. Federal laws,
Scientific fraud and misconduct are not condoned at any level regulations and permitting conditions. In addition, projects
of research or competition. This includes plagiarism, forgery, conducted outside the U.S. must also adhere to the laws of the
use or presentation of other researcher’s work as one’s own country and jurisdiction in which the project was performed.
and fabrication of data. Fraudulent projects will fail to qualify
for competition in affiliated fairs and the Intel ISEF. Society for 5. The use of non-animal research methods and alternatives
Science & the Public reserves the right to revoke recognition of a to animal research are strongly encouraged and must be
project subsequently found to have been fraudulent. explored before conducting a vertebrate animal project.
6. Introduction or disposal of non-native and/or invasive species

Eligibility/Limitations (e.g. insects, plants, invertebrates, vertebrates), pathogens,
1. Each Intel ISEF-affiliated fair may send the number of projects toxic chemicals or foreign substances into the environment is
provided by their affiliation agreement. prohibited. It is recommended that students reference their
local, state or national regulations and quarantine lists.
2. A student must be selected by an Intel ISEF-affiliated fair, and:
a. be in grades 9 –12 or equivalent; 7. Intel ISEF exhibits must adhere to Intel ISEF display and safety
b. not have reached age 20 on or before May 1 preceding requirements.
the Intel ISEF.
8. All projects must adhere to the requirements of the affiliated
3. English is the official language of the Intel ISEF. Student fair(s) in which it competes to qualify for participation in the
project boards and abstracts must be in English. Intel ISEF. Affiliated fairs may have additional restrictions
or requirements. Knowledge of these requirements is the
4. Each student is only allowed to enter one project. That project responsibility of the student and Adult Sponsor.
may include no more than 12 months of continuous research
and may not include research performed before January Approval and Documentation
2016. 9. Before experimentation begins, a local or regional Institutional
Review Board (IRB) or Scientific Review Committee (SRC)
5. Team projects must have no more than three members. Teams associated with the Intel ISEF-affiliated fair must review
competing at Intel ISEF must be composed of members who and approve most projects involving human participants,
all meet Intel ISEF eligibility. vertebrate animals, and potentially hazardous biological
agents. Note: If a project involves the testing of a student
6. Students may compete in only one Intel ISEF affiliated fair, designed invention, prototype or concept by a human,
except when proceeding to a state/national fair affiliated with an IRB review and approval may be required prior to
the Intel ISEF from an affiliated regional fair. experimentation. See Human Participants Rules for details.
7. Projects that are demonstrations, ‘library’ research or 10. Every student must complete the Student Checklist (1A), a
informational projects, ‘explanation’ models or kit building Research Plan/Project Summary and Approval Form (1B) and
are not appropriate for the Intel ISEF. review the project with the Adult Sponsor in coordination with
completion by the Adult Sponsor of the Checklist for Adult
8. All sciences (physical, life, social) are represented at the Intel Sponsor (1).
ISEF. Review a complete list of categories and sub-categories
with definitions. 11. A Qualified Scientist is required for all studies involving
Biosafety Lab-2 (BSL-2) potentially hazardous biological
9. A research project may be a part of a larger study performed agents and DEA-controlled substances and is also required for
by professional scientists, but the project presented by the many human participant studies and many vertebrate animal
student must be only their own portion of the complete study. studies.
Requirements 12. After initial IRB/SRC approval (if required), any proposed
General changes in the Student Checklist (1A) and Research Plan/
1. All domestic and international students competing in an Intel Project Summary must be re-approved before laboratory
ISEF-affiliated fair must adhere to all rules as set forth in this experimentation/data collection resumes.
document.
13. Projects which are continuations of a previous year’s work
2. All projects must adhere to the Ethics Statement above. and which require IRB/SRC approval must undergo the
review process with the current year proposal prior to
3. It is the responsibility of the student and the Adult Sponsor experimentation/data collection for the current year.
to evaluate the study to determine if the research will require
forms and/or review and approval prior to experimentation, 14. Any continuing project must document that the additional
especially projects that include human participants, vertebrate research is new and different. (Continuation Projects Form (7)).
animals, or potentially hazardous biological agents.
15. If work was conducted in a regulated research institution, 6. NOTE: For competition in the Intel ISEF, the Continuation/
industrial setting or any work site other than home, school or Research Progression Project Form (7) is required for projects
field at any time during the current Intel ISEF project year, the in the same field of study as a previous project. This form must
Regulated Research Institutional/Industrial Setting Form (1C) be displayed at the project booth. Retention of all prior years’
must be completed and displayed at the project booth. paperwork is required and must be presented to the Intel ISEF
SRC upon request.
16. After experimentation, each student or team must submit a
(maximum) 250-word, one-page abstract which summarizes Team Projects
the current year’s work. The abstract must describe research 1. Team projects compete and are judged in the scientific
conducted by the student, not by the supervising adult(s). category of their research at the Intel ISEF. All team members
must meet the eligibility requirements for Intel ISEF.
17. A project data book and research paper are not required, but
are strongly recommended for judging purposes. Regional or 2. Teams must have no more than three members. A team with
local fairs may require a project data book and/or a research members from different geographic regions may compete
paper. at an affiliated fair of one of its members, but not at multiple
fairs. However, each affiliated fair holds the authority to
18. All signed forms, certifications, and permits must be available determine whether teams with members outside of a fair’s
for review by all regional, state, national and international geographic territory are eligible to compete, understanding
affiliated fair SRCs in which the student(s) participate. that if the team wins the right to attend Intel ISEF, all team
This review must occur after experimentation and before members’ expenses must be supported by the fair.
competition. a. Team membership cannot be changed during a given
research year unless there are extenuating circumstances
Continuation/Research Progression of Projects and the local SRC reviews and approves the change,
1. As in the professional world, research projects may build on including converting a team project to an individual
work performed previously. A valid continuation project is a project or vice versa. Such conversions must address
sound scientific endeavor. Students will be judged only on rationale for the change and include a clear delineation
laboratory experiment/data collection performed over 12 between research preceding the change and that which
continuous months beginning no earlier than January 2016 will follow. A memorandum documenting this review and
and ending May 2017. approval should be attached to Form 1A.
b. Once a project has competed in a science fair at any level,
2. Any project based on the student’s prior research could be team membership cannot change and the project cannot
considered a continuation/research progression project. be converted from an individual project to a team project
These projects must document that the additional research or vice versa.
is a substantive expansion from prior work (e.g. testing a new c. In a future year, any project may be converted from an
variable or new line of investigation). Repetition of previous individual to a team project, from a team to an individual
experimentation with the same methodology and research project and/or have a change in team membership.
question, even with an increased sample size, is an example of
an unacceptable continuation. 3. Each team is encouraged to appoint a team leader to
coordinate the work and act as spokesperson. However, each
3. The display board and abstract must reflect the current year’s member of the team should be able to serve as spokesperson,
work only. The project title displayed in the finalist’s booth be fully involved with the project, and be familiar with all
may mention years (for example, “Year Two of an Ongoing aspects of the project. The final work should reflect the
Study”). Previous year’s databooks, research papers and coordinated efforts of all team members and will be evaluated
supporting documents may be at the booth, but not openly using the same judging criteria as individual projects.
displayed, if properly labeled as such.
4. Each team member must submit an Approval Form (1B). Team
4. Longitudinal studies are permitted as an acceptable members must jointly submit the Checklist for Adult Sponsor
continuation under the following conditions: (1), one abstract, a Student Checklist (1A), a Research Plan/
a. The study is a multi-year study testing or documenting Project Summary and other required forms.
the same variables in which time is a critical variable.
(Examples: Effect of high rain or drought on soil in a given 5. Full names of all team members must appear on the abstract
basin, return of flora and fauna in a burned area over and forms.
time.)
b. Each consecutive year must demonstrate time-based Contact the Science Education Programs or the Scientific
change. Review Committee with questions.
c. The display board must be based on collective past
conclusionary data and its comparison to the current
year data set. No raw data from previous years may be
displayed.
5. All projects must be reviewed and approved each year and

forms must be completed for the new year.
Roles and Responsibilities of Students The Designated Supervisor
The Designated Supervisor is an adult who is directly responsible
and Adults for overseeing student experimentation. The Designated
The Student Researcher(s) Supervisor need not have an advanced degree, but must be
The student researcher is responsible for all aspects of the thoroughly familiar with the student’s project, and must be
research project including enlisting the aid of any required trained in the student’s area of research. The Adult Sponsor may
supervisory adults (Adult Sponsor, Qualified Scientist, etc.), act as the Designated Supervisor.
obtaining necessary approvals (SRC, IRB, etc.), following
the Rules & Guidelines of the Intel ISEF, and performing the If a student is experimenting with live vertebrates and the
experimentation, engineering, data analysis, etc. animals are in a situation where their behavior or habitat is
influenced by humans, the Designated Supervisor must be
Scientific fraud and misconduct are not condoned at any level knowledgeable about the humane care and handling of the
of research or competition. This includes plagiarism, forgery, animals.
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 the Intel ISEF. Society for Review Committees
Science & the Public reserves the right to revoke recognition of The Institutional Review Board (IRB)
a project subsequently found to have been fraudulent. An Institutional Review Board (IRB), is a committee that,
according to federal regulations (45-CFR-46), must evaluate the
The Adult Sponsor potential physical and/or psychological risk of research involving
An Adult Sponsor may be a teacher, parent, professor, and/or humans. All proposed human research must be reviewed and
other professional scientist in whose lab the student is working. approved by an IRB before experimentation begins. This includes
This individual must have a solid background in science and review of any surveys or questionnaires to be used in a project.
should have close contact with the student during the course of
the project. Federal regulations require local community involvement.
Therefore, it is advisable that an IRB be established at the school
The Adult Sponsor is responsible for working with the student level to evaluate human research projects. If necessary, the local
to evaluate any possible risks involved in order to ensure the or Intel ISEF-affiliated SRC can serve as an IRB as long as it has the
health and safety of the student conducting the research and the required membership. An IRB must consist of a minimum of three
humans and/or animals involved in the study. The Adult Sponsor members including the following:
must review the student’s Student Checklist (1A) and Research • An educator
Plan/Project Summary to insure that: a) experimentation is • A school administrator (preferably principal or vice principal)
within local, state, and Federal laws and Intel ISEF rules; b) forms • A medical or mental health professional. The medical
are completed by other required adults; and c) criteria for the or mental health professional may be a medical doctor,
Qualified Scientist adhere to those set forth below. nurse practitioner, physician’s assistant, registered nurse,
psychologist, licensed social worker or licensed clinical
The Adult Sponsor must be familiar with the regulations that professional counselor. The medical or mental health
govern potentially dangerous research as they apply to a specific professional on the IRB may change depending on the nature
student project. These may include chemical and equipment of the study. This person must be knowledgeable about and
usage, experimental techniques, research involving human capable of evaluating the physical and/or psychological risk
and/or vertebrate animals, and cell cultures, microorganisms, involved in a given study.
or animal tissues. Some experiments involve procedures or
materials that are regulated by state, federal or non-U.S. national Additional Expertise: If an expert is not available in the
laws. If not thoroughly familiar with the regulations, the Adult immediate area, documented contact with an external expert is
Sponsor should help the student enlist the aid of a Qualified recommended. A copy of all correspondence with the expert (e.g.
Scientist. emails) must be attached to Form 4 and can be used in lieu of the
signature of that expert.
The Adult Sponsor is responsible for ensuring the student’s
research is eligible for entry in the Intel ISEF. To avoid conflict of interest, no Adult Sponsor, parent or other
relative of the student, the Qualified Scientist, or Designated
The Qualified Scientist Supervisor who oversees the project may serve on the IRB
A Qualified Scientist should have earned a doctoral/professional reviewing that project. Additional members are recommended
degree in a scientific discipline that relates to the student’s area to help avoid a potential conflict of interest and to increase the
of research. Alternatively, the SRC may consider an individual expertise of the committee.
with extensive experience and expertise in the student’s area of
research as a Qualified Scientist. The Qualified Scientist must be Most projects require review by the full three member IRB.
thoroughly familiar with local, state, and federal regulations that
govern the student’s area of research. IRBs exist at federally Regulated Research Institutions (e.g.,
universities, medical centers, NIH, correctional facilities).
The Qualified Scientist and the Adult Sponsor may be the same Prisoner advocates must be included on the IRB when research
person, if that person is qualified as described above. A student participants are incarcerated. The institutional IRB must initially
may work with a Qualified Scientist in a city, state or country that review and approve all proposed research conducted at or
is not where the student resides. In this case, the student must sponsored by that institution. The Adult Sponsor and the local
work locally with a Designated Supervisor (see below) who has IRB are responsible for ensuring that the project is appropriate
been trained in the techniques to be applied by the student. for a pre-college student and adheres to the Intel ISEF rules.
An IRB is responsible for assessing risk and documenting • c ompleted forms, signatures and dates showing maximum of
the determination of risk level on Human Participant Form 4. one year duration of research and appropriate preapproval
However, in reviewing projects just prior to a fair, if the SRC dates (where required)
serving at that level of competition judges an IRB’s decision as • evidence of search for alternatives to animal use
inappropriate, thereby placing human participants in jeopardy, • humane treatment of animals
they may override the IRB’s decision and the project may fail • compliance with rules and laws governing human and/or
to qualify for competition. It is advised that IRBs consult with animal research and research involving potentially hazardous
the local or affiliated fair SRCs and/or with the Intel ISEF SRC in biological agents and hazardous chemicals, activities or
questionable cases. devices
• documentation of substantial expansion for continuation
The Affiliated Fair Scientific Review Committee projects
A Scientific Review Committee (SRC) is a group of qualified • compliance with the Intel ISEF ethics statement
individuals that is responsible for evaluation of student research,
certifications, research plans and exhibits for compliance with the Sources of Information are available as a separate
rules, applicable laws and regulations at each level of science fair section at the end of the document.
competition. Affiliated Fairs may authorize local SRCs to serve
in this prior review capacity. The operation and composition
of the local and Affiliated Fair SRCs must fully comply with the
Combined SRC/IRB Committee
A combined committee is allowed as long as the membership
International Rules. Directions for obtaining preapproval are
meets both the SRC and IRB requirements listed above.
available from the affiliated fair. A list of fairs is at: https://apps2.
societyforscience.org/ssp-affiliate-fair/.
Regulated Research Institutions/Industrial Settings
Most proposed research projects involving vertebrate animals Review Committees
and/or potentially hazardous biological agents must be reviewed Regulated Research Institution: A Regulated Research Institution
and approved BEFORE experimentation. Local or regional within the U.S. is defined as a professional research/teaching
SRC prior review is not required for human studies previously institution that is regularly inspected by the USDA and is
reviewed and approved by a properly constituted IRB. licensed to use animals covered by the Animal Welfare Act and
may also be subject to U.S. Public Health Service Policy. Also
ALL projects, including those previously reviewed and approved included are all federal laboratories such as National Institutes
by an IRB must be reviewed and approved by the SRC after of Health, Veteran’s Affairs Medical Centers and the Centers for
experimentation and before competition in an Affiliated Fair. Disease Control. In addition, pharmaceutical and biotechnology
Projects which were conducted at a Regulated Research companies and research institutions that utilize research animals
Institution (not home, high school or field) and which were that are not covered by the Animal Welfare Act but have an
reviewed and approved by the proper institutional board before operational Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee and
experimentation, must also be approved by the Affiliated are in compliance with U.S. federal laws are included in this
Fair SRC. definition. For project conducted outside of the United States, a
Regulated Research Institution would be a comparable research
An SRC must consist of a minimum of three persons, including institution that adheres to country laws governing the care and
the following: use of vertebrate animals.
1. a biomedical scientist with an earned doctoral degree
2. an educator Certain areas of research conducted in a regulated research
3. at least one additional member institution or an industrial setting require review and approval by
federally mandated committees that have been established at
Additional expertise: Many project evaluations require that institution. These committees include:
additional expertise (e.g., on biosafety and/or of human risk
groups). If the SRC needs an expert as one of its members and 1. Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC); Animal
one is not in the immediate area, all documented contact with an Care and Use Committee (ACUC); Animal Ethics Committee
external expert must be submitted. If animal research is involved, 2. Institutional Review Board (IRB); Human Subjects Participant
at least one member must be familiar with proper animal care Program (HSPP)
procedures. Depending on the nature of the study, this person 3. Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC)
can be a veterinarian or animal care provider with training and/or 4. Embryonic Stem Cell Research Oversight Committee (ESCRO)
experience in the species being studied. 5. Safety Review Committee
To avoid conflict of interest, no Adult Sponsor, parent or

