Intel Isef 2018 Guidelines
Intel Isef 2018 Guidelines
Intel Isef 2018 Guidelines
International Rules
and Guidelines 2018
International Rules for Pre-college Science Research:
Guidelines for Science and Engineering Fairs
2017 – 2018
Table of Contents
For ALL Projects
Intel ISEF Ethics Statement...................................................................................................................................................................3
Intel ISEF Eligibility/Limitations..........................................................................................................................................................3
Intel ISEF Requirements.........................................................................................................................................................................3
Continuation/Research Progression of Projects..........................................................................................................................4
Team Projects..............................................................................................................................................................................................4
International Rules: Guidelines for Science and Engineering Fairs 2017 – 2018 student.societyforscience.org/intel-isef Page 1
student.societyforscience.org/international-rules-pre-college-science-research
The International Rules and Guidelines for Science Fairs is available at student.societyforscience.org/intel-isef in
multiple formats. Familiarity with the rules is critical for students, parents, teachers, mentors, fair directors and
local and affiliated fair scientific review committees (SRC) and institutional review boards (IRB).
• International Rules and Guidelines – The full text of the International Rules and forms in html and as a
downloadable pdf.
• The Intel ISEF Rules Wizard – An interactive tool which asks questions about your intended project and
provides a list of forms required.
• Common SRC Problems – Frequent problems that emerge during Scientific Review Committee review for
qualification at the Intel ISEF. Read these to learn what NOT to do.
For rules questions, contact the Intel ISEF Scientific Review Committee:
[email protected]
Page 2 International Rules: Guidelines for Science and Engineering Fairs 2017 – 2018, student.societyforscience.org/intel-isef
ALL PROJECTS
Ethics Statement 4. Projects must adhere to local, state and U.S. Federal laws,
Scientific fraud and misconduct are not condoned at any level regulations and permitting conditions. In addition, projects
of research or competition. This includes plagiarism, forgery, conducted outside the U.S. must also adhere to the laws of the
use or presentation of other researcher’s work as one’s own country and jurisdiction in which the project was performed.
and fabrication of data. Fraudulent projects will fail to qualify
for competition in affiliated fairs and the Intel ISEF. Society for 5. The use of non-animal research methods and alternatives
Science & the Public reserves the right to revoke recognition of a to animal research are strongly encouraged and must be
project subsequently found to have been fraudulent. explored before conducting a vertebrate animal project.
3. English is the official language of the Intel ISEF. Student 8. All projects must adhere to the requirements of the affiliated
project boards and abstracts must be in English. fair(s) in which it competes to qualify for participation in the
Intel ISEF. Affiliated fairs may have additional restrictions
4. Each student is only allowed to enter one project. That project or requirements. Knowledge of these requirements is the
may include no more than 12 months of continuous research responsibility of the student and Adult Sponsor.
and may not include research performed before January
2017. Approval and Documentation
1. Before experimentation begins, a local or regional Institutional
5. Team projects must have no more than three members. Teams Review Board (IRB) or Scientific Review Committee (SRC)
competing at Intel ISEF must be composed of members who associated with the Intel ISEF-affiliated fair must review
all meet Intel ISEF eligibility. and approve most projects involving human participants,
vertebrate animals, and potentially hazardous biological
6. Students may compete in only one Intel ISEF affiliated fair, agents. Note: If a project involves the testing of a student
except when proceeding to a state/national fair affiliated with designed invention, prototype or concept by a human,
the Intel ISEF from an affiliated regional fair. an IRB review and approval may be required prior to
experimentation. See Human Participants Rules for details.
7. Projects that are demonstrations, ‘library’ research or
informational projects, ‘explanation’ models or kit building 2. Every student must complete the Student Checklist (1A), a
are not appropriate for the Intel ISEF. Research Plan/Project Summary and Approval Form (1B) and
review the project with the Adult Sponsor in coordination with
8. All sciences (physical, life, social) are represented at the Intel completion by the Adult Sponsor of the Checklist for Adult
ISEF. Review a complete list of categories and sub-categories Sponsor (1).
with definitions.
