2025 – A Time to Explore the Wonders

Celebrating the 70th Anniversary of the Alaska Science and Engineering Fair

April 4 and 5, 2025
University of Alaska, Anchorage

The Alaska Science and Engineering Fair, Inc. holds an annual exhibition of Alaskan science and engineering projects showcasing the research and innovation of students from across the state. Any student in grades K-12 may enter a science, engineering, computer science, or mathematics project.

Attention, explorers! The Alaska Science and Engineering Fair is your launchpad to explore the boundless possibilities of science. Whether you’re investigating the wonders of tiny microbes or unraveling the mysteries of space and time, your project will soar to new heights! The countdown has begun, and we can’t wait to see your incredible ideas and innovations. Let your curiosity take flight and your project will shine brighter than the stars! 🚀✨

The fair takes place in Anchorage in March or April each year and includes both in-person and virtual participation. Independent judges from STEM-related fields evaluate every project and present awards for all age groups. Middle and high school students compete in 15 categories and receive prizes donated by businesses and individuals. Some projects also earn Specialty awards provided by local and national organizations to recognize achievement in various STEM fields. One or more grand prize winners receive ASEF sponsorship to participate in the prestigious International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) held each year in the lower 48.

Established in 1955, ASEF marks its 70th anniversary in 2025. The annual fair is Alaska’s primary statewide STEM education event and is affiliated with the ISEF. The Alaska Science and Engineering Fair, Inc is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization with an all-volunteer board of directors.

Online registration will open on: TBD
The deadline to register is: Monday, March 16th, 2025


📍 Fair Location Details

Venue: Conoco Phillips Integrated Science Building on the UAA campus
Address: 3121 Science Circle, Anchorage, AK 99508
Map: Navigate to the epicenter of science!


📅 Event Timeline

Project Check-In

  • When: Friday, April 4, 5:00 – 8:00 p.m.
  • For: In person projects only

🎒 Check-In – What to Bring

As you gear up to showcase your projects, make sure to pack:

  • Your Project Board: The centerpiece of your research and findings.
  • Project Materials: Any tools or visuals to enhance your presentation. Check the In-Person Exhibits rules for guidelines.
  • Your Project Journal: A record of your scientific journey.

🏅Judging Details

Category Judging

  • In-Person Judging:
    • Elementary Division (1st-5th grade):
      • When: Saturday, April 5th, 9:00am – 4:00pm
      • Your specific judging time will be chosen during check-in
    • 6th Grade, Middle School & High School:
      • Life Sciences:
        • Categories: 100, 200, 300, 400, 1000, 1200, 1300, 1500
        • When: Saturday, April 5th, 9:00am – 1:00pm
        • Plan to be at your board all 4 hours.
        • We suggest that students plan to also be at their board in the afternoon if possible for specialty judging
      • Physical Sciences:
        • Categories: 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1100, 1400
        • When: Saturday, April 5th, 12:00pm – 4:00pm
        • Plan to be at your board all 4 hours
        • We suggest that students plan to also be at their board in the morning if possible for specialty judging
  • Virtual Judging:
    • Schedule: Will be emailed to participants several days before the fair.

Special Awards Judging

  • When: Saturday, April 5th, 9:00am – 4:00pm
  • We suggest that students plan to stay all day if possible as specialty judges may be looking over projects at any time during the day.

See the list of categories with their numbers here: https://alaskasciencefair.org/awards/main-category-awards/

2024 Awards Ceremony – Live on YouTube

The 2024 Alaska Science and Engineering Fair was a resounding success, showcasing the remarkable talent and innovation of young scientists and engineers from across the state! The judges were thoroughly impressed by the creativity, critical thinking, and scientific learning demonstrated by the participants from all over Alaska.

ASEF extends its congratulations to all participants and invites everyone to join the award ceremony, which will be livestreamed on YouTube on Saturday, April 13th, at 2pm. Tune in to celebrate the exceptional achievements of these brilliant young minds and support the future of science and engineering in Alaska.

Volunteering Opportunities

Please consider joining us and helping develop the next generation of scientists and engineers by becoming a Board or Committee Member: The ASEF board of directors and committee members engage in year-round planning and development of the annual ASEF. If you are interested in joining our board or serving on a committee, please email us at director@alaskasciencefair.org

Do you have a few hours on Fair weekend? Volunteer to be a Judge! There are hundreds of projects, and only one day to judge them all! There is nothing more satisfying than meeting the participants, encouraging their efforts, and finding out just how amazing Alaska’s students truly are! If you are interested in serving as a judge, please email us at judging@alaskasciencefair.org. Training and judging rubrics are provided. We can also use help with Setup/Teardown and Check-in. It takes a small army to set up and take down tables, chairs, and signage! Volunteers are also needed to check in students. If you can help, please email us at volunteers@alaskasciencefair.org

Support ASEF by Shopping at Fred Meyer

Fred Meyer Community Rewards: If you shop at Fred Meyer, link your rewards card to us! Create or log in to your account at Fred Meyer Community Rewards and choose Alaska Science and Engineering Fair (group EQ676). This program provides funds to ASEF with each Fred Meyer purchase, at no cost to you. We would sincerely appreciate your support!

Donate

Our Recent Donors:

Primary Sponsor - $10,000+ with Multi Year Commitment:

(None)

Sponsors - $10,000+

  • Ohana Media Group (In Kind)

Patrons - $5,000-$9,999

  • Hecla Greens Creek Mine

Donors - $1,000-$4999

  • Alaska Miners Association
  • aeSolutions
  • Bill Corbus
  • Douglas Molyneaux
  • COEUR Alaska
  • Elgee Rehfeld - Alaska's CPA Firm
  • Elizabeth Djajalie
  • GCI
  • Northern Utility Services
  • RESPEC

Contributors - $500-$999

  • Alaska Science Teachers Association
  • Andrea Story
  • Bristol Engineering
  • DOWL
  • PND Engineers Inc
  • ProHNS

Friends - $0-$499

  • The Alaska Club
  • Alaska Electric Light & Power
  • Alaska Glacier Seafoods
  • Angali Madeira
  • Ching Cheng
  • Dawson Construction
  • Jennifer Reinbold
  • Juneau Pizza
  • Mary O'Connor
  • NAPA/Glacier Auto Parts
  • Pannone Engineering Services
  • Pita Pit Alaska
  • Sarah Steinbarger
  • Valley Paint Center