other relative of the student(s), the Qualified Scientist, or the
Designated Supervisor who oversees the project may serve
on the SRC reviewing that project. Additional members are
recommended to diversify and to increase the expertise of the
committee.
A Scientific Review Committee (SRC) examines projects for the

following:
• evidence of literature search and appropriate attribution
• evidence of proper supervision
• use of accepted and appropriate research techniques
The ISEF Scientific Review Committee (Intel ISEF SRC)
All projects are reviewed by the Intel ISEF Scientific Review
Committee prior to competition. The Intel ISEF SRC is the final
arbiter of the qualification of students to participate in the Intel
ISEF. Before the fair, committee members review research plans
and all required forms to confirm that applicable Intel ISEF rules
have been followed. The Intel ISEF SRC may request additional
information from students prior to the Intel ISEF or may interview
potential Intel ISEF participants at the fair to ensure that they
qualify to compete.
The Intel ISEF SRC, like an Affiliated Fair SRC, is made up of

adults knowledgeable about research regulations. In addition to
the review of all projects at the Intel ISEF, committee members
answer questions about the rules throughout the year from
students and teachers. The ISEF SRC can be contacted at
[email protected].
Members of the Intel ISEF Scientific Review Committee 2017:
Mrs. Christine Miller, Chair

Ms. Susan Appel
Mr. Henry Disston
Dr. Jennifer Green
Dr. Paula Johnson
Dr. Timothy Martin
Mrs. Evelyn Montalvo
Dr. Jason Shuffitt
Human Participants Rules
Rules involving human participants
Student researchers must follow federal guidelines (Code of require IRB review and preapproval and may also require
Federal Regulations 45 CFR 46) to protect the human research documentation of written informed consent/assent/parental
participant and the student researcher. When students conduct permission. Examples of studies that are considered “human
research with humans, the rights and welfare of the participants participant research” requiring IRB preapproval include:
must be protected. Most human participant studies require a. Participants in physical activities (e.g., physical exertion,
preapproval from an Institutional Review Board (IRB)/Human ingestion of any substance, any medical procedure)
Subjects Participant Program (HSPP) and informed consent/ b. Psychological, educational and opinion studies (e.g.,
assent from the research participant. surveys, questionnaires, tests)
c. Studies in which the researcher is the subject of the
Exempt Studies (Do Not Require IRB Preapproval or research (Expedited Review may be used, see page 9)
Human Participants Paperwork) d. Testing of student designed invention, prototype or
Some studies involving humans are exempt from IRB pre- computer application by human participants other than
approval or additional human participant forms. Exempt projects student researcher (Expedited Review may be used, see
for the Intel ISEF and affiliated fairs are: page 9)
1. Student-designed Invention, Prototype, Computer e. Testing of student designed invention or concept by
Applications or Engineering/Design Project in which the human participants other than student researcher
student is the only person testing the invention, prototype or f. Data/record review projects that include data that are
computer application and the testing does not pose a health not de-identified/anonymous (e.g., data set that includes
or safety hazard. It is recommended that a Risk Assessment name, birth date, phone number or other identifying
Form (3) be completed. The use of human participants (other variables).
than the student researcher him/herself) for this testing g. Behavioral observations that
requires IRB review and approval. The Expedited Review 1) involve any interaction with the observed
process (see page 9) may be used for projects that involve individual(s) or where the researcher has modified
human subjects to test a student designed intervention or the environment (e.g., post a sign, place an object).
prototype. 2) occur in non-public or restricted access settings
(e.g., day care setting, doctor’s office)
2. Data/record review studies (e.g., baseball statistics, crime 3) involve the recording of personally identifiable
statistics) in which the data are taken from preexisting data information
sets that are publicly available and/or published and do not
involve any interaction with humans or the collection of 2. Student researchers must complete ALL elements of the
any data from a human participant for the purpose of the Human Participants portion of the Research Plan/Project
student’s research project. Summary Instructions and evaluate and minimize the physical,
psychological and privacy risks to their human participants.
3. Behavioral observations of unrestricted, public settings See Risk Assessment information on page 11 and the online
(e.g., shopping mall, public park) in which all of the following Risk Assessment Guide (https://student.societyforscience.org/
apply: human-participants#riskass) for additional guidance.
a. the researcher has no interaction with the individuals
being observed 3. The research study should be in compliance with all privacy
b. the researcher does not manipulate the environment in laws (e.g., Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
any way and and Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act
c. the researcher does not record any personally identifiable (HIPAA)) laws when they apply to the project (e.g. the project
data. involves medical information).
4. Projects in which the student receives pre-existing/ 4. All research projects involving human participants, including
retrospective data in a de-identified/anonymous format any revisions, must be reviewed and approved by an
which complies with both of the following conditions: Institutional Review Board (IRB) before the student may begin
a. the professional providing the data certifies in writing recruiting and/or interacting with human participants. The
that the data have been appropriately de-identified IRB must assess the risk and document its determination of
before being given to the student researcher and are in risk on Form 4. After initial IRB approval, a student with any
compliance with all privacy and HIPAA laws, and proposed changes in the Research Plan/Project Summary
b. the affiliated fair SRC ensures that the data were must repeat the approval process and regain approval before
appropriately de-identified by review of the written laboratory experimentation/data collection resumes.
documentation provided by the supervising adult(s).
5. Research conducted by a pre-college student at a Regulated
Research Institution (e.g., university, college, medical center,
Rules government lab, correctional institution) must be reviewed
1. The use of human participants in science projects is allowable
and approved by that institution’s IRB. A copy of the IRB
under the conditions and rules in the following sections.
approval for the entire project (which must include the
Based upon the Code of Federal Regulations (45 CFR 46), the
research procedures/measures the student is using) and/or an
definition of a human participant is a living individual about
official letter from the IRB attesting to approval is required. A
whom an investigator conducting research obtains (1) data or
letter from the mentor is not sufficient documentation of IRB
samples through intervention or interaction with individual(s),
review and approval.
or (2) identifiable private information. These projects
6. Research participants must voluntarily give informed 10. Studies that involve the collection of data via use of the
consent/assent (in some cases with parental permission) internet (e.g., email, web-based surveys) are allowed, but
before participating in the study. Adult research participants researchers should be aware that they can pose challenges in
may give their own consent. Research participants under a) collecting anonymous data, b) obtaining informed consent
18 years of age and/or individuals not able to give consent and c) ensuring that participants are of the appropriate age to
(e.g. developmentally disabled individuals) give their assent, give informed consent. See the Online Studies Section of the
with the parent/guardian providing permission. The IRB will Risk Assessment Guide.
determine whether the consent/assent/parental permission
may be verbal or must be written depending on the level of 11. After experimentation and before Intel ISEF competition, the
risk and the type of study, and will determine if a Qualified Intel ISEF SRC reviews and approves previously-approved
Scientist is required to oversee the project. Risk Assessment projects to ensure that students followed the approved
information on page 11 and the online Risk Assessment Research Plan/Project Summary and all of the Intel ISEF rules.
Guide (https://student.societyforscience.org/human-
participants#riskass) for further explanation of informed 12. The following forms are required for studies involving human
consent. participants:
a. Informed consent requires that the researcher provides a. Checklist for Adult Sponsor (1), Student Checklist (1A),
complete information to the participant (and where Research Plan/Project Summary, and Approval Form (1B)
applicable, parents or guardians) about the risks and b. Human Participants Form (4) with applicable consents and
benefits associated with participation in the research survey(s)
study, which then allows the participants and parents or c. Regulated Research Institution Form (1C), when applicable
guardians to make an informed decision about whether or d. Qualified Scientist Form (2), when applicable
not to participate. e. Risk Assessment (3) when applicable
b. Participants must be informed that their participation
is voluntary (i.e., they may participate or decline IRB Waiver of Written Informed Consent/Parental
to participate, with no adverse consequences of Permission
nonparticipation or aborted participation) and that they The IRB may waive the requirement for documentation of written
are free to stop participating at any time. informed consent/assent/parental permission if the research
c. Informed consent may not involve coercion and is an involves only minimal risk and anonymous data collection and if
on-going process, not a single event that ends with a it is one of the following:
signature. • Research involving normal educational practices
d. When written parental permission is required and the • Research on individual or group behavior or characteristics
study includes a survey, the survey must be attached to of individuals where the researcher does not manipulate the
the consent form. participants’ behavior and the study does not involve more
e. The student researcher may request that the IRB waive than minimal risk.
the requirement for written informed consent/parental • Surveys, questionnaires, or activities that are determined
permission in his/her research plan if the project meets by the IRB to involve perception, cognition, or game theory,
specific requirements. See section on IRB waivers for etc. and that do NOT involve gathering personal information,
more information about situations in which written invasion of privacy or potential for emotional distress.
parental permission and/or written informed consent can • Studies involving physical activity where the IRB determines
be waived by the IRB. that no more than minimal risk exists and where the
probability and magnitude of harm or discomfort anticipated
7. A student may observe and collect data for analysis of in the research are not greater than those ordinarily
medical procedures and medication administration only encountered in DAILY LIFE or during performance of routine
under the direct supervision of a medical professional. physical activities.
This medical professional must be named in the research
protocol approved by the IRB. Students are prohibited from If there is any uncertainty regarding the appropriateness of
administering medication and/or performing invasive medical waiving written informed consent/assent/parental permission, it
procedures on human participants. The IRB must also confirm is strongly recommended that documentation of written informed
that the student is not violating the medical practice act of the consent/assent/parental permission be obtained.
state or country in which he/she is conducting the research.
Expedited Review
8. Student researchers may NOT publish or display information An expedited review by only one member of the IRB may be
in a report that identifies the human participants directly conducted for projects that meet one of the criteria listed below.
or through identifiers linked to the participants (including The IRB member reviewing the project will determine whether
photographs) without the written consent of the participant(s) appropriate safety precautions will be employed and whether the
(Public Health Service Act, 42, USC 241 (d)). project meets criteria for expedited review. If a project submitted
for expedited review does not meet the criteria specified below,
9. All published instruments that are not in the public domain the project must undergo full IRB review. The IRB member
must be administered, scored and interpreted by a Qualified reviewing the project must have the expertise necessary to make
Scientist as required by the instrument publisher. Any and all such a decision and/or receive advisement from an appropriate
use and distribution of the test must be in accordance with expert.
the publisher’s requirements, including procurement of legal
copies of the instrument.
• S tudent-designed Invention, Prototype, Computer
Application, or Engineering/Design Project: The data
received in these types of projects must be in direct reference
to the design. Personal data are not collected and the testing
does not pose a health or safety hazard.
Or
• Projects in which the student is the subject of his/her own
research study and the project does not involve more than
minimal risk.
Human Participant Involvement in Student-designed