3. A Qualified Scientist is required for all studies involving
9. A research project may be a part of a larger study performed Biosafety Lab-2 (BSL-2) potentially hazardous biological
by professional scientists, but the project presented by the agents and DEA-controlled substances and is also required for
student must be only their own portion of the complete study. many human participant studies and many vertebrate animal
studies.
Requirements
General 4. After initial IRB/SRC approval (if required), any proposed
1. All domestic and international students competing in an Intel changes in the Student Checklist (1A) and Research Plan/
ISEF-affiliated fair must adhere to all rules as set forth in this Project Summary must be re-approved before laboratory
document. experimentation/data collection resumes.
2. All projects must adhere to the Ethics Statement above. 5. Projects which are continuations of a previous year’s work
and which require IRB/SRC approval must undergo the
3. It is the responsibility of the student and the Adult Sponsor review process with the current year proposal prior to
to evaluate the study to determine if the research will require experimentation/data collection for the current year.
forms and/or review and approval prior to experimentation,
especially projects that include human participants, vertebrate 6. Any continuing project must document that the additional
animals, or potentially hazardous biological agents. research is new and different. (Continuation Projects Form (7)).
International Rules: Guidelines for Science and Engineering Fairs 2017 – 2018 student.societyforscience.org/intel-isef Page 3
7. If work was conducted in a regulated research institution, in the same field of study as a previous project. This form must
industrial setting or any work site other than home, school or be displayed at the project booth. Retention of all prior years’
field at any time during the current Intel ISEF project year, the paperwork is required and must be presented to the Intel ISEF
Regulated Research Institutional/Industrial Setting Form (1C) SRC upon request.
must be completed and displayed at the project booth.
Team Projects
8. After experimentation, each student or team must submit a 1. Team projects compete and are judged in the scientific
(maximum) 250-word, one-page abstract which summarizes category of their research at the Intel ISEF. All team members
the current year’s work. The abstract must describe research must meet the eligibility requirements for Intel ISEF.
conducted by the student, not by the supervising adult(s).
2. Teams must have no more than three members. A team with
9. A project data book and research paper are not required, but members from different geographic regions may compete
are strongly recommended for judging purposes. Regional or at an affiliated fair of one of its members, but not at multiple
local fairs may require a project data book and/or a research fairs. However, each affiliated fair holds the authority to
paper. determine whether teams with members outside of a fair’s
geographic territory are eligible to compete, understanding
10. All signed forms, certifications, and permits must be available that if the team wins the right to attend Intel ISEF, all team
for review by all regional, state, national and international members’ expenses must be supported by the fair.
affiliated fair SRCs in which the student(s) participate. a. Team membership cannot be changed during a given
This review must occur after experimentation and before research year unless there are extenuating circumstances
competition. and the local SRC reviews and approves the change,
including converting a team project to an individual
Continuation/Research Progression of Projects project or vice versa. Such conversions must address
1. As in the professional world, research projects may build on rationale for the change and include a clear delineation
work performed previously. A valid continuation project is a between research preceding the change and that which
sound scientific endeavor. Students will be judged only on will follow. A memorandum documenting this review and
laboratory experiment/data collection performed over 12 approval should be attached to Form 1A.
continuous months beginning no earlier than January 2017 b. Once a project has competed in a science fair at any level,
and ending May 2018. team membership cannot change and the project cannot
be converted from an individual project to a team project
2. Any project based on the student’s prior research could be or vice versa.
considered a continuation/research progression project. c. In a future year, any project may be converted from an
individual to a team project, from a team to an individual
These projects must document that the additional research
project and/or have a change in team membership.
