Students in Mainland China now have one more official pathway to Regeneron ISEF. Recently, an ISEF-affiliated science fair has officially added the Chongqing Adolescents Science and Technology Innovation Contest as a new selection channel for the Mainland China region.

Together with the long-established Sichuan ISEF Affiliate Fair and the recently announced Shanghai Youth Science Society Senior Membership Selection & “Science Seed” International Exchange Program, students now have multiple routes to enter the ISEF selection system from Mainland China.

However, each pathway comes with different eligibility requirements and timelines. In this article, we break everything down clearly so you can understand which route fits you best and how to prepare.

What Is Regeneron ISEF?

Regeneron ISEF (International Science and Engineering Fair) is the world’s most prestigious pre-college science and engineering competition. Sponsored by Regeneron Pharmaceuticals and organized by the Society for Science, ISEF brings together outstanding student researchers from around the globe.

Participants submit original research projects and present their work through poster exhibitions, oral presentations, and judge interviews. Competition categories span a wide range of disciplines, including:

• Physics
• Chemistry
• Biology
• Mathematics
• Computer Science
• Engineering and more

ISEF sets an exceptionally high bar for research rigor, originality, and scientific communication skills.

Each year, nearly 10 million students from over 70 countries and regions participate in ISEF-affiliated fairs worldwide, but only about 1,800 students advance to the Global Final. The final award rate is even lower, making ISEF honors highly competitive and widely recognized. In recent years, top ISEF winners have consistently become priority recruits for leading universities around the world.

Three Official ISEF Pathways in Mainland China

1. Sichuan ISEF Affiliate Fair (“Chuan Fair”)

The Sichuan Science and Engineering Fair is an official ISEF-affiliated competition designed specifically for:

• Students enrolled in foreign nationals’ schools in Mainland China
• Homeschooling students

⚠️ Application for this year has already closed.

2. Shanghai Youth Science Society Senior Membership Selection

& “Science Seed” International Exchange Program (New in 2026)

This newly introduced pathway is one of the most significant additions in recent years. The program is open to students in Grades 6–12 studying in Mainland China, regardless of nationality, and mainly covers Shanghai and Jiangsu Province.

✅ The final selection list for this year has already been announced.

3. Chongqing Adolescents Science and Technology Innovation Contest (Newly Added)

The Chongqing Adolescents Science and Technology Innovation Contest is a province-wide competition with over 20 years of history. It is one of Chongqing’s most influential platforms for showcasing outstanding student research and innovation projects.

Eligibility

• Students enrolled in Chongqing-based schools, including:
  • General primary and secondary schools
  • Secondary vocational schools
  • Special education schools
  • International schools

Competition Dates

• February 10–14, 2026

Application Deadline

• January 20, 2026

This contest is now officially recognized as an ISEF-affiliated selection channel for Mainland China students.

Updates from Hong Kong, China

For the 2025–2026 season, the Hong Kong ISEF Selection Competition has already announced its results. Following this, the 28th Hong Kong Student Science and Technology Innovation Competition has officially opened for registration.

⏰ Registration closes on January 16, 2026.
Students are strongly advised to plan ahead.

How to Participate in ISEF

Students should identify and apply to an ISEF-affiliated science fair in their region through the official directory.

👉 Find ISEF-Affiliated Fairs (2025–2026):
https://findafair.societyforscience.org/

About ISEF-Affiliated Fairs
ISEF-affiliated fairs are research-based high school competitions operating under the guidelines of the Society for Science. These fairs exist across all 50 U.S. states, Washington D.C., and more than 75 countries and regions worldwide. While each fair is independently managed, all must comply with Society for Science rules on research ethics and student participation.

Official ISEF Website
https://www.societyforscience.org/isef/

ISEF Advancement Pathways by Region

Mainland China: Dual Tracks — Innovation Contests & Talent Programs

China Adolescents Science and Technology Innovation Contest (CASTIC)
This is one of the primary routes for Mainland Chinese students. The competition progresses through:

• City-level contests
• Provincial contests
• National finals

Outstanding national-level projects may be selected to represent China at ISEF.

Youth Talent Program (Yingcai Program)
Open to Grade 9–10 students in 20 provinces and cities. Typical requirements include:

• Top 10% academic ranking in a specific subject, or
• Top 15% overall academic ranking

Selected students conduct research under the guidance of professional scientists, making this one of the highest-probability pathways to ISEF.

In addition, students may pursue ISEF qualification through:

• Chongqing Adolescents Science and Technology Innovation Contest
• Shanghai Youth Science Society Program
• Sichuan ISEF Affiliate Fair

Hong Kong, China: Two Parallel Selection Routes

ISEF Hong Kong Pre-selection Competition
Organized by the Hong Kong New Generation Cultural Association. Applicants must:

• Be full-time students at registered Hong Kong schools
• Be under 20 years old as of May 1 of the competition year

Finalists receive pre-competition training before attending the ISEF Global Final.

Hong Kong Student Science and Technology Innovation Competition
Students winning First, Second, or Third Prize may be recommended for the ISEF Hong Kong selection process.

✔️ These two competitions together form the official ISEF advancement system in Hong Kong, and students may participate in both to increase their chances.

Macau, China: A Dedicated Science Fair Pathway

Macau Science Fair
Macau students primarily qualify through this competition, typically held between October and February. Students must prepare and submit projects according to the annual schedule.

Taiwan, China: International Science Fair Route

Taiwan International Science Fair
This is the main pathway for students in Taiwan, usually held between November and January.

⚠️ Please refer to official announcements each year for exact timelines.

ISEF Competition Timeline

ISEF-Affiliated Fairs

• Vary by region
• Most conclude by April

ISEF Global Final

• Held annually in May

If you are planning your ISEF journey, early preparation, accurate pathway selection, and strong research design are key. With more official channels opening in Mainland China, students now have greater access than ever to the world’s premier youth science competition.