Invention, Prototype, Computer Application &
Engineering/Design Projects
Student-designed invention, prototype, computer application
and engineering/design projects that involve testing of the
invention by any human participant require attention to the
potential risks to the individual(s) testing or trying out the
invention/prototype. To be considered for Exempt Status or
Expedited Review, the data collected/feedback received must be
a direct reference to the invention/prototype (i.e., personal data
cannot be collected) and the testing may not pose a health or
safety risk.
• Exempt Status can be used when the student researcher
is the only person testing the invention/prototype. It is
recommended that a Risk Assessment Form (3) be completed.
• Expedited Review can be used if the project includes
participants other than the student researcher.
• Full IRB Review is necessary if the activities involved in
testing of the invention or prototype are more than minimal
risk and/or involve collection of personal information from
participants.
Human Participant Risk Assessment
Use this information to help determine the level of risk involved in a study involving
human participants.
Projects involving no more than minimal risk and those with more than minimal risk are allowed under the following guidelines.
No more than minimal risk exists when the probability and magnitude of harm or discomfort anticipated in the research are not
greater (in and of themselves) than those ordinarily encountered in everyday life or during performance of routine physical or
psychological examinations or tests.
More than minimal risk exists when the possibility of physical or psychological harm or harm related to breach of confidentiality
or invasion of privacy is greater than what is typically encountered in everyday life. Most of these studies require documented
informed consent or minor assent with the permission of parent or guardian (as applicable).
1. Examples of Greater than Minimal Physical Risk

a. Exercise other than ordinarily encountered in everyday life
b. Ingestion, tasting, smelling, or application of a substance. However, ingestion or tasting projects that involve commonly
available food or drink will be evaluated by the IRB which determines risk level based upon the nature of the study and local
norms.
c. Exposure to any potentially hazardous material.
2. Examples of Greater than Minimal Psychological Risk

A research activity (e.g. survey, questionnaire, viewing of stimuli) or experimental condition that could potentially result in
emotional stress. Some examples include: answering questions related to personal experiences such as sexual or physical abuse,
divorce, depression, anxiety; answering questions that could result in feelings of depression, anxiety, or low self esteem; or
viewing violent or distressing video images.
3. Privacy Concerns
a. The student researcher and IRB must consider whether an activity could potentially result in negative consequences for the
participant due to invasion of privacy or breach of confidentiality. Protecting confidentiality requires measures to ensure
that identifiable research data are not disclosed to the public or unauthorized individuals.
b. Risk level can be reduced by protecting confidentiality or collecting data that is strictly anonymous. This requires the
collection of research in such a way that it is impossible to connect research data with the individual who provided the data.
4. Risk Groups
If the research study includes participants from any of the following groups, the IRB and student research must consider whether
the nature of the study requires special protections or accommodations:
a. Any member of a group that is naturally at-risk (e.g. pregnant women, developmentally disabled persons, economically or
educationally disadvantaged persons, individuals with diseases such as cancer, asthma, diabetes, AIDS, dyslexia, cardiac
disorders, psychiatric disorders, learning disorders, etc.)
b. Special groups that are protected by federal regulations or guidelines (e.g. children/minors, prisoners, pregnant women,
students receiving services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
See the online Risk Assessment Guide (https://student.societyforscience.org/human-participants#riskass) and Online
Survey Consent Procedures (https://member.societyforscience.org/document.doc?id=40) for more detailed information on
risk assessment.
Vertebrate Animals Rules
Rules involving vertebrate animals
The following rules were developed to help pre-college student in this capacity must include a veterinarian or an animal care
researchers adhere to the federal regulations governing provider with training and/or experience in the species being
professional scientists and to protect the welfare of both studied.
animal subjects and the student researcher. Health and well-
being is of high priority when students conduct research with 4. All vertebrate animal studies must have a research plan that
animal subjects. includes:
a. Justification why animals must be used, including the
The Society strongly endorses the use of non-animal research reasons for the choice of species, the source of animals
methods and encourages students to use alternatives to animal and the number of animals to be used; description,
research. If the use of vertebrate animals is necessary, students explanation, or identification of alternatives to animal use
must consider additional alternatives to reduce and refine the that were considered, and the reasons these alternatives
use of animals. were unacceptable; explanation of the potential impact or
contribution this research may have on the broad fields of
All projects involving vertebrate animals must adhere to the rules biology or medicine.
below AND to either Section A or Section B rules, depending on b. Description of how the animals will be used. Include
the nature of the study and the research site. methods and procedures, such as experimental design
and data analysis; description of the procedures that will
A project is considered a tissue study and not a vertebrate animal minimize the potential for discomfort, distress, pain and
study if tissue is obtained from an animal that was euthanized injury to the animals during the course of experimentation;
for a purpose other than the student’s project. (Documentation identification of the species, strain, sex, age, weight, source
is required of the IACUC approval for the original animal study and number of animals proposed for use.
from which tissues are obtained.) In tissue studies, a student may
observe the vertebrate study, but may not manipulate or have 5. Studies involving behavioral observations of animals are
any direct involvement in the vertebrate animal experimental exempt from prior SRC review if ALL of the following apply:
procedures. a. There is no interaction with the animals being observed,
b. There is no manipulation of the animal environment in
Rules for ALL Vertebrate Animal Studies any way, and
1. The use of vertebrate animals in science projects is allowable c. The study meets all federal and state agriculture, fish,
under the conditions and rules in the following sections. game and wildlife laws and regulations.
Vertebrate animals, as covered by these rules, are defined as:
a. Live, nonhuman vertebrate mammalian embryos or 6. Students performing vertebrate animal research must satisfy
fetuses US federal law as well as local, state, and country laws and
b. Tadpoles regulations of the jurisdiction in which research is performed.
c. Bird and reptile eggs within three days (72 hours) prior to
hatching 7. Research projects which cause more than momentary or slight
d. All other nonhuman vertebrates (including fish) at pain or distress are prohibited. Any illness or unexpected
hatching or birth. weight loss must be investigated and a veterinarian consulted
Exception: Because of their delayed cognitive neural to receive required medical care. This investigation must
development, zebrafish embryos are not considered be documented by the Qualified Scientist or Designated
vertebrate animals until 7 days (168 hours) post- fertilization. Supervisor, who is qualified to determine the illness, or by a
veterinarian. If the illness or distress is caused by the study,
2. Alternatives to the use of vertebrate animals for research must the experiment must be terminated immediately.
be explored and discussed in the research plan. The guiding
principles for the use of animals in research include the 8. No vertebrate animal deaths due to the experimental
following “Four Rs”: procedures are permitted in any group or subgroup.
a. Replace vertebrate animals with invertebrates, lower life a. Studies that are designed or anticipated to cause
forms, tissue/cell cultures and/or computer simulations vertebrate animal death are prohibited.
where possible. b. Any death that occurs must be investigated by a
b. Reduce the number of animals without compromising veterinarian, the Qualified Scientist or the Designated
statistical validity. Supervisor who is qualified to determine if the cause
c. Refine the experimental protocol to minimize pain or of death was incidental or due to the experimental
distress to the animals. procedures. The project must be suspended until the
d. Respect animals and their contribution to research. cause is determined and then the results must be
documented in writing.
3. All vertebrate animal studies must be reviewed and approved c. If death was the result of the experimental procedure, the
before experimentation begins. An Institutional Animal Care study must be terminated, and the study will not qualify
and Use Committee, known as an IACUC, is the institutional for competition.
animal oversight review and approval body for all animal
studies at a Regulated Research Institution. The local OR 9. All animals must be monitored for signs of distress. Because
affiliated fair SRC serves in this capacity for vertebrate animals significant weight loss is one sign of stress, the maximum
studies performed in a school, home or field. Any SRC serving permissible weight loss or growth retardation (compared to
controls) of any experimental or control animal is 15%.
10. Students are prohibited from designing or participating in an 2. Animals must be treated kindly and cared for properly.
experiment associated with the following types of studies on Animals must be housed in a clean, ventilated, comfortable
vertebrate animals: environment appropriate for the species. They must be given
a. Induced toxicity studies with known toxic substances a continuous, clean (uncontaminated) water and food supply.
that could cause pain, distress or death, including but not Cages, pens and fish tanks must be cleaned frequently. Proper
limited to alcohol, acid rain, pesticides, or heavy metals. care must be provided at all times, including weekends,
b. Behavioral experiments using conditioning with holidays, and vacation periods. Animals must be observed
aversive stimuli, mother/infant separation or induced daily to assess their health and well-being. A Designated
helplessness. Supervisor is required to oversee the daily husbandry of the
c. Studies of pain. animals. Any of the following U.S. documents provide further
d. Predator/vertebrate prey experiments. guidance for animal husbandry:
• Federal Animal Welfare Regulation
11. Justification is required for an experimental design that • Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals
involves food or fluid restriction and must be appropriate to • Guide for the Care and Use of Agricultural Animals in
the species. If the restriction exceeds 18 hours, the project Agricultural Research and Teaching (Ag-Guide)
must be reviewed and approved by an IACUC and conducted • Quality Assurance Manuals (for the appropriate species)
at a Regulated Research Institution.
3. The local or affiliated fair Scientific Review Committee must
12. Animals may not be captured from or released into the wild determine if a veterinarian’s certification of the research and
without approval of authorized wildlife or other regulatory animal husbandry plan is required. This certification, as well
officials. All appropriate methods and precautions must be as SRC approval, is required before experimentation and is
used to decrease stress. Fish may be obtained from the wild documented on Vertebrate Animal Form 5A. A veterinarian
only if the researcher releases the fish unharmed, has the must certify experiments that involve supplemental nutrition,
proper license, and adheres to state, local and national fishing administration of prescription drugs and/or activities that
laws and regulations. The use of electrofishing is permissible would not be ordinarily encountered in the animal’s daily life.
only if conducted by a trained supervisor; students are
prohibited from performing electrofishing. 4. If an illness or emergency occurs, the affected animal(s) must
receive proper medical or nursing care that is directed by a
13. A Qualified Scientist or Designated Supervisor must directly veterinarian. A student researcher must stop experimentation
supervise all research involving vertebrate animals, except for if there is unexpected weight loss or death in the experimental
observational studies. subjects. The experiment can only be resumed if the cause of
illness or death is not related to the experimental procedures
14. After initial SRC approval, a student with any proposed and if appropriate steps are taken to eliminate the causal
changes in the Research Plan/Project Summary of the factors. If death is the result of the experimental procedure,
project must repeat the approval process before laboratory the study must be terminated, and the study will not qualify
experimentation/data collection resumes. for competition.
A. Additional Rules for Projects Conducted at School/ 5. The final disposition of the animals must be described on
Home/Field Vertebrate Animal Form 5A.
Vertebrate animal studies may be conducted at a home, school, 6. Euthanasia for tissue removal and/or pathological analysis
farm, ranch, in the field, etc. This includes: is not permitted for a project conducted in a school/home/
a. Studies of animals in their natural environment. field site. Livestock or fish raised for food using standard
b. Studies of animals in zoological parks. agricultural/aquacultural production practices may be
c. Studies of livestock that use standard agricultural euthanized by a qualified adult for carcass evaluation.
practices.
d. Studies of fish that use standard aquaculture practices 7. The following forms are required:
a. Checklist for Adult Sponsor (1), Student Checklist (1A),
These projects must be reviewed and approved by an SRC in Research Plan/Project Summary, and Approval Form (1B)
which one member is either a veterinarian and/or an animal care b. Vertebrate Animal Form (5A)
provider/expert with training and/or experience in the species c. Qualified Scientist Form (2), when applicable
being studied.
B. Additional Rules for Projects Conducted in a
1. These projects must adhere to BOTH of the following Regulated Research Institution
guidelines: All studies not meeting the criteria in Section A that are
a. The research involves only agricultural, behavioral, otherwise permissible under Intel ISEF rules must be conducted
observational or supplemental nutritional studies on in a Regulated Research Institution (RRI). A Regulated Research
animals. Institution within the U.S. is defined as a professional research/
AND teaching institution that is regularly inspected by the USDA and
b. The research involves only non-invasive and non- is licensed to use animals covered by the Animal Welfare Act
intrusive methods that do not negatively affect an and may also be subject to U.S. Public Health Service Policy. Also
animal’s health or well-being. included are all federal laboratories such as National Institutes
of Health, Veteran’s Affairs Medical Centers and the Centers for
All vertebrate animal studies that do not meet the above Disease Control. In addition, pharmaceutical and biotechnology
guidelines must be conducted in a Regulated Research companies and research institutions that utilize research animals
Institution (see Section B). that are not covered by the Animal Welfare Act but have an
operational Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee and
are in compliance with U.S. federal laws are included in this
definition. For projects conducted outside of the United States, a
Regulated Research Institution would be a comparable research
institution that adheres to country laws governing the care and
use of vertebrate animals.
Some protocols permitted in a Regulated Research Institution are