is a substantive expansion from prior work (e.g. testing a new
variable or new line of investigation). Repetition of previous
3. Each team is encouraged to appoint a team leader to
experimentation with the same methodology and research
coordinate the work and act as spokesperson. However, each
question, even with an increased sample size, is an example of
member of the team should be able to serve as spokesperson,
an unacceptable continuation.
be fully involved with the project, and be familiar with all
aspects of the project. The final work should reflect the
3. The display board and abstract must reflect the current year’s
coordinated efforts of all team members and will be evaluated
work only. The project title displayed in the finalist’s booth
using the same judging criteria as individual projects.
may mention years (for example, “Year Two of an Ongoing
Study”). Previous year’s databooks, research papers and
4. Each team member must submit an Approval Form (1B). Team
supporting documents may be at the booth, but not openly
members must jointly submit the Checklist for Adult Sponsor
displayed, if properly labeled as such.
(1), one abstract, a Student Checklist (1A), a Research Plan/
Project Summary and other required forms.
4. Longitudinal studies are permitted as an acceptable
continuation under the following conditions:
a. The study is a multi-year study testing or documenting 5. Full names of all team members must appear on the abstract
the same variables in which time is a critical variable. and forms.
(Examples: Effect of high rain or drought on soil in a given
basin, return of flora and fauna in a burned area over Contact the Science Education Programs or the Scientific
time.) Review Committee with questions.
b. Each consecutive year must demonstrate time-based
change.
c. The display board must be based on collective past Roles and Responsibilities of Students
conclusionary data and its comparison to the current
year data set. No raw data from previous years may be and Adults
displayed. The Student Researcher(s)
The student researcher is responsible for all aspects of the
5. All projects must be reviewed and approved each year and research project including enlisting the aid of any required
forms must be completed for the new year. supervisory adults (Adult Sponsor, Qualified Scientist, etc.),
obtaining necessary approvals (SRC, IRB, etc.), following
6. NOTE: For competition in the Intel ISEF, the Continuation/ the Rules & Guidelines of the Intel ISEF, and performing the
Research Progression Project Form (7) is required for projects experimentation, engineering, data analysis, etc.
Page 4 International Rules: Guidelines for Science and Engineering Fairs 2017 – 2018, student.societyforscience.org/intel-isef
Scientific fraud and misconduct are not condoned at any level influenced by humans, the Designated Supervisor must be
of research or competition. This includes plagiarism, forgery, knowledgeable about the humane care and handling of the
use or presentation of other researcher’s work as one’s own, animals.
and fabrication of data. Fraudulent projects will fail to qualify
for competition in affiliated fairs and the Intel ISEF. Society for
Science & the Public reserves the right to revoke recognition of Review Committees
a project subsequently found to have been fraudulent. The Institutional Review Board (IRB)
An Institutional Review Board (IRB), is a committee that,
The Adult Sponsor according to federal regulations (45-CFR-46), must evaluate the
An Adult Sponsor may be a teacher, parent, professor, and/or potential physical and/or psychological risk of research involving
other professional scientist in whose lab the student is working. humans. All proposed human research must be reviewed and
This individual must have a solid background in science and approved by an IRB before experimentation begins. This includes
should have close contact with the student during the course of review of any surveys or questionnaires to be used in a project.
the project.
Federal regulations require local community involvement.
The Adult Sponsor is responsible for working with the student Therefore, it is advisable that an IRB be established at the school
to evaluate any possible risks involved in order to ensure the level to evaluate human research projects. If necessary, the local
health and safety of the student conducting the research and the or Intel ISEF-affiliated SRC can serve as an IRB as long as it has the
humans and/or animals involved in the study. The Adult Sponsor required membership. An IRB must consist of a minimum of three
must review the student’s Student Checklist (1A) and Research members including the following:
Plan/Project Summary to insure that: a) experimentation is • An educator
within local, state, and Federal laws and Intel ISEF rules; b) forms • A school administrator (preferably principal or vice principal)
are completed by other required adults; and c) criteria for the • A medical or mental health professional. The medical or
Qualified Scientist adhere to those set forth below. mental health professional may be a medical doctor, nurse
practitioner, physician’s assistant, doctor of pharmacy,
The Adult Sponsor must be familiar with the regulations that registered nurse, psychologist, licensed social worker
govern potentially dangerous research as they apply to a specific or licensed clinical professional counselor. The medical
student project. These may include chemical and equipment or mental health professional on the IRB may change
usage, experimental techniques, research involving human depending on the nature of the study. This person must be
and/or vertebrate animals, and cell cultures, microorganisms, knowledgeable about and capable of evaluating the physical
or animal tissues. Some experiments involve procedures or and/or psychological risk involved in a given study.
