I. ISEF Competition System and the Background of the 2026 Reforms

The International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) is the world’s largest and most influential high school research competition, often referred to as the “Nobel Prize for Youth.” For the 2026 season, the ISEF qualification system in Mainland China has undergone a significant upgrade. In addition to the long-established Sichuan Science & Engineering Fair, two new official qualification pathways have been introduced:

• the Shanghai Youth Science Society Senior Member Selection, and
• the Chongqing Youth Science & Technology Innovation Competition.

Together, these form a three-track parallel qualification system, greatly expanding access to ISEF for students from different regions and educational backgrounds.

The 2026 ISEF Global Finals will take place from May 9 to May 15, 2026, in Phoenix, Arizona, USA, bringing together approximately 1,800 top high school researchers from over 80 countries and regions. For students in Mainland China, understanding the rules, timelines, and eligibility requirements of these three official pathways has become a critical first step in ISEF preparation.

II. Sichuan Science & Engineering Fair (ISEF Affiliate Fair) – 2026 Season Overview

(1) Eligibility and Participation Requirements

The Sichuan Science & Engineering Fair is currently the only ISEF affiliate fair in Mainland China specifically designated for students from foreign nationals’ schools. Eligible participants include students in Grades 9–12 enrolled in international schools for foreign nationals in Mainland China, including students holding foreign permanent residency. Each student may participate up to three times.

Projects may be submitted individually or in teams of up to three students, but registration must be organized through the school—individual registration is not permitted. For the 2026 season, project quotas have been adjusted: schools that received ISEF finalist or regional awards in the 2025 season may submit four projects, while other schools remain limited to three projects.

(2) Key Timeline for the 2025–2026 Season

• Registration period: October 10 – November 28, 2025
• Project submission deadline: January 3, 2026
• Review process begins: January 9, 2026
• On-site defense and awards ceremony: January 16–17, 2026 (Chengdu)

The preparation window is notably compressed, with only around 75 days between registration close and project submission. As a result, participants are expected to complete the core research work before the fall semester of 2025 ends.

(3) Evaluation and Advancement Rules

The Sichuan Fair uses a two-round evaluation system. The first round focuses on scientific methodology, experimental design, and data analysis, while the second round is conducted by subject-matter experts who assess disciplinary depth, innovation, and societal value. The fair typically awards five direct ISEF finalist slots, with an application in progress to expand this number to seven.

III. Shanghai Youth Science Society Senior Member Selection

(1) Eligibility and Subject Areas

This newly added pathway is open to students in Grades 6–12 enrolled in schools within China, regardless of nationality. Participants may compete individually or in teams of up to three. The competition covers eight subject areas, including mathematics, physics and astronomy, chemistry, energy and environment, life sciences, computer science and IT, engineering, and behavioral and social sciences.

Unlike the Sichuan Fair, this pathway is not restricted to specific school types, making it a key option for Chinese nationals.

(2) 2025–2026 Schedule

• Application deadline: November 16, 2025
• High school group (Grades 9–12) final defense: January 24–25, 2026
• Middle school group (Grades 6–8) final material submission: January 4, 2026

The selection process combines online preliminary review and offline final evaluation. High school students must present their projects on-site, while middle school students submit English-language presentation materials and videos.

(3) Selection Criteria and Advancement Mechanism

Projects are evaluated based on innovation, scientific rigor, and real-world application potential. Outstanding projects may be recommended for ISEF qualification, subject to final approval by ISEF officials. This pathway functions as a recommendation channel rather than an automatic qualification route.

IV. Chongqing Youth Science & Technology Innovation Competition (Upgraded to ISEF Affiliate Fair)

(1) Eligibility and Competition Structure

Starting in the 2026 season, the Chongqing Youth Science & Technology Innovation Competition has been officially recognized as an ISEF Affiliate Fair. Eligible participants include primary and secondary school students in Chongqing, covering public schools, vocational schools, special education institutions, and international schools.

Participants must qualify through district-level competitions before being recommended; individual registration is not accepted. The competition includes several categories, with the Youth Science & Technology Innovation Project category being the primary ISEF qualification track.

(2) 2026 Season Timeline

• Registration deadline: January 20, 2026
• Competition dates: February 10–14, 2026

Compared with previous years, the timeline has been significantly advanced, requiring students to complete projects before the winter break.

(3) Advancement and Quota Allocation

The exact number of ISEF finalist slots allocated to the Chongqing fair has not yet been officially announced. Based on other affiliate fairs, this typically ranges from three to five slots. All advancing projects must still pass ISEF’s official SRC/IRB review.

V. Comparative Analysis and Preparation Advice

(1) Key Differences Among the Three Pathways

Each pathway targets different student groups and regions, offering flexibility but also requiring careful strategic planning based on nationality, school type, and location.

(2) Core Preparation Recommendations

• Early planning is essential: All three pathways concentrate timelines in January–February 2026, meaning core research must be completed in fall 2025.
• Ethics approval is critical: Projects involving human subjects, vertebrate animals, microorganisms, or hazardous materials must receive SRC or IRB approval before research begins.
• Material standardization: English-language materials are required for ISEF advancement. Formatting and compliance errors can lead to disqualification.
• Presentation skills matter: On-site defenses often determine final outcomes. Mock interviews and concise presentations are strongly recommended.

VI. Additional Qualification Pathways

Students in Hong Kong may qualify through local ISEF selection events or the Hong Kong Youth Science and Technology Innovation Competition. Overseas students must participate in affiliate fairs in their region of study. Importantly, Mainland Chinese nationals cannot compete through the Sichuan Fair, but may use the Shanghai or Chongqing pathways. Eligibility overlaps should be reviewed carefully before choosing a pathway.

Conclusion

The three-track ISEF qualification system in Mainland China for 2026 marks a major step forward in expanding access to global research competitions for Chinese students. While the pathways differ in structure and eligibility, ISEF’s core standards—academic integrity, innovation, and societal impact—remain unchanged. Students who plan early, conduct rigorous research, and prepare thoroughly will be best positioned to stand out and advance to the ISEF Global Finals.

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