not permitted for participation in the Intel ISEF; adherence to RRI
rules is necessary but may not be sufficient.
1. The Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) or

the comparable animal oversight committee must approve
all student research projects before experimentation
begins. Such research projects must be conducted under
the responsibility of a principal investigator. The local and
affiliated fair SRCs must also review the project to certify that
the research project complies with Intel ISEF Rules. This local
and regional SRC review should occur before experimentation
begins, if possible.
2. Student researchers are prohibited from performing

euthanasia. Euthanasia at the end of experimentation for
tissue removal and/or pathological analysis is permitted. All
methods of euthanasia must adhere to current American
Veterinarian Medical Association (AVMA) Guidelines.
3. Research projects that cause more than momentary or slight

pain or distress to vertebrate animals that is not mitigated
by approved anesthetics, analgesics and/or tranquilizers are
prohibited.
4. Research in nutritional deficiency or research involving

substances or drugs of unknown effect is permitted to the
point that any clinical sign of distress is noted. In the case
that distress is observed, the project must be suspended and
measures must be taken to correct the deficiency or drug
effect. A project can only be resumed if appropriate steps are
taken to correct the causal factors.
5. The following forms are required:

Research Plan/Project Summary, and Approval Form (1B)
b. Regulated Research Institution Form (1C)
c. Qualified Scientist Form (2)
d. Vertebrate Animal Form (5B)
e. PHBA Risk Assessment Form (6A) – for all studies
involving tissues and body fluids.
f. Human and Vertebrate Animal Tissue Form (6B) – for all
studies involving tissues and body fluids.
Sources of Information are available as a separate

section at the end of the document.
Potentially Hazardous Biological Agents (PHBA) Rules
Potentially Hazardous Biological Agents Rules for use of microorganisms (including bacteria, viruses, viroids,
prions, rickettsia, fungi, and parasites), recombinant DNA (rDNA) technologies or human
or animal fresh/frozen tissues, blood, or body fluids.
Research using microorganisms (including bacteria, viruses, 3. Prior review and approval is required for the use of potentially
viroids, prions, rickettsia, fungi, and parasites), recombinant hazardous microorganisms (including bacteria, viruses, viroids,
DNA (rDNA) technologies or human or animal fresh/frozen prions, rickettsia, fungi, and parasites), recombinant DNA
tissues, blood, or body fluids may involve potentially hazardous (rDNA) technologies or human or animal fresh/frozen tissues,
biological agents. Students are permitted to do some research blood, or body fluids:
projects with potentially hazardous biological agents meeting a. An affiliated fair SRC, an IBC or an IACUC must approve all
the conditions and rules described below which were designed research before experimentation begins. The initial risk
to protect students and to ensure adherence to federal and assessment determined by the student researcher and
international biosafety regulations and guidelines. adults supervising the project must be confirmed by the
SRC, IBC or IACUC.
When dealing with potentially hazardous biological agents, it is b. Experimentation involving the culturing of potentially
the responsibility of the student and all of the adults involved in hazardous biological agents, even BSL-1 organisms, is
a research project to conduct and document a risk assessment prohibited in a home environment. However, specimens
on Form (6A) to define the potential level of harm, injury or may be collected at home as long as they are immediately
disease to plants, animals and humans that may occur when transported to a laboratory with the BSL containment
working with biological agents. The risk assessment determines determined by the affiliated fair SRC.
a biosafety level which in turn determines if the project can c. Research determined to be at Biosafety Level 1 (BSL-1)
proceed, and if so, the laboratory facilities, equipment, training, must be conducted in a BSL-1 or higher laboratory. The
and supervision required. research must be supervised by a trained Designated
Supervisor or a Qualified Scientist. The student must be
All projects involving microorganisms, recombinant DNA properly trained in standard microbiological practices.
technologies and human or animal fresh/frozen tissues, blood or d. Research determined to be a Biosafety Level 2 (BSL-2)
body fluids must adhere to the rules below AND, depending on must be conducted in a laboratory rated BSL-2 or above
the study, to the additional rules in Section A, B or C. (commonly limited to a Regulated Research Institution).
The research must be reviewed and approved by the
Rules for ALL Studies with Potentially Hazardous Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) if the Regulated
Biological Agents (PHBA) Research Institution requires the review. The research
1. The following types of studies involve BSL-1 organisms and must be supervised by a Qualified Scientist. For a high
are exempt from prior SRC review and require no additional school BSL-2 laboratory, the SRC must review and
forms: approve.
a. Studies involving baker’s yeast and brewer’s yeast, except e. Students are prohibited from designing or participating
in rDNA studies. in an experiment associated with the following types of
b. Studies involving Lactobacillus, Bacillus thuringiensis, PHBA studies:
nitrogen-fixing, oil-eating, and algae-eating bacteria • BSL-3 or BSL-4 Research
introduced into their natural environment. (Not exempt if • Culturing CRE (Carbapenem Resistant
cultured in a petri dish environment.) Enterobacteriacae)
c. Studies involving water or soil not concentrated in media f. Insertion of antibiotic resistance markers for the clonal
conducive to their microbial growth (please review all selection of bioengineered organisms is permitted.
rules below to ensure that there are not more specific Students may not genetically engineer organisms with
rules that may apply). multiple drug resistance traits for the intended purpose of
d. Studies of mold growth on food items if the experiment is investigation of the pathology or treatment of antibiotic-
terminated at the first evidence of mold. resistant infections. Insertion of antibiotic-resistance
e. Studies of slime molds and edible mushrooms. traits or selection of organisms expressing traits that
f. Studies involving E. coli k–12 which are done at school may affect the ability to provide effective treatment of
and are not recombinant DNA studies. infections acquired by humans, animals, or plants is
strictly prohibited.
2. The following types of studies are exempt from prior SRC g. Laboratory studies culturing known MRSA (Methicillin-
review, but require a Risk Assessment Form 3: resistant Staphylococcus aureus), VRE (Vancomycin-
a. Studies involving protists, archaea and known non- resistant enterococci) and KPC (Klebsiella pneumonia)
pathogenic microorganisms. must have a written justification for usage and be
b. Research using manure for composting, fuel production, conducted at a Regulated Research Institution with
or other non-culturing experiments. a minimum BSL-2 laboratory with documented IBC
c. Commercially-available color change coliform water test Committee review and approval.
kits. These kits must remain sealed and must be properly h. Extreme caution must be exercised when selecting and
disposed. sub-culturing antibiotic-resistant organisms. Studies
d. Studies involving decomposition of vertebrate organisms using such organisms require at least BSL-2 containment.
(such as in forensic projects). i. Naturally-occurring plant pathogens may be studied
e. Studies with microbial fuel cells. (not cultured) at home, but may not be introduced into a
home/garden environment.
j. The culturing of human or animal waste, including sewage Designated Supervisor and must be approved by the SRC
sludge, is considered a BSL-2 study. prior to experimentation. Examples include cloning of DNA in
k. All potentially hazardous biological agents must be E. coli K–12, S. cerevesiae, and B. subtilis host-vector systems.
properly disposed at the end of experimentation in
accordance with their biosafety level. For BSL 1 or 2. Commercially available rDNA kits using BSL-1 organisms may
BSL 2 organisms: Autoclave at 121 degrees Celsius be conducted in a BSL-1 laboratory under the supervision of a
for 20 minutes, use of a 10% bleach solution (1:10 Qualified Scientist or trained Designated Supervisor and must
dilution of domestic bleach), incineration, alkaline be approved by the SRC prior to experimentation.
hydrolysis, biosafety pick-up and other manufacturer
recommendations are acceptable. 3. An rDNA technology study using BSL-1 agents that may
l. Any proposed changes in the Research Plan/Project convert to BSL-2 agents during the course of experimentation
Summary by the student after initial local or affiliated must be conducted entirely in a BSL-2 facility.
fair SRC approval must undergo subsequent SRC or IBC
review and approval before such changes are made and 4. All rDNA technology studies involving BSL-2 organisms
before experimentation resumes. and/or BSL-2 host vector systems must be conducted in a
Regulated Research Institution and approved by the IBC prior
4. The following forms are required: to experimentation.
Research Plan/Project Summary, and Approval Form (1B) 5. Propagation of recombinants containing DNA coding for
b. Regulated Research Institution Form (1C) - when human, plant or animal toxins (including viruses) is prohibited.
applicable
c. Qualified Scientist (2), when applicable C. Additional Rules for Projects with Tissues and
d. Risk Assessment (3), when applicable Body Fluids, including Blood and Blood Products
e. PHBA Risk Assessment Form (6A), when applicable Studies involving fresh/frozen tissue, blood or body fluids
f. Human and Vertebrate Animal Tissue Form (6B) – for all obtained from humans and/or vertebrates may contain
studies involving tissues and body fluids. microorganisms and have the potential of causing disease.
Therefore, a proper risk assessment is required.
A. Additional Rules for Projects Involving Unknown
Microorganisms 1. The following types of tissue do not need to be treated as
Studies involving unknown microorganisms present potentially hazardous biological agents:
a challenge because the presence, concentration and a. Plant tissue (except those known to be toxic or
pathogenicity of possible agents are unknown. In science fair hazardous)
projects, these studies typically involve the collection and b. Plant and non-primate established cell lines and tissue
culturing of microorganisms from the environment (e.g. soil, culture collections (e.g., obtained from the American Type
household surfaces, skin.) Culture Collection). The source and/or catalog number
of the cultures must be identified in the Research Plan/
1. Research with unknown microorganisms can be treated as a Project Summary.
BSL-1 study under the following conditions: c. Fresh or frozen meat, meat by-products, pasteurized milk
a. Organism is cultured in a plastic petri dish (or other or eggs obtained from food stores, restaurants, or packing
standard non-breakable container) and sealed. Other houses
acceptable containment includes two heavy-duty (2-ply) d. Hair, hooves, nails and feathers
sealed bags. e. Teeth that have been sterilized to kill any blood-borne
b. Experiment involves only procedures in which the petri pathogen that may be present.
dish remains sealed throughout the experiment (e.g., f. Fossilized tissue or archeological specimens.
counting presence of organisms or colonies). g. Prepared fixed tissue
c. The sealed petri dish is disposed of via autoclaving or
disinfection under the supervision of the Designated 2. Research involving human and/or non-human primate
Supervisor. established cell lines and tissue culture collections (e.g.,
obtained from the American Type Culture Collection) must be
2. If a culture container with unknown microorganisms is opened considered a BSL-1 or BSL-2 level organism as indicated by
for any purpose, (except for disinfection for disposal), it must source information and treated accordingly. The source and/
be treated as a BSL-2 study and involve BSL-2 laboratory or catalog number of the cultures must be identified in the
procedures. Research Plan/Project Summary.
B. Additional Rules for Projects Involving 3. If tissues are obtained from an animal that was euthanized
Recombinant DNA (rDNA) Technologies for a purpose other than the student’s project, it may be
Studies involving rDNA technologies in which microorganisms considered a tissue study. Use of tissues obtained from
have been genetically modified require close review to assess research conducted at a Regulated Research Institution,
the risk level assignment. Some rDNA studies can be safely requires documentation of the IACUC approval for the original
conducted in a BSL-1 high school laboratory with prior review animal study. Use of tissues obtained from agricultural/
by a knowledgeable SRC: aquacultural studies require prior SRC approval.
1. All rDNA technology studies involving BSL-1 organisms and 4. If the animal was euthanized solely for the student’s project,
BSL-1 host vector systems must be conducted in a BSL-1 the study must be considered a vertebrate animal project
laboratory under the supervision of a Qualified Scientist or and is subject to the vertebrate animal rules. (See vertebrate
animal rules.)
5. The collection and examination of fresh/frozen tissue
and/or body fluids, (not including blood or blood products;
see rule 8) from a non-infectious source with little likelihood
of microorganisms present must be considered Biosafety
level 1 studies and must be conducted in a BSL-1 laboratory
or higher and must be supervised by a Qualified Scientist or
trained Designated Supervisor.
6. The collection and examination of fresh/frozen tissues or

body fluids or meat, meat by-products, pasteurized milk or
eggs NOT obtained from food stores, restaurants, or packing
houses may contain microorganisms. Because of the increased
risk from unknown potentially hazardous agents, these studies
must be considered biosafety level 2 studies conducted
in a BSL-2 laboratory under the supervision of a Qualified
Scientist.
7. Human breast milk of unknown origin, unless certified free of