materials that are regulated by state, federal or non-U.S. national
laws. If not thoroughly familiar with the regulations, the Adult Additional Expertise: If an expert is not available in the
Sponsor should help the student enlist the aid of a Qualified immediate area, documented contact with an external expert is
Scientist and/or a Designated Supervisor. recommended. A copy of all correspondence with the expert (e.g.
emails) must be attached to Form 4 and can be used in lieu of the
The Adult Sponsor is responsible for ensuring the student’s signature of that expert.
research is eligible for entry in the Intel ISEF.
To avoid conflict of interest, no Adult Sponsor, parent or other
The Qualified Scientist relative of the student, the Qualified Scientist, or Designated
A Qualified Scientist should have earned a doctoral/professional Supervisor who oversees the project may serve on the IRB
degree in a scientific discipline that relates to the student’s area reviewing that project. Additional members are recommended
of research. Alternatively, the SRC may consider an individual to help avoid a potential conflict of interest and to increase the
with extensive experience and expertise in the student’s area of expertise of the committee.
research as a Qualified Scientist. The Qualified Scientist must be
thoroughly familiar with local, state, and federal regulations that IRBs exist at federally Regulated Research Institutions (e.g.,
govern the student’s area of research. universities, medical centers, NIH, correctional facilities).
Prisoner advocates must be included on the IRB when research
The Qualified Scientist and the Adult Sponsor may be the same participants are incarcerated. The institutional IRB must initially
person, if that person is qualified as described above. A student review and approve all proposed research conducted at or
may work with a Qualified Scientist in a city, state or country that sponsored by that institution. The Adult Sponsor and the local
is not where the student resides. In this case, the student must IRB are responsible for ensuring that the project is appropriate
work locally with a Designated Supervisor (see below) who has for a pre-college student and adheres to the Intel ISEF rules.
been trained in the techniques to be applied by the student.
An IRB is responsible for assessing risk and documenting the
determination of risk level on Human Participant Form (4).
The Designated Supervisor However, in reviewing projects just prior to a fair, if the SRC
The Designated Supervisor is an adult who is directly responsible serving at that level of competition judges an IRB’s decision as
for overseeing student experimentation. The Designated inappropriate, thereby placing human participants in jeopardy,
Supervisor need not have an advanced degree, but must be they may override the IRB’s decision and the project may fail
thoroughly familiar with the student’s project, and must be to qualify for competition. It is advised that IRBs consult with
trained in the student’s area of research. The Adult Sponsor may the local or affiliated fair SRCs and/or with the Intel ISEF SRC in
act as the Designated Supervisor. questionable cases.
If a student is experimenting with live vertebrates and the
animals are in a situation where their behavior or habitat is
International Rules: Guidelines for Science and Engineering Fairs 2017 – 2018 student.societyforscience.org/intel-isef Page 5
Expedited Review: An expedited review by one member of the To avoid conflict of interest, no Adult Sponsor, parent or
IRB may be conducted for projects that meet one of the criteria other relative of the student(s), the Qualified Scientist, or the
listed below. The IRB member reviewing the project will determine Designated Supervisor who oversees the project may serve
whether appropriate safety precautions will be employed and on the SRC reviewing that project. Additional members are
whether the project meets criteria for expedited review. If a project recommended to diversify and to increase the expertise of the
submitted for expedited review does not meet the criteria specified committee.
