Planning for 2027: Understanding Ohio’s Parallel Science Competition Structure
Students preparing research projects at regional science competitions
In March 2026, statewide science competitions will convene across Ohio, bringing students together to present original research projects. These events are already underway; however, families planning to participate in 2027 may benefit from understanding how Ohio’s science competition system is structured. Each spring, the Ohio Academy of Science (OAS) oversees a network of science competitions conducted at host institutions across Ohio that offer distinct eligibility pathways for students. The Buckeye Science and Engineering Fair (BSEF) is open to high school students while the Regional and State Science Days serve students in grades 5 through 12.
Guidance and preparation support meaningful science competition experiences
Science competition structures vary by state, Ohio offers two parallel pathways overseen by the Ohio Academy of Science that allows students to pursue different competition goals. While both pathways emphasize strong scientific reasoning and communication, they differ in judging models and in advancement mechanisms. The Regional Science Day competitions advance projects that meet established standards, while BSEF advances a limited number of projects that are selected within discrete categories. The parallel advancement pathways within Ohio’s science competitions are described below.
Parallel advancement pathways within Ohio’s science competitions
Students may pursue multiple pathways within Ohio’s science competition system
Path A: Regional Science Day to State Science Day
Beyond advancement from the regional to state level, Regional Science Days function as statewide scholarly forums in which students present research, receive expert evaluation from members of the academic community, and earn formal recognition for their work. Participation is geographically structured and broadly inclusive, with students in grades 5 through 12 submitting projects through an open statewide system. While the environment is supportive, projects are evaluated using standardized rubrics, and student ratings determine eligibility for advancement to State Science Day, where participants may compete for more than $400,000 in sponsored scholarships and awards.
Path B: Buckeye Science and Engineering Fair (BSEF) to Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (Regeneron-ISEF)
While Regional Science Days emphasize scholarly evaluation and recognition, BSEF serves as a selection-based gateway to international competition. Each year, more than one hundred self-selected high school students participate in the fair, which is conducted in two rounds of evaluation. During the initial round, projects are scored using rubric-based judging by multiple reviewers, with approximately twelve students advancing to a finalist round. In this second round, students deliver seven-minute presentations before panels of specialized judges and are evaluated comparatively within categories. Final awards and advancement slots are then determined, including selection of six Regeneron-ISEF qualifiers. The Buckeye Science and Engineering Fair director then completes registration for the selected students.
Understanding these pathways is only part of the planning process. Students and families must also be aware of the annual timeline that governs account creation, project submission, and competition dates across Ohio’s science competitions.
Timeline for Ohio’s Science Competitions
Early planning supports successful participation
Near the end of the year preceding each competition cycle, students create or reactivate accounts and submit projects through ProjectBoard. Many students complete this process through classroom teachers or extracurricular science facilitators; however, independent students may contact The Ohio Academy of Science to be matched with a facilitator. For students considering participation in Regional and State Science Days or the Buckeye Science & Engineering Fair in 2027, the current annual cycle provides a useful reference point for planning, as submission windows and event dates tend to follow a similar pattern each year.
Regional and State Science Days 2026 Timeline
Account Creation or Reactivation Window: Aug 18, 2025 – Feb 4, 2026
Regional Science Day Project Submission Window: Dec 8, 2025 – Mar 3, 2026
Regional Science Day: Mar 14, 21, or 28, 2026
State Science Day Submission Window: Mar 17, 2026 – Apr 7, 2026
State Science Day: May 16, 2026
Buckeye Science and Engineering Fair 2026 Timeline
Account Creation or Reactivation Window: Aug 18, 2025 – Feb 4, 2026
BSEF Project Submission Window: Dec 8, 2025 – Feb 4, 2026
Buckeye Science and Engineering Fair: Mar 7, 2026
Regeneron-ISEF (Phoenix, AZ): May 9-15, 2026
Final Thoughts
While attending a competition can be valuable, families should note that State Science Day and the Buckeye Science & Engineering Fair are not open to general visitors due to space limitations. Some Regional Science Day venues may allow non-participants to view projects on site; families interested in observing should consult their host institution’s event page or contact the venue coordinator directly for visitor guidance. A list of Regional Science Day locations can be found through the Ohio Academy of Science’s Regional Science Day information page.
For those unable to attend in person, reviewing abstracts and project summaries through publicly available ProjectBoard listings can provide helpful insight into topic selection, research scope, and presentation approaches demonstrated in previous competitions.
I plan to serve as a judge at three of the Ohio venues this season and will share reflections on event logistics, judging patterns, and project presentation after the spring competitions conclude.
Ohio’s science competition structure rewards early planning, thoughtful project design, and careful documentation. I work with families seeking clarity before they begin; if you would like a structured overview tailored to your students’ goals, you are welcome to contact me through Microbe Mentor.