HIV and Hepatitis C, and domestic unpasteurized animal milk
are considered BSL-2.
8. All studies involving human or wild animal blood or blood

products should be considered at a minimum a Biosafety level
2 study and must be conducted in a BSL-2 laboratory under
the supervision of a Qualified Scientist. Known BSL-3 or BSL-4
blood is prohibited. Studies involving domestic animal blood
may be considered a BSL-1 level study. All blood must be
handled in accordance with standards and guidelines set forth
in the OSHA, 29CFR, Subpart Z. Any tissue or instruments with
the potential of containing blood-borne pathogens (e.g. blood,
blood products, tissues that release blood when compressed,
blood contaminated instruments) must be properly disposed
after experimentation.
9. Studies of human body fluids, where the sample can be

identified with a specific person, must have IRB review and
approval, and informed consent.
10. Any study involving the collection and examination of body

fluids may contain biological agents belonging to BSL-3 or
BSL-4 is prohibited.
11. A project involving a student researcher using their own body

fluids (if not cultured)
a. can be considered a BSL-1 study
b. may be conducted in a home setting
c. must have IRB review if the body fluid is serving as a
measure of an effect of an experimental procedure on
the student researcher (e.g. Student manipulates diet and
takes a blood or urine sample). An example of a project
not needing IRB review would be collecting urine to serve
as a deer repellent.
d. must receive prior SRC review and approval prior to
experimentation.
12. Studies involving embryonic human stem cells must be

conducted in a Registered Research Institution and reviewed
and approved by the ESCRO (Embryonic Stem Cell Research
Oversight) Committee.
Sources of Information are available as a separate

section at the end of the document.
Potentially Hazardous Biological Agents Risk Assessment
Use this information to complete PHBA Risk Assessment Form (6A)
Risk assessment defines the potential level of harm, injury or 6. Assignment of a biosafety level for the study based on risk
disease to plants, animals and humans that may occur when group of biological agent, level of biological containment
working with biological agents. The end result of a risk assessment available and the expertise of the Qualified Scientist or
is the assignment of a biosafety level which then determines the Designated Supervisor who will be supervising the project
laboratory facilities, equipment, training, and supervision required.
Risk assessment involves: 7. Documentation of review and approval of study prior to
1. Assignment of the biological agent to a risk group experimentation:
a. If a study is conducted at a non-regulated site (e.g. school),
the SRC reviews the Research Plan/Project Summary.
2. Studies involving a known microorganism must begin with an
b. If the study was conducted at a Regulated Research
initial assignment of the microorganism to a biosafety level risk
Institution, and was approved by the appropriate
group based on information available through a literature search.
institutional board (e.g. IBC, IACUC), the SRC reviews the
institutional forms provided and documents SRC approval
3. The study of unknown microorganisms and the use of fresh (Form(6A)).
tissues relies on the expertise of the supervising adult(s). c. If a PHBA study was conducted at a Regulated Research
Institution but the institution does not require review for this
4. Determination of the level of biological containment available type of study. The SRC must review the study and document
to the student researcher to conduct the experimentation. (See approval on Form 6A that the student received appropriate
“Levels of Biological Containment” for details.) training and the project complies with Intel ISEF rules.
5. Assessment of the experience and expertise of the adult(s)

supervising the student.
Classification of Biological Agents Levels of Biological Containment

Risk Groups There are four levels of biological containment (Biosafety
Biological agents, plant or animal, are classified according Level 1–4). Each level has guidelines for laboratory facilities,
to biosafety level risk groups. These classifications presume safety equipment and laboratory practices and techniques.
ordinary circumstances in the research laboratory, or growth
of agents in small volumes for diagnostic and experimental BSL-1 containment is normally found in water-testing
purposes. laboratories, in high schools, and in colleges teaching
introductory microbiology classes. Work is done on an
BSL-1 risk group contains biological agents that pose open bench or in an appropriate biosafety hood. Standard
low risk to personnel and the environment. These agents microbiological practices are used when working in the
are highly unlikely to cause disease in healthy laboratory laboratory. Decontamination can be achieved by treating with
workers, animals or plants. The agents require Biosafety chemical disinfectants or by steam autoclaving. Lab coats and
Level 1 containment. Examples of BSL-1 organisms are: gloves are required. The laboratory work is supervised by an
Agrobacterium tumefaciens, Micrococcus leuteus, Neurospora individual with general training in microbiology or a related
crassa, Bacillus subtilis. science.
BSL-2 risk group contains biological agents that pose BSL-2 containment is designed to maximize safety when
moderate risk to personnel and the environment. If exposure working with agents of moderate risk to humans and the
occurs in a laboratory situation, the risk of spread is limited environment. Access to the laboratory is restricted. Biological
and it rarely would cause infection that would lead to serious safety cabinets (Class 2, type A, BSC) must be available. An
disease. Effective treatment and preventive measures are autoclave should be readily available for decontaminating
available in the event that an infection occurs. The agents waste materials. Lab coats and gloves are required; eye
require Biosafety Level 2 containment. Examples of BSL-2 protection and face shields must also be worn as needed.
organisms are: Mycobacterium, Streptococcus pneumoniae, The laboratory work must be supervised by a scientist who
Salmonella choleraesuis. understands the risk associated with working with the agents
involved.
BSL-3 risk group contains biological agents that usually cause
serious disease (human, animal or plant) or that can result in BSL-3 containment is required for infectious agents that
serious economic consequences. Projects in the BSL-3 group may cause serious or potentially lethal diseases as a result
are prohibited. of exposure by inhalation. Projects in the BSL-3 group are
prohibited.
BSL-4 risk group contains biological agents that usually
produce very serious disease (human, animal or plant) that is BSL-4 containment is required for dangerous/exotic agents
often untreatable. Projects in the BSL-4 group are prohibited. that pose high risk of life-threatening disease. Projects in the
BSL-4 group are prohibited.
Hazardous Chemicals, Activities or Devices Rules
Includes DEA-controlled substances, prescription drugs, alcohol & tobacco, firearms and explosives, radiation, lasers, etc.
The following rules apply to research using hazardous chemicals, 1. DEA-Controlled Substances
devices and activities. These include substances and devices The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) regulates
that are regulated by local, state, country, or international law, chemicals that can be diverted from their intended use
most often with restrictions of their use by minors such as DEA- to make illegal drugs. Other countries may have similar
controlled substances, prescription drugs, alcohol, tobacco, regulatory bodies; students outside of the U.S. must adhere
firearms and explosives. Hazardous activities are those that to their own country’s drug regulatory agency requirements in
involve a level of risk above and beyond that encountered in the addition to U.S. DEA regulations. DEA-controlled substances
student’s everyday life. and their schedule number are at the DEA website under
Sources of Information. It is the responsibility of the student
These rules are intended to protect the student researcher to consult this list if there is a possibility that substances used
by ensuring proper supervision and the consideration of all in experimentation could be regulated.
potential risks so that the appropriate safety precautions are a. All studies using DEA-controlled substances must be
taken. Students are required to meet all standards imposed by supervised by a Qualified Scientist who is licensed by the
Intel ISEF, school, local, and/or regional fair(s). DEA (or other international regulatory body) for use of the
controlled substance.
Rules for ALL Projects Involving Hazardous b. All studies using DEA Schedule 1 substances (including
Chemicals, Activities and Devices marijuana) must have the research protocol approved
1. The use of hazardous chemicals and devices and involvement by DEA before research begins. Schedule 2, 3 and 4
in hazardous activities require direct supervision by a substances do not require protocol approval by DEA.
Designated Supervisor, except those involving DEA-controlled
substances, which require supervision by a Qualified Scientist. 2. Prescription Drugs
Prescription drugs are drugs regulated by federal or country
2. The student researcher must conduct a risk assessment laws to protect against inappropriate or unsafe use. Special
in collaboration with a Designated Supervisor or Qualified precautions must be taken in their use for a science project as
Scientist prior to experimentation. This risk assessment is follows:
documented on the Risk Assessment Form 3. a. Students are prohibited from administering prescription
drugs to human participants.
3. Student researchers must acquire and use regulated b. A veterinarian must supervise student administration of
substances in accordance with all local, state, U.S. federal any prescription drugs to vertebrate animals.
and country laws. For further information or classification for
these laws and regulations, contact the appropriate regulatory 3. Alcohol and Tobacco
agencies. The U.S. Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB)
regulates the production of alcohol and distribution of alcohol
4. For all chemicals, devices or activities requiring a Federal and/ and tobacco products. Many such products are restricted by
or State Permit, the student/supervisor must obtain the permit age for purchase, possession and consumption.
prior to the onset of experimentation. A copy of the permit a. Fermentation studies in which minute quantities of ethyl
must be available for review by adults supervising the project alcohol are produced are permitted.
and the local, affiliated, and Intel ISEF SRCs in their review b. The Designated Supervisor is responsible for the
prior to competition. acquisition, usage and appropriate disposal of the alcohol
or tobacco used in the study.
5. The student researcher must minimize the impact of c. Production of wine or beer by adults is allowable in the
an experiment on the environment. Examples include home and must meet TTB home production regulations.
using minimal quantities of chemicals that will require Students are allowed to design and conduct a research
subsequent disposal; ensuring that all disposal is done in an project, under direct parental supervision, involving the
environmentally safe manner and in accordance with good legal production of the wine or beer.
laboratory practices. d. Students are prohibited from conducting experiments
where consumable ethyl alcohol is produced by
6. The following forms are required: distillation. However, students are allowed to distill
a. Checklist for Adult Sponsor (1), Student Checklist (1A), alcohol for fuel or other non-consumable products. To do
Research Plan/Project Summary and Approval Form (1B) so, the work must be conducted at school or a Regulated
b. Regulated Research Institution Form (1C), when Research Institution and follow all local and country laws.
applicable See Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB)
c. Qualified Scientist Form (2), when applicable website for details.
d. Risk Assessment Form (3)
4. Firearms and Explosives
The U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives
Additional Rules for Specific Regulated Substances (ATF), along with state agencies, regulates the purchase and
There are additional rules for the following regulated substances:
use of firearms and explosives. A firearm is defined as a small
• DEA-controlled Substances
arms weapon from which a projectile is fired by gunpowder.
• Prescription Drugs
An explosive is any chemical compound, mixture or device,
• Alcohol & Tobacco
the primary purpose of which is to function by explosion.
• Firearms and Explosives
Explosives include, but are not limited to, dynamite, black
• Drones
powder, pellet powder, detonators, and igniters.
The purchase of a firearm by a minor is generally unlawful.
The use of a firearm, without proper state certification, is Environmentally Responsible Chemistry
illegal. Students should check the training and certification The mission of environmentally responsible (green) chemistry
requirements of individual states and countries. is to avoid the use or production of hazardous substances
during chemical process. The principles of green chemistry are
a. Projects involving firearms and explosives are allowable described on the EPA website in the Sources of Information
when conducted with the direct supervision of a Designated section. Whenever possible the following principles should be
Supervisor and when in compliance with all federal, state and incorporated into the research plan.
local laws. • Waste prevention
b. A fully assembled rocket motor, reload kit or propellant • Use of the safest possible chemicals and products
modules containing more than 62.5 grams of propellant are • Design of the least possible hazardous chemical syntheses
subject to the permitting, storage and other requirements of • Use renewable materials
federal explosive laws and regulations. • Use catalysts in order to minimize chemical usage
c. Potato guns and paintball guns are not considered firearms • Use of solvents and reaction conditions that are safe as
unless they are intended to be used as weapons. However, possible
they must be treated as hazardous devices. • Maximization of energy efficiency
• Minimization of accident potential
5. Drones
Projects involving unmanned aircraft systems (UAS)/drones
must follow all state, Federal and country laws. See the 2. Hazardous Devices
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for more details (www. The documentation of risk assessment (Form 3) is required
faa.gov.uas/registration). when a student researcher works with potentially hazardous/
dangerous equipment and/or other devices, in or outside a
Guidance for Risk Assessment laboratory setting that require a moderate to high level of
Please find below guidance on conducting risk assessment when expertise to ensure their safe usage. Some commonly used
using the following: devices (Bunsen burners, hot plates, saws, drills, etc.) may
• Hazardous Chemicals not require a documented risk assessment, assuming that
• Hazardous Devices the student researcher has experience working with the
• Radiation device. Use of other potentially dangerous devices such as
high vacuum equipment, heated oil baths, NMR equipment,
1. Hazardous Chemicals and high temperature ovens must have documentation of a
A proper risk assessment of chemicals must include review of risk assessment. It is recommended that all student designed
the following factors: inventions also have documentation of a risk assessment.
a. Toxicity – the tendency of a chemical to be hazardous to
health when inhaled, swallowed, injected or in contact 3. Radiation
with the skin. A risk assessment must be conducted when a student’s
b. Reactivity ‑ the tendency of a chemical to undergo project involves radiation beyond that normally encountered
chemical change. in everyday life. Non-ionizing radiation includes the spectrum
c. Flammability ‑ the tendency of a chemical to give off of ultraviolet (UV), visible light, infrared (IR), microwave (NW),
vapors which readily ignite when used under normal radiofrequency (RF) and extremely low frequency (ELF).
working conditions. Ionizing radiation has enough energy to remove tightly bound
d. Corrosiveness ‑ the tendency of a chemical, upon electrons from atoms, thus creating ions. Examples include
physical contact, to harm or destroy living tissues or high frequency UV, X-Rays, and gamma rays.
physical equipment.
Lasers usually emit visible, ultraviolet or infrared radiation.
When assessing risk, the type and amount of exposure to a Lasers are classified into four classes based upon their safety.
chemical must be considered. For example, an individual’s Manufacturers are required to label Classes II – IV lasers
allergic and genetic disposition may have an influence on the
overall effect of the chemical. The student researcher must Projects involving radionuclides (radioisotopes) and X-rays
refer to Safety Data Sheets provided by the vendor (SDS) to must involve a careful examination of the risks associated with
ensure that proper safety precautions are taken. Some SDS the study and appropriate safety precautions must be taken.
sheets (e.g., Flinn) rank the degree of hazard associated with a Depending upon the level of exposure, radiation released
chemical. This rating may assist students and adult sponsors from these sources can be a health hazard.
in determining risk associated with the use of a chemical.
A risk assessment must take into account the time of
A risk assessment must include proper disposal methods exposure, distance and shielding involved in the study.
for the chemicals used in an experiment. The Flinn Catalog a. A study of natural radiation that is no more than
(referenced in the Sources of Information section) provides encountered in everyday life is exempt from the following
information for the proper disposal of chemicals. If applicable, requirements.
the student researcher must incorporate in the research plan b. All studies may not exceed the dose limits set by the
disposal procedure required by federal and state guidelines. Nuclear Regulatory Commission of 0.5 mrem/hr or 100
mrem/year of exposure.
c. If the voltage needed in the study is <10 kvolts, a risk
assessment must be conducted. The study may be done
at home or school, and SRC preapproval is not required.
d. A study using 10-25 kvolts must have a risk assessment
conducted and must be preapproved by the SRC to
assess safety. Such a study must be conducted in a metal 3. NIH tutorial, “Protecting Human Research Participants”
chamber using a camera only, not direct view through http://phrp.nihtraining.com/users/PHRP.pdf
glass. A dosimeter or radiation survey meter is required to
measure radiation exposure. 4. Belmont Report, April 18, 1979
e. All studies using > 25 kvolts must be conducted at an www.hhs.gov/ohrp/humansubjects/guidance/belmont.html
institution with a Licensed Radiation Program and must
be preapproved by the Institutions’ Radiation Safety 5. Standards for Educational and Psychological Testing. (1999).
Officer or the Committee which oversees the use of Washington, DC: AERA, APA, NCME.
ionizing radiation to ensure compliance with state and www.apa.org/science/programs/testing/standards.aspx
federal regulations.
6. American Psychological Association
750 First Street, NE Washington, DC 20002-4242
Sources of Information for All Projects phone: 202-336-5500; 800-374-2721
1. United States Patent and Trade Office www.apa.org
Customer Service: 1-800-786-9199 (toll-free);
571-272-1000 (local); 571-272-9950 (TTY) Information for students:
www.uspto.gov/ www.apa.org/science/leadership/students/information.aspx
www.uspto.gov/patents/process/index.jsp Information regarding publications:
www.apa.org/pubs/index.aspx
2. European Patent Office
www.epo.org/ 7. Educational and Psychological Testing
www.epo.org/applying/basics.html Testing Office for the APA Science Directorate
phone: 202-336-6000
3. The Mad Scientist Network at Washington University School of email: [email protected]
Medicine: www.apa.org/science/programs/testing/index.aspx
www.madsci.org
8. The Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act of 1998 (COPPA)
4. ANS Task Force (15 U.S.C. §§ 6501–6506)
www.anstaskforce.gov www.ftc.gov/privacy/coppafaqs.shtm
Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) Task Force Vertebrate Animals