below, the project must undergo full IRB review. The IRB member
reviewing the project must have the expertise necessary to make A Scientific Review Committee (SRC) examines projects for the
such a decision and/or receive advisement from the appropriate following:
expert. • evidence of literature search and appropriate attribution
• Student-designed Invention, Prototype, Computer Application, • evidence of proper supervision
or Engineering/Design Project: The data received in these • use of accepted and appropriate research techniques
types of projects must be only in direct reference to the • completed forms, signatures and dates showing maximum of
design. Personal data are not collected and the testing does one year duration of research and appropriate preapproval
not pose a health or safety hazard. NOTE: The expedited dates (where required)
review process may not be used if the invention is tested • evidence of search for alternatives to animal use
medically for treatment, diagnosis or intervention. • humane treatment of animals
• Any other human participant study that does not involve • compliance with rules and laws governing human and/or
student-designed invention in which the student is the only
animal research and research involving potentially hazardous
subject of his/her own research and the project does not
biological agents and hazardous chemicals, activities or
involve more than minimal risk.
devices
• documentation of substantial expansion for continuation
projects
The Affiliated Fair Scientific Review Committee • compliance with the Intel ISEF ethics statement
A Scientific Review Committee (SRC) is a group of qualified
individuals that is responsible for evaluation of student research,
certifications, research plans and exhibits for compliance with the
Combined SRC/IRB Committee
A combined committee is allowed as long as the membership
rules, applicable laws and regulations at each level of science fair
meets both the SRC and IRB requirements listed above.
competition. Affiliated Fairs may authorize local SRCs to serve
in this prior review capacity. The operation and composition
of the local and Affiliated Fair SRCs must fully comply with the Regulated Research Institutions/Industrial Settings
International Rules. Directions for obtaining preapproval are Review Committees
available from the affiliated fair. A list of fairs is at: https://apps2. Regulated Research Institution: A Regulated Research Institution
societyforscience.org/StudentScience/Student/FindAFair. within the U.S. is defined as a professional research/teaching
institution that is regularly inspected by the USDA and is
Most proposed research projects involving vertebrate animals licensed to use animals covered by the Animal Welfare Act and
and/or potentially hazardous biological agents must be reviewed may also be subject to U.S. Public Health Service Policy. Also
and approved BEFORE experimentation. Local or regional included are all federal laboratories such as National Institutes
SRC prior review is not required for human studies previously of Health, Veteran’s Affairs Medical Centers and the Centers for
reviewed and approved by a properly constituted IRB. Disease Control. In addition, pharmaceutical and biotechnology
companies and research institutions that utilize research animals
ALL projects, including those previously reviewed and approved that are not covered by the Animal Welfare Act but have an
by an IRB must be reviewed and approved by the SRC after operational Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee and
experimentation and before competition in an Affiliated Fair. are in compliance with U.S. federal laws are included in this
Projects which were conducted at a Regulated Research definition. For projects conducted outside of the United States, a
Institution, industrial setting or any work site other than home, Regulated Research Institution would be a comparable research
school or field and which were reviewed and approved by the institution that adheres to country laws governing the care and
proper institutional board before experimentation, must also be use of vertebrate animals.
approved by the Affiliated Fair SRC.
Certain areas of research conducted in a regulated research
An SRC must consist of a minimum of three persons, including institution or an industrial setting require review and approval by
the following: federally mandated committees that have been established at
1. a biomedical scientist with an earned doctoral degree that institution. These committees include:
2. an educator
3. at least one additional member 1. Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC); Animal
Care and Use Committee (ACUC); Animal Ethics Committee
Additional expertise: Many project evaluations require 2. Institutional Review Board (IRB); Human Subjects Participant
additional expertise (e.g., on biosafety and/or of human risk Program (HSPP)
groups). If the SRC needs an expert as one of its members and 3. Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC)
one is not in the immediate area, all documented contact with an 4. Embryonic Stem Cell Research Oversight Committee (ESCRO)
external expert must be submitted. If animal research is involved, 5. Safety Review Committee
at least one member must be familiar with proper animal care
procedures. Depending on the nature of the study, this person
can be a veterinarian or animal care provider with training and/or
experience in the species being studied.
