2008 Rules and Guidelines

Understanding the International Rules and Guidelines and properly completing all of the paperwork is a necessary and important part of completing your science fair project.

The following index links to an Adobe Acrobat* version of the 2008 Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) Rules and Regulations, including forms. You can also download a printable Adobe Acrobat* PDF file from the Document Library link on the left.

We also encourage you to use the Intel ISEF Rules Wizard to be sure you are on the right track. This "wizard" asks a series of questions about your planned project and will provide a list of forms that you need to complete.

SRC 101 PowerPoint

The ISEF SRC has made available an SRC 101 Powerpoint that can be a tool in giving workshops on the Rules and Guidelines. Share with your IRB and SRC members, teachers and any others interested in an overview of the International Rules. (NOTE: MS Powerpoint needs to be installed on your machine to view.)

SRC 101 Powerpoint

International Rules and Guidelines FAQ

The ISEF SRC has attempted to provide answers to questions that they commonly receive on their e-mail account - src@societyforscience.org. If there is a question that you would like to see added to this FAQ list, please e-mail the SRC the question and suggest that it would be good to post.

• Who should follow these rules?
• How do I find a fair in my region?
• Can my regional fair rules be stricter than the International Rules?
• Does my project need prior review and approval?
• Where do I send my research plan and other paperwork to get pre-approval for my project?
• Can One Committee serve as both an SRC and IRB
• Who can serve as a Designated Supervisor for my project?
• Can I continue working on my project between my regional competition and the Intel ISEF?
• How do I determine the "Start Date" of my project?
• If I conduct my study in a location other than school or home, do I need a Form 1C?
• How do I determine if a chemical is hazardous?
• Can I use last year's forms?
• What abstract form must I complete?
• Can I culture potentially dangerous biological agents at home?
• How do I find out the biosafety level of an organism?
• I am using a commercial water-test kit to test the presence of coliforms. Is this a BSL-1 or higher study?
• Should all studies using water or soil collected from the environment be considered involving potentially hazardous biological agents?
• Is there any agency that will certify a lab facility?
• How do I know if a lab qualifies as a BSL-2 facility?
• Can I have a BSL-2 laboratory at my high school?
• Can I order organisms from a biological supply house and be assured that they will be a BSL1?
• What is a blood by-product?
• How do I get informed consent if I do a survey on the Internet?
• Could I use my farm animal in my science project?
• When is an egg embryo considered a vertebrate animal?
• What is meant by "invasive" procedures?

Rules Index

• Intel ISEF Scientific Review Committee
• HIGHLIGHTS for 2007 - May 2008
• Intel ISEF Category Descriptions
• Display and Safety Regulations
• Eligibility - Requirements - Limitations
• Roles and Responsibilities of Students and Adults
• Human Subjects
• Vertebrate Animals
• Potentially Hazardous Biological Agents
• Hazardous Chemicals, Activities or Devices
• SRC and IRB Review Boards
• Risk Assessment Guide