www.anstaskforce.gov
Animal Care and Use
www.anstaskforce.gov/Documents/ISEF.pdf
1. Laboratory Animals, Institute of Laboratory Animal Research
(ILAR), Commission on Life Sciences, National Research
5. APHIS
http://dels.nas.edu/ilar
www.aphis.usda.gov/
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
2. Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals, 8th Edition
Invasive Species List
(2011)
http://grants.nih.gov/grants/olaw/Guide-for-the-Care-and-
6. Invasive Species Specialist Group
Use-of-Laboratory-Animals.pdf
www.issg.org
www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=12910
The Global Invasive Species database contains invasive
species information supplied by experts from around the
3. Guidelines for the Care and Use of Mammals in Neuroscience
world. and Behavioral Research (2003), Institute for Laboratory Animal
Research (ILAR).
7. Invasive Species Information dels.nas.edu/report/guidelines-carey/10732
www.invasivespeciesinfo.gov/resources/lists.shtml
Provides information for species declared invasive, noxious, To order these ILAR publications contact:
prohibited, or harmful or potentially harmful. National Academies Press
500 Fifth Street, NW
8. Success with Science: The Winner’s Guide to High School Washington, DC 20055
Research phone: 888-624-8373 or 202-334-3313; fax: 202-334-2451
Gaglani, S. and DeObaldia, G. (2011). Research Corporation for www.nap.edu
Science Advancement.
ISBN 0-9633504-8-X 4. Federal Animal Welfare Act (AWA)
7 U.S.C. 2131-2157
Human Participants Subchapter A - Animal Welfare (Parts I, II, III)
1. Code of Federal Regulation (CFR), Title 45 (Public Welfare), www.nal.usda.gov/awic/legislat/awicregs.htm
Part 46-Protection of Human Subjects (45CFR46)
http://ohsr.od.nih.gov/guidelines/45cfr46.html Above document is available from:
USDA/APHIS/AC
2. Dunn, C. M. and Chadwick, G. L., Protecting Study Volunteers 4700 River Road, Unit 84
in Research, 3rd Edition (2004). Boston, MA: Thomson Riverdale, MD 20737-1234
Centerwatch. ISBN 1-930624-44-1. email: [email protected]
Can be purchased from: phone: 301-734-7833; fax: 301-734-4978
www.amazon.com http://awic.nal.usda.gov
5. Guide for the Care and Use of Agricultural Animals in 5. Johns Hopkins Center for Alternatives to Animal Testing (CAAT)
Agricultural Research and Teaching (Agri-Guide) has worked with scientists since 1981 to find new methods to
Federation of Animal Science Societies (FASS) replace the use of laboratory animals in experiments, reduce
1800 S. Oak Street, Suite 100 the number of animals tested, and refine necessary tests to
Champaign, IL 61820-6974 eliminate pain and distress.
phone: 217-356-3182 email: [email protected]
email: [email protected] http://caat.jhsph.edu/
www.fass.org
6. Quality Assurance Manuals (for appropriate species)
6. Guidelines for the Use of Fish in Research (2014), American Such as:
Fisheries Society. Poultry: http://www.ams.usda.gov/AMSv1.0/
www.fisheries.org getfile?dDocName=STELDEV3002393
www.fisheries.org/afs/docs/policy_16.pdf Beef: http://www.bqa.org/manuals.aspx
Pork: http://old.pork.org/filelibrary/youthpqaplus/ypqamanual.pdf
7. Euthanasia Guidelines
AVMA Guidelines on Euthanasia (2013) Potentially Hazardous Biological Agents
American Veterinary Medical Association 1. American Biological Safety Association: ABSA Risk Group
www.avma.org/KB/Policies/Documents/euthanasia.pdf Classification – list of organisms
www.absa.org
Alternative Research and Animal Welfare
1. The National Library of Medicine provides computer searches 2. American Type Culture Collection (ATCC)
through MEDLINE: www.atcc.org
Reference & Customer Services
National Library of Medicine 3. Bergey’s Manual of Systematic Bacteriology website – follow the
8600 Rockville Pike links for resources and microbial databases for a collection of
Bethesda, MD 20894 international websites of microorganisms and cell cultures.
888-FIND-NLM or 888-346-3656; 301-594-5983; www.bergeys.org/resources.html
www.nlm.nih.gov 4. Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories (BMBL)
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/entrez - 4th Edition. Published by CDC-NIH,
www.cdc.gov/biosafety/publications/bmbl5/BMBL.pdf
2. National Agriculture Library (NAL) provides reference service
for materials that document a) Alternative Procedures to Animal 5. World Health Organization Laboratory Safety Manual
Use and b) Animal Welfare. www.who.int/diagnostics_laboratory/guidance/en/
Animal Welfare Information Center
National Agriculture Library 6. Canada – Agency of Public Health – list of non-pathogenic
10301 Baltimore Avenue, Room 410 organisms
Beltsville, MD 20705-2351 www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/lab-bio/index_eng.php
phone: 301-504-6212, fax: 301-504-7125 www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/lab-bio/res/index-eng.php
www.nal.usda.gov/awic 7. Microorganisms for Education Website – list of organisms
www.science-projects.com/safemicrobes.htm
3. Institute of Laboratory Animal Resources (ILAR) provides a
variety of information on animal sources, housing and handling 8. NIH Guidelines for Research Involving Recombinant DNA
standards, and alternatives to animal use through annotated Molecules. Published by National Institutes of Health.
bibliographies published quarterly in ILAR Journal. http://osp.od.nih.gov/office-biotechnology-activities/oba/index.
ILAR ‑ The Keck Center of the National Academies html
500 Fifth Street, NW, Keck 687
Washington, DC 20001 9. OSHA – Occupational Health and Safety Administration
phone: 202-334-2590, fax: 202-334-1687 www.osha.gov
http://dels.nas.edu/ilar Hazardous Chemicals, Activities or Devices
General Lab/Chemical Safety
4. Quarterly bibliographies of Alternatives to the Use of Live 1. Safety in Academic Chemistry Laboratories, Volumes 1 and 2,
Vertebrates in Biomedical Research and Testing may be 2003. Washington, DC: American Chemical Society.
obtained from: Order from (first copy free of charge):
Specialized Information Services American Chemical Society
NLM/NIH Publications Support Services
2 Democracy Plaza, Suite 510 1155 16th Street, NW
6707 Democracy Blvd., MSC 5467 Washington, DC 20036
Bethesda, MD 20892-5467 phone: 202- 872-4000 or 800-227-5558
phone: 301-496-1131; Fax: 301- 480-3537 email: [email protected],
email: [email protected] www.acs.org/education
www.sis.nlm.nih.gov;
http://toxnet.nlm.nih.gov/altbib.html
2. General
Howard Hughes Medical Institute has resources for working
with cell cultures, radioactive materials and other laboratory
materials.
www.hhmi.org/resources/
3. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) website for green

chemistry
www.epa.gov/greenchemistry
4. Safety and Data Sheets (SDS)

www.flinnsci.com/msds-search.aspx
A directory of SDS sheets from Flinn Scientific Inc. that includes
a ranking of hazard level and disposal methods.
www.ilpi.com/msds/index.html - A listing of numerous sites that

have free downloads of MSDS sheets.
5. Pesticides
National Pesticide Information Center
http://npic.orst.edu/ingred/products.html
Describes the various types of pesticides and the legal
requirements for labelling. Provides links and phone numbers
to get additional information.
Environmental Protection Agency

http://iaspub.epa.gov/apex/pesticides/f?p=PPLS:1
A database of product labels. Enter the product name or
company name to view the approved label information of
pesticides which are registered with the agency.
6. DEA Controlled Substances