Page 6 International Rules: Guidelines for Science and Engineering Fairs 2017 – 2018, student.societyforscience.org/intel-isef
The ISEF Scientific Review Committee (Intel ISEF SRC)
All projects are reviewed by the Intel ISEF Scientific Review
Committee prior to competition. The Intel ISEF SRC is the final
arbiter of the qualification of students to participate in the Intel
ISEF. Before the fair, committee members review research plans
and all required forms to confirm that applicable Intel ISEF rules
have been followed. The Intel ISEF SRC may request additional
information from students prior to the Intel ISEF or may interview
potential Intel ISEF participants at the fair to ensure that they
qualify to compete.
International Rules: Guidelines for Science and Engineering Fairs 2017 – 2018 student.societyforscience.org/intel-isef Page 7
Human Participants Rules
Rules involving human participants
Student researchers must follow federal guidelines (Code of participant research” requiring IRB preapproval include:
Federal Regulations 45 CFR 46) to protect the human research a. Participants in physical activities (e.g., physical exertion,
participant and the student researcher. When students conduct ingestion of any substance, any medical procedure)
research with humans, the rights and welfare of the participants b. Psychological, educational and opinion studies (e.g.,
must be protected. Most human participant studies require surveys, questionnaires, tests)
preapproval from an Institutional Review Board (IRB)/Human c. Studies in which the researcher is the subject of the
Subjects Participant Program (HSPP) and informed consent/ research (Expedited Review may be used under certain
assent from the research participant. conditions, see page 9)
d. Testing of student designed invention, prototype or
computer application by human participants other than
Exempt Studies (Do Not Require IRB Preapproval or
student researcher (Expedited Review may be used under
Human Participants Paperwork) certain conditions, see page 9)
Some studies involving humans are exempt from IRB pre- e. Data/record review projects that include data that are
approval or additional human participant forms. Exempt projects not de-identified/anonymous (e.g., data set that includes
for the Intel ISEF and affiliated fairs are: name, birth date, phone number or other identifying
1. Student-designed Invention, Prototype, Computer variables)
Applications or Engineering/Design Project in which the f. Behavioral observations that
student is the only person testing the invention, prototype or 1) involve any interaction with the observed
computer application and the testing does not pose a health individual(s) or where the researcher has modified
or safety hazard. It is recommended that a Risk Assessment the environment (e.g., post a sign, place an object).
Form (3) be completed. The use of human participants (other 2) occur in non-public or restricted access settings
than the student researcher him/herself) for this testing (e.g., day care setting, doctor’s office)
requires IRB review and approval (see page 10). 3) involve the recording of personally identifiable
information
2. Data/record review studies (e.g., baseball statistics, crime
statistics) in which the data are taken from preexisting data 2. Student researchers must complete ALL elements of the
sets that are publicly available and/or published and do not Human Participants portion of the Research Plan/Project
involve any interaction with humans or the collection of Summary Instructions and evaluate and minimize the physical,
any data from a human participant for the purpose of the psychological and privacy risks to their human participants.
student’s research project. See Risk Assessment information on page 11 and the online
Risk Assessment Guide (https://student.societyforscience.org/
3. Behavioral observations of unrestricted, public settings human-participants#riskass) for additional guidance.
(e.g., shopping mall, public park) in which all of the following
apply: 3. The research study should be in compliance with all privacy
a. the researcher has no interaction with the individuals laws (e.g., U.S. Family Educational Rights and Privacy
being observed Act (FERPA) and U.S. Health Insurance Portability and
b. the researcher does not manipulate the environment in Accountability Act (HIPAA)) laws when they apply to the
any way and project (e.g. the project involves medical information).
