Regeneron ISEF International Science and Engineering Fair

Regeneron ISEF is coming to Phoenix, Arizona! The Regeneron ISEF event week will be held from May 9-15, 2026 at the Phoenix Convention Center.

Senior division winners from RSEF will be eligible to compete in the Regeneron ISEF.

Students must compete in one of the regional Regeneron ISEF affiliated science fairs to win the right to attend the Regeneron ISEF. Each affiliated fair may select 6 projects to travel to the Regeneron ISEF to compete.

Administered by Science Service, a non-profit organization, and sponsored by Regeneron, the Regeneron ISEF provides an opportunity for the best young scientists from around the globe to share ideas and showcase cutting-edge science projects.

Visit the Regeneron ISEF website to learn more.

ISEF Student Paperwork

Submit all paperwork to sciencefair@weber.edu or submit to: TBD
Please be sure to have the following paperwork filled out and submitted by: April 4, 2026
We must have ALL paperwork submitted to allow the student to go to ISEF.

What To Bring

You are allowed 1 personal carry-on (must fit under the seat in front of you), 1 carry-on bag, and 1 checked bag. The adults in the group will manage the finalists' posters. Please keep in mind that you must be able to carry and lift whatever you bring with you - suitcases with wheels are recommended. We will make sure each piece of luggage has a tag with contact information. Marking your bag in a personal way (bright colored tape or strap) makes it easier to identify at a distance. (Make sure you leave room for any items you would like to purchase at ISEF)

Checked Bag Size Restrictions

  • Weight 23 kg (50 lbs) or less
  • Not to exceed 158 cm (62") total length + width + height of the bag (76cm x 52cm x 30cm or 30" x 20" x 12")

Personal Items

Personal items must be able to fit under the seat in front of you. 

  • 1 purse, briefcase, camera bag, etc. 
  • OR 1 laptop computer (computers cannot be checked)
  • OR 1 item of a similar size to those listed above

The following items do not count as personal items (they are freebies):

  • A jacket or umbrella
  • Food or drink purchased after clearing the security checkpoint
  • Duty-free merchandise (these are items bought in special booths at the airport once you are past security)
  •  

Carry On Bag Size Restrictions

  • Baggage may not exceed 114 linear cm (or 45") in combined length, width, and height (including handle and wheels
  • Baggage must fit easily in the Carry-on Baggage Check (approximately 56 x 35 x 23 cm or 22" x 14" x 9"), which is located near the check in counters

Devices containing lithium cells or batteries (e.g. watches, calculators, cameras, cell phones, laptops, camcorders, etc.) are allowed onboard as carry-on. Passengers should check on current restrictions for power bank sizes. Spare lithium batteries are allowed as carry-on only and must be individually protected to prevent short circuits. 

Liquids

Follow these guidelines for your carry-on baggage - unless the liquid item you are carrying is medication, which cannot be replaced if your bag is delayed - put your liquids in your checked bag

  • For all liquids, gels, aerosols, and pastes, limit each bottle or container to a max size of 100ml (3.4oz)
  • Place all such items in a single quart-sized, clear, plastic ziplock bag
  • Remove your quart-size bag from your carry-on and place in the provided bin at the security checkpoint.

What's considered a liquid or gel? Examples; beverages, creams, hair gel, hairspray, shampoo, suntan lotion, toothpaste, & other items of similar consistency. Note: Use travel size toothpaste tubes - even if you have a large tube with less than 3oz. of toothpaste inside, it will not be allowed in your carry-on bag. 

Tips from the Travel Pros

  • Travel light - minimal clutter will speed up the screening process
  • Leave pocketknives, scissors, and any other sharp objects at home or put them in your checked bag (metal with pointed tips and blades shorter than 4" are allowed)
  • Be ready to take off your shoes and put belts, mobile phones, and metal objects in your carry-on
  • Take your laptop out of its case and place it in the provided container
  • Have your ID & boarding pass out and ready to show
    • If you are under 18, bring a school photo ID, or some form of local/federal government-issued photo ID
    • If you are 18 or older, bring one unexpired form of local/federal government-issued photo ID, such as:
      • Passport
      • Drivers License
      • Military ID

Snacks - We will be traveling during the lunch hour, so you may want to bring a snack (not liquid) or money to purchase food at the airport or on the airplane. RSEF provides meals, but you may want to bring or purchase your own snacks. 

Weather

Temperatures may vary considerably in May, and we will also be inside air-conditioned buildings, so bring layers to keep yourself comfortable. May weather is usually hot in the day and moderate at night, with abundant sunshine and almost no rain. You should pack for warm weather: short sleeves, hats, and sunscreen, plus an extra layer for any cooler days and evenings (or overzealous air conditioning). Average daily high temps in May are around mid 90 degrees. The average daily lows are mid 60 degree. 

Packing List

Except for the first item, this is not an absolute list, just suggestions.

  • Cell Phone and charger - Everyone must have a phone!
  • Personal Entertainment - you may want to bring ear buds, especially for the plane, and don't forget your charger
  • Reading Material 
  • Computers - We don't know how large the safes are in the hotel rooms, so you may want to carefully consider whether you bring a laptop. If you need your laptop for the competition, remember that you will not be allowed to connect to the internet while inside the exhibit hall. If you need access to a computer during your stay at ISEF, they usually provide computers at the conference center for use by anyone in our party.
  • Over the counter and prescription medications - whatever you are currently using
  • Toiletries - hairbrush, shaving kit, extra contacts and/or spare glasses, sunglasses, etc (visualize what you do every morning and before bed and bring these items with you). There are usually hair dryers in the rooms. 
  • Money -  all your meals will be provided, however, if you want to purchase drinks, snacks, etc. you should plan to bring either cash or a credit card with you. There is a small shop at ISEF, in the past couple of years, all ordering of merchandise is online with pickup at the convention center. 
  • Supplies - There is a "Hub" in the competition hall with tape, scissors, etc. All the supplies that you might need for repair or putting together your project are provided. 
  • Clothes - Finalists will need business professional attire for the competition on Tuesday and the awards on Thursday evening and Friday morning. You can also wear business casual for ISEF official events. Finalists attending other ISEF events - anything from a good t-shirt to casual will be fine (no ragged cutoffs or shirts with holes, etc.), remember that you are representing the Ritchey Science and Engineering Fair and you should look nice.
    • Guide to Business Attire

Other Things to Consider

  • Air Conditioning - Bring a sweater or light jacket; sometimes air-conditioned rooms can be chilly.
  • Possible tour - Sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, comfortable clothes and walking shoes for possible walking tours.
  • Be on Time! - Most phones provide the correct time, but make sure you know how to set an alarm to be on time.
  • The hotel has a pool. Swilling will be allowed only when you are supervised by a chaperone. Do not go to the pool alone!