Drug Enforcement Agency website:
www.justice.gov/dea/index.htm
Controlled Substance Schedules – a list of controlled
substances:
www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/schedules/
7. Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives

Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau
www.ttb.gov/
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives
www.atf.gov
8. Radiation
Radiation Studies Information (CDC)
www.cdc.gov/nceh/radiation/default.htm
9. CDC Laboratory Safety Manuals

www.cdc.gov/biosafety/publications/index.htm
10. Occupational Safety and Health Administration

www.osha.gov
Safety and Health Topics:
www.osha.gov/SLTC/
www.osha.gov/SLTC/reactivechemicals/index.html
www.osha.gov/SLTC/laserhazards/index.html
www.osha.gov/SLTC/radiationionizing/index.html
11. U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission

Material Safety and Inspection Branch
One White Flint North
11555 Rockville Pike
Rockville, MD 20852
phone: 301-415-8200; 800-368-5642
www.nrc.gov
Intel ISEF Display and Safety Regulations
Please address any questions regarding Intel ISEF Display and Safety Regulations to
Diane Hecht, Display and Safety Committee Chair at [email protected]
Display and Safety Authority

The Intel ISEF Display and Safety Committee is the final authority on display and safety issues for projects approved by the SRC to
compete in the Intel ISEF. Occasionally, the Intel ISEF Display and Safety Committee may require students to make revisions to conform
to display and safety regulations. The Regulations that follow have been divided into two main categories to separate those that deal
specifically with display regulations and those that pertain to safety regulations.
Display Content for Regulated Research Institution

Display Regulations and/or Continuation Projects
The following regulations must be adhered to 1. Regulated Research Institution Projects
The display must reflect on the work conducted by the finalist.
when a finalist exhibits a project at Intel ISEF.
• Minimal reference to mentor’s or other researcher’s
work must only reflect background information or
Maximum Size of Project be used to clarify differences between finalist’s and
Depth (front to back): 30 inches or 76 centimeters others’ work.
Width (side to side): 48 inches or 122 centimeters • If Box 3 is checked YES on the official Intel ISEF
Height (floor to top): 108 inches or 274 centimeters Abstract and Certification, Regulated Research
Institution/Industrial Setting Form 1C must be
Please be aware when ordering posters that the mechanism
vertically displayed.
that supports the poster should conform to the maximum size
2. Continuation Projects
limitations stated above.
The display board should summarize ONLY the CURRENT
year’s work.
1. All project materials and support mechanisms must fit within
• The Title may include the duration of the project
the project dimensions.
(for example, “Year Two of an Ongoing Study”).
2. Fair provided tables will not exceed a height of 36 inches (91
• Minimum reference to conclusions of previous
centimeters).
years’ work may be shown without any specific data
3. If a table is used it becomes part of the project and must not
being displayed.
exceed the allowed dimensions.
• If Box 4 is checked YES on the official Intel ISEF
4. Nothing can be attached to the rear curtain for display.
Abstract and Certification, Continuation Form 7
5. All demonstrations must be done within the confines of
must be vertically displayed, summarizing clear
the finalist booth. When not being demonstrated, the
differences between current and previous years’
component must be returned to project and must fit within
work.
allowable dimensions.
Forms Required to be Visible and Vertically Displayed
The suggested placement of the required forms is on the front
edge of the table, on the display board, or in a free-standing
frame placed on the table top.
Forms required at all projects:

1. Original of official Abstract and Certification as approved
and stamped/embossed by the Intel ISEF Scientific Review
Committee.
2. Completed Intel ISEF Project Set-up Approval Form SRC/
DS2 (Received on-site at the Fair)
Forms required when applicable (indicated on

Abstract
SRC/
1C 7
Form SRC/DS2)
1. Regulated Research Institutional/Industrial Setting Form (1C)
DS2
2. Continuation Projects Form (7)
Completed Informed Consent Forms Not to be

Displayed
Completed informed consent forms are not allowed to be
present at the project display.
Position of Project
Position of project must be parallel to, and positioned at, the
back curtain of the booth. Projects may NOT lean against the
back curtain.
Forms Required at Project but not Displayed 1. The finalist will be provided with 20 copies of the Official
Forms including, but not limited to, Checklist for Adult Sponsor Abstract and Certification.
(1), Student Checklist (1A), Research Plan/Project Summary 2. The term abstract may NOT be used as a title or reference
and Approval Form (1B) which are required for the project or for any information on a finalist’s display or materials at the
for Scientific Review Committee approval do not have to be project except as part of displaying the official abstract.
displayed as part of the project but must be available in the 3. An original stamp/embossed official abstract and
booth in case asked for by a judge or other Intel ISEF official. A certification must be vertically displayed at the project.
photograph/video release form signed by the subject is required
for visual images of humans (other than the finalist) displayed Items/Materials Not Allowed at Project
as part of the project. All other forms not specifically called for The following is a list of what cannot be displayed at the project:
in the above sections are NOT required to be Displayed at the 1. Any items that are acknowledgments, self-promotions
booth. or external endorsements (such as naming the research
institution, mentor or patent pending statements) and/or are
Photograph/Image Display Requirements intended for distribution including::
Display of photographs other than that of the finalist must have a. Any disks, CDs, business cards, printed materials, etc.
a photo release signed by the subject, and if under 18 years (including unofficial abstracts) designed to be distributed
of age, also by the guardian of the subject. Sample consent to judges or the public
text: “I consent to the use of visual images (photos, videos, b. Flash drives, brochures, booklets, endorsements, and
etc.) involving my participation/my child’s participation in this additional give-away items including, but not limited to,
research.” (These forms must be available upon request by a pins, key chains, food etc.
Display & Safety Inspector, but shall not be displayed.) c. Any awards or medals, except for past or present Intel
ISEF medals that may be worn by the finalist.
Finalists using audio-visual or multi-media presentations (for 2. Postal addresses, World Wide Web, email and/or social
example, 35mm slides, videotapes, images, graphics, animations, media addresses, QR codes, telephone and/or fax numbers
etc., displayed on computer monitors; or other non-print of a project or finalist.
presentation methods) must be prepared to show the entire 3. Active Internet or email connections as part of displaying or
presentation to the Display and Safety Inspectors before the operating the project at the Intel ISEF.
project is approved. 4. Prior year’s written material or visual depictions on the
vertical display board (Exception: The project title displayed
Any photograph/visual image/chart/table and/or graph is in the finalist’s booth may mention duration of the
allowed if: project). For example, Year 2 of an Ongoing Study. Please
1. It is not deemed offensive or inappropriate (which includes note continuation projects must vertically display the
images/photographs showing invertebrate or vertebrate Continuation Project Form 7.
animals/humans in surgical, necrotizing or dissection * Any attempt to replenish or return removed items from the
situations) by the Scientific Review Committee, the Display above list is a violation of the Ethics Agreement and will result in
and Safety Committee, or Society for Science & the Public. items being confiscated by the Display and Safety Committee and
The decision made by any one of the groups mentioned may result in the project failing to qualify for competition.
above is final.
2. It has a credit line of origin (“Photograph taken by...”or
“Image taken from...” or “Graph/Chart/Table taken from…”). Other Display Regulations
(If all images, etc. being displayed were taken or created 1. No changes, modifications, or additions to projects may be
by the finalist or are from the same source, one credit line made after approval by the Display and Safety Committee and
prominently and vertically displayed on the backboard/ the Scientific Review Committee. Finalists who do not adhere
poster or tabletop is sufficient.) to the signed agreement on the SRC/DS2 Form regarding this
3. It is from the Internet, magazine, newspaper, journal, etc., regulation will fail to qualify for competition.
and a credit line is attached. (If all photographs, etc. are 2. If a project fails to qualify and is not removed by the finalist,
from the same source, one credit prominently and vertically Society for Science & the Public will remove the project in the
displayed is sufficient.) safest manner possible but is not responsible for damage to
4. It is a photograph or visual depiction of the finalist. the project.
5. It is a photograph or visual depiction for which a signed 3. It is highly recommended that your project number be placed
consent form is at the project or in the booth. on all notebooks or materials that will be left at your booth. A
project data book and research paper are not required but are
Handouts Allowed at Project highly recommended.
4. Judges will preview projects without finalist’s present
Official Abstract beginning at noon on Tuesday.
Handouts to judges and to the public must be limited to
5. No Acknowledgements.
UNALTERED photocopies of the official abstract and certification.
The Intel ISEF Scientific Review Committee defines the “official

abstract and certification” as an UNALTERED original abstract and
certification as stamped/embossed by the Intel ISEF Scientific
Review Committee. If the Scientific Review Committee requires
a finalist to make changes to the abstract and certification
submitted with registration papers, the revised version will be
stamped/embossed, will replace the earlier version, and will
become the finalist’s official abstract and certification.
material or with a grounded metal box to prevent accidental
Safety Regulations 4.
contact.
Decorative lighting or illumination is discouraged. If used,
The following regulations must be adhered to lighting must be as low a voltage as possible and must be
when a finalist exhibits a project at Intel ISEF. LED lighting that does not generate heat. Light bulbs are
prohibited. When student is not at the exhibit, all electrical
power must be disconnected, or power bars must be switched
Not Allowed at Project or Booth off (Exception: during pre-judging audio visual displays may
1. Living organisms, including plants be available).
2. Soil, sand, rock, cement and/or waste samples, even if 5. An insulating grommet is required at the point where any wire
permanently encased in a slab of acrylic or cable enters any enclosure.
3. Taxidermy specimens or parts 6. No exposed live circuits over 36 volts are allowed.
4. Preserved vertebrate or invertebrate animals 7. There must be an accessible, clearly visible on/off switch or
5. Human or animal food as part of the exhibitor demonstration other means of quickly disconnecting from the 120 or 220
of the project. Volt power source.
6. Human/animal parts or body fluids (for example, blood, urine)
7. Plant materials (living, dead, or preserved) that are in their Laser Requirements
raw, unprocessed, or non-manufactured state (Exception: Any Class 1 or Class 2 lasers, along with only Class 3A or 3R lasers,
manufactured construction materials used in building the are allowed to be used provided a finalist avoids indiscriminate
project or display) exposure to other finalists, judges, or visitors (except if passed
8. All chemicals including water (projects may not use water in through magnifying optics such as microscopes and telescopes, in
any form in a demonstration) which case they may not be used). No other lasers may be used or
9. All hazardous substances or devices (Example: poisons, drugs, displayed.
firearms, weapons, ammunition, reloading devices, and lasers) 1. Any laser must be labeled by the manufacturer so that power
10. Items that may have contained or been in contact with output can be inspected. Lasers without labels will NOT be
hazardous chemicals (Exception: Item may be permitted if “cleared.”
professionally cleaned and document for such cleaning is 2. LED’s that consume over 1 watt, unless they are in a
available) commercial light bulb/ fixture or otherwise shielded, will not
11. 3-D Printers be allowed.
12. Dry ice or other sublimating solids 3. Lasers will be confiscated with no warning if not used in a
13. Sharp items (for example, syringes, needles, pipettes, knives) safe manner. Serious offenses may result in failure to qualify.
14. Flames or highly flammable materials (including mangified
light sources)
a. A Fresnel Lens cannot be used in conjunction with a light
Other Safety Regulations
1. Any inadequately insulated apparatus producing extreme
source – it becomes an open flame.
temperatures that may cause physical burns is not allowed.
15. Batteries with open-top cells or wet cells
2. Any apparatus with unshielded belts, pulleys, chains, or
16. Glass or glass objects unless deemed by the Display and
moving parts with tension or pinch points must be for display
Safety Committee to be an integral and necessary part of
only.
the project (for example, glass that is an integral part of a
3. Society for Science & the Public, the Scientific Review
commercial product such as a computer screen)
Committee, and/or the Display and Safety Committee reserve
17. Any apparatus deemed unsafe by the Scientific Review
the right to remove any project for safety reasons or to protect
Committee, the Display and Safety Committee, or Society
the integrity of the Intel ISEF and its rules and regulations.
for Science & the Public (Example: large vacuum tubes
4. Project sounds, lights, odors, or any other display items must
or dangerous ray-generating devices, empty tanks that
not be distracting. Exceptions to this rule may be permitted
previously contained combustible liquids or gases,
for judging demonstrations. Approval must be given prior to
pressurized tanks, 3D printers etc.)
judging.
5. Projects can be continued under the table BUT this area is
Electrical Regulations at Intel ISEF not to be used for storage. No personal items or packaging
1. Electrical power supplied to the project is 120 or 220 Volt, materials may be stored underneath the booth.
AC, single phase, 60 cycle. No multi-phase will be available or
shall be used. Maximum circuit amperage/wattage available
is determined by the electrical circuit capacities of the exhibit
hall and may be adjusted on-site by the Display and Safety
Committee. For all electrical regulations, “120 Volt AC” or “220
Volt AC” is intended to encompass the corresponding range
of voltage as supplied by the facility in which the Intel ISEF is
being held.
2. Electrical devices must be protectively enclosed. Any
enclosure must be non-combustible. All external non-current
carrying metal parts must be grounded.
3. Energized wiring, switches, and metal parts must have
adequate insulation and over-current safety devices (such
as fuses) and must be inaccessible to anyone other than the
finalist. Exposed electrical equipment or metal that possibly
may be energized must be shielded with a non-conducting
Information on Required Abstract & Certification for ALL Projects at the Intel ISEF
* This form may not be relevant for your regional or state fair; please refer to instructions from your affiliated fair.*
In ADDITION to the basic form requirements for ALL Projects and any other requirements due to specific areas of research,
an Abstract & Certification is required at the conclusion of research. Details on this requirement follow.
Completing the Abstract Intel ISEF Sample Abstract & Certification