c. the researcher does not record any personally identifiable
data. 4. All research projects involving human participants, including
any revisions, must be reviewed and approved by an
4. Projects in which the student receives pre-existing/ Institutional Review Board (IRB) before the student may begin
retrospective data in a de-identified/anonymous format recruiting and/or interacting with human participants. The
which complies with both of the following conditions: IRB must assess the risk and document its determination of
a. the professional providing the data certifies in writing risk on Form 4. After initial IRB approval, a student with any
that the data have been appropriately de-identified proposed changes in the Research Plan/Project Summary
before being given to the student researcher and are in
must repeat the approval process and regain approval before
compliance with all privacy and HIPAA laws, and
laboratory experimentation/data collection resumes.
b. the affiliated fair SRC ensures that the data were
appropriately de-identified by review of the written
5. Research conducted by a pre-college student at a Regulated
documentation provided by the supervising adult(s).
Research Institution (e.g., university, college, medical center,
government lab, correctional institution) must be reviewed
Rules and approved by that institution’s IRB. A copy of the IRB
1. The use of human participants in science projects is allowable approval for the entire project (which must include the
under the conditions and rules in the following sections. Based research procedures/measures the student is using) and/or an
upon the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations (45 CFR 46), the official letter from the IRB attesting to approval is required. A
definition of a human participant is a living individual about letter from the mentor is not sufficient documentation of IRB
whom an investigator conducting research obtains (1) data or review and approval.
samples through intervention or interaction with individual(s),
or (2) identifiable private information. These projects 6. Research participants must voluntarily give informed
require IRB review and preapproval and may also require consent/assent (in some cases with parental permission)
documentation of written informed consent/assent/parental before participating in the study. Adult research participants
permission. Examples of studies that are considered “human may give their own consent. Research participants under
Page 8 International Rules: Guidelines for Science and Engineering Fairs 2017 – 2018, student.societyforscience.org/intel-isef
18 years of age and/or individuals not able to give consent 11. After experimentation and before Intel ISEF competition, the
(e.g. developmentally disabled individuals) give their assent, Intel ISEF SRC reviews and approves previously-approved
with the parent/guardian providing permission. The IRB will projects to ensure that students followed the approved
determine whether the consent/assent/parental permission Research Plan/Project Summary and all of the Intel ISEF rules.
may be verbal or must be written depending on the level of
risk and the type of study, and will determine if a Qualified 12. The following forms are required for studies involving human
Scientist is required to oversee the project. Risk Assessment participants:
information on page 11 and the online Risk Assessment a. Checklist for Adult Sponsor (1), Student Checklist (1A),
Guide (https://student.societyforscience.org/human- Research Plan/Project Summary, and Approval Form (1B)
participants#riskass) for further explanation of informed b. Human Participants Form (4) with applicable consents
consent. and survey(s)
a. Informed consent requires that the researcher provides c. Regulated Research Institution Form (1C), when
complete information to the participant (and where applicable
applicable, parents or guardians) about the risks and d. Qualified Scientist Form (2), when applicable
benefits associated with participation in the research e. Risk Assessment (3) when applicable
study, which then allows the participants and parents or
guardians to make an informed decision about whether or IRB Waiver of Written Informed Consent/Parental
not to participate. Permission
b. Participants must be informed that their participation The IRB may waive the requirement for documentation of written
is voluntary (i.e., they may participate or decline informed consent/assent/parental permission if the research
to participate, with no adverse consequences of
involves only minimal risk and anonymous data collection and if
nonparticipation or aborted participation) and that they
it is one of the following:
are free to stop participating at any time.
• Research involving normal educational practices
c. Informed consent may not involve coercion and is an
• Research on individual or group behavior or characteristics
on-going process, not a single event that ends with a
of individuals where the researcher does not manipulate the
signature.
d. When written parental permission is required and the participants’