After finishing research and experimentation, Title Category
Pick one only--
Finalist’s Name
you are required to write a (maximum) 250 School Name, City and State, Country mark an “X” in
box at right
word, one-page abstract. This is written on
Animal Sciences o
the Official Abstract and Certification Form Start Typing the Body of Your Abstract Here Beginning at the Left Margin Behavioral and Social o
Sciences
as provided by Society for Science & the Biochemistry o
Biomedical and Health o
Public. It is recommended that it include the Sciences
Biomedical Engineering o
following: Cellular & Molecular Biology o
Chemistry
a. purpose of the experiment Computational Biology and o
Bioinformatics
b. procedure Earth & Environmental o
Sciences
c. data Embedded Systems o
Energy: Chemical o
d. conclusions Energy: Physical o
Engineering Mechanics o
Environmental Engineering o
Materials Science o
It may also include any possible research Mathematics o
Microbiology o
applications. Only minimal reference to Physics and Astronomy o
Plant Sciences o
previous work may be included. An abstract Robotics & Intelligent o
Machines
must not include the following: Systems Software o
Translational Medical o
a. acknowledgments (including naming Science
the research institution and/or mentor

with which you were working), or self-
promotions and external endorsements 1. As a part of this research project, the student directly handled, manipulated, or interacted with (check
b. work or procedures done by the mentor all that apply):
o human participants potentially hazardous biological agents:

Completing the Certification o vertebrate animals o microorganisms o rDNA o tissue
At the bottom of the Abstract & Certification 2. This abstract describes only procedures performed by me/us, reflects my/our own independent re-
form there are six questions. Please read search, and represents one year’s work only. o yes o no
each carefully and answer appropriately. The 3. I/We worked or used equipment in a regulated research institution or industrial setting.
Intel ISEF Scientific Research Committee will o yes o no
review and approve the abstract and answers
to the questions. 4. This project is a continuation of previous research. o yes o no
Revisions or questions will be resolved via

a SRC appointment on site at the Intel ISEF. 5. My display board includes non-published photographs/visual depictions of
Please bring an electronic copy of your humans (other than myself): FOR INTEL ISEF
o yes o no OFFICIAL USE
Abstract & Certification to the Fair. Only ONLY
6. I/We hereby certify that the abstract and responses to the above state-
after final Intel ISEF SRC approval has been ments are correct and properly reflect my/our own work.
obtained via a stamped/embossed copy of o yes o no
this Abstract & Certification may a Finalist
make copies to hand out to the judges and
the public. (the Society provides the first 20
copies.) NOTE: Your abstract must be on the Intel International Science
and Engineering Fair Abstract & Certification form and embossed/
stamped by the Intel ISEF Scientific Review Committee before
it is displayed or handed out. No pasted or taped text will be
permitted. No other format or version of your approved Abstract &
Certification will be allowed for any purpose at the Intel ISEF.
Intel ISEF Categories and Subcategories
The categories have been established with the goal of better aligning judges and student projects for the judging at the
Intel ISEF. Local, regional, state and country fairs may or may not choose to use these categories, dependent on the needs
of their area. Please check with your affiliated fair(s) for the appropriate category listings at that level of competition.
Please visit our website at student.societyforscience.org/intel-isef-categories-and-subcategories for a full description

and definition of the Intel ISEF categories:
ANIMAL SCIENCES CHEMISTRY Thermal Power Atomic, Molecular, and Optical
Animal Behavior Analytical Chemistry Wind Physics
Cellular Studies Computational Chemistry Other Biological Physics
Development Environmental Chemistry Computational Physics and
Ecology Inorganic Chemistry ENGINEERING MECHANICS Astrophysics
Genetics Materials Chemistry Aerospace and Aeronautical Condensed Matter and Materials
Nutrition and Growth Organic Chemistry Engineering Instrumentation
Physiology Physical Chemistry Civil Engineering Magnetics, Electromagnetics and
Systematics and Evolution Other Computational Mechanics Plasmas
Other Control Theory Mechanics
COMPUTATIONAL BIOLOGY Ground Vehicle Systems Nuclear and Particle Physics
BEHAVIORAL AND SOCIAL AND BIOINFORMATICS Industrial Engineering-Processing Optics, Lasers, Masers
SCIENCES Biomedical Engineering Mechanical Engineering Quantum Computation
Clinical and Developmental Computational Pharmacology Naval Systems Theoretical Physics
Psychology Computational Biomodeling Other Other
Cognitive Psychology Computational Evolutionary
Physiological Psychology Biology ENVIRONMENTAL PLANT SCIENCES
Sociology and Social Psychology Computational Neuroscience ENGINEERING Agronomy
Other Genomics Bioremediation Ecology
Other Land Reclamation Genetics/Breeding
BIOCHEMISTRY Pollution Control Growth and Development
Analytical Biochemistry EARTH AND Recycling and Waste Management Pathology
General Biochemistry ENVIRONMENTAL Water Resources Management Physiology
Medicinal Biochemistry Other Systematics and Evolution
SCIENCES
Structural Biochemistry Other
Atmospheric Science
Other Climate Science MATERIALS SCIENCE
Environmental Effects on Biomaterials ROBOTICS AND
BIOMEDICAL AND HEALTH Ecosystems Ceramic and Glasses INTELLIGENT MACHINES
SCIENCES Geosciences Composite Materials Biomechanics
Disease Diagnosis Water Science Computation and Theory Cognitive Systems
Disease Treatment Other Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Control Theory
Drug Development and Testing Materials Machine Learning
Epidemiology Nanomaterials Robot Kinematics
EMBEDDED SYSTEMS
Nutrition Circuits Polymers Other
Physiology and Pathology Internet of Things Other
Other Microcontrollers SYSTEMS SOFTWARE
Networking and Data MATHEMATICS Algorithms
BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING Communications Algebra Cybersecurity
Biomaterials and Regenerative Optics Analysis Databases
Medicine Sensors Combinatorics, Graph Theory, and Operating Systems
Biomechanics Signal Processing Game Theory Programming Languages
Biomedical Devices Other Geometry and Topology Other
Biomedical Imaging Number Theory
Cell and Tissue Engineering ENERGY: CHEMICAL Probability and Statistics TRANSLATIONAL MEDICAL
Synthetic Biology Alternative Fuels Other SCIENCES
Other Computational Energy Science Disease Detection and Diagnosis
Fossil Fuel Energy MICROBIOLOGY Disease Prevention
CELLULAR AND Fuel Cells and Battery Antimicrobials and Antibiotics Disease Treatment and Therapies
Development Applied Microbiology Drug Identification and Testing
MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
Microbial Fuel Cells Bacteriology Pre-Clinical Studies
Cell Physiology
Solar Materials Environmental Microbiology Other
Genetics
Other Microbial Genetics
Immunology
Virology
Molecular Biology
ENERGY: PHYSICAL Other
Neurobiology
Other Hydro Power
Nuclear Power PHYSICS AND ASTRONOMY
Solar Astronomy and Cosmology
Sustainable Design
The Intel International Science and Engineering Fair encourages students to tackle challenging
scientific questions and develop the skills needed to solve the problems of tomorrow.

Society for Science & the Public (the Society) is one of the oldest nonprofit organizations in the U.S.
dedicated to public engagement in science and science education. Established in 1921, the Society is a
membership society and a leading advocate for the understanding and appreciation of science and the
vital role it plays in human advancement.
Through its acclaimed education competitions and its award-winning Science News Media Group,
the Society is committed to inform, educate, and inspire.
societyforscience.org
To learn more about the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair, visit:
student.societyforscience.org/intel-isef
Intel Corporation
The foundation of tomorrow’s innovation is education. That’s why making quality education available
to more students around the world ‑ with the help of technology ‑ has inspired Intel’s commitment to
education for 40 years. We do more than make contributions. Intel gets directly involved in developing
and helping to change policy, training teachers, offering free curricula, providing kids with a place
to explore technology, and encouraging young innovators. Intel believes that students at all levels
everywhere deserve to have the skills they need to become part of the next generation of innovators.
In the last decade, Intel has invested more than $1 billion, and Intel employees have donated more
than four million hours, toward improving education in more than 75 countries, regions, and territories.
We are actively involved in education programs, advocacy, and technology access to help tomorrow’s
innovators.
intel.com/education

1719 N Street, NW
Washington, DC 20036-2801
202.785.2255 telephone
202.785.1243 fax
student.societyforscience.org/intel-isef

©
2016 Society for Science & the Public. All rights reserved. Copyright ©2016 Intel Corporation.
All rights reserved. International Science and Engineering Fair is registered in the U.S. Patent
and Trademark Office as a trademark of Society for Science & the Public. Intel and the Intel logo
are trademarks of Intel Corporation in the U.S. and other countries. *Other names and brands
may be claimed as the property of others. Printed in USA Please Recycle.

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Intel International Science

and Engineering Fair

Roles and Responsibilities of Students and Adults

Human Participants Rules

Vertebrate Animals Rules

Potentially Hazardous Biological Agents Risk Assessment .....................................................................................18

Hazardous Chemicals, Activities or Devices Rules ....................................................................................................... 19

Display and Safety Regulations ........................................................................................................................................... 24

These Rules are applicable for:

The Intel International Science and Engineering Fair 2017

The purpose of these rules is to:

For pre-review and approval of your project, find your fair at

For Intel ISEF questions, contact:

6. Introduction or disposal of non-native and/or invasive species

5. All projects must be reviewed and approved each year and

To avoid conflict of interest, no Adult Sponsor, parent or

A Scientific Review Committee (SRC) examines projects for the

The Intel ISEF SRC, like an Affiliated Fair SRC, is made up of

Members of the Intel ISEF Scientific Review Committee 2017:

Mrs. Christine Miller, Chair

Human Participant Involvement in Student-designed

1. Examples of Greater than Minimal Physical Risk

2. Examples of Greater than Minimal Psychological Risk

Some protocols permitted in a Regulated Research Institution are

1. The Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) or

2. Student researchers are prohibited from performing

3. Research projects that cause more than momentary or slight

4. Research in nutritional deficiency or research involving

5. The following forms are required:

Sources of Information are available as a separate

6. The collection and examination of fresh/frozen tissues or

7. Human breast milk of unknown origin, unless certified free of

8. All studies involving human or wild animal blood or blood

9. Studies of human body fluids, where the sample can be

10. Any study involving the collection and examination of body

11. A project involving a student researcher using their own body

12. Studies involving embryonic human stem cells must be

Sources of Information are available as a separate

5. Assessment of the experience and expertise of the adult(s)

Classification of Biological Agents Levels of Biological Containment

Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) Task Force Vertebrate Animals

3. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) website for green

4. Safety and Data Sheets (SDS)

www.ilpi.com/msds/index.html - A listing of numerous sites that

Environmental Protection Agency

6. DEA Controlled Substances

7. Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives

9. CDC Laboratory Safety Manuals

10. Occupational Safety and Health Administration

11. U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission

Display and Safety Authority

Display Content for Regulated Research Institution

Forms required at all projects:

Forms required when applicable (indicated on

2. Continuation Projects Form (7)

Completed Informed Consent Forms Not to be

The Intel ISEF Scientific Review Committee defines the “official

Completing the Abstract Intel ISEF Sample Abstract & Certification

the research institution and/or mentor

o human participants potentially hazardous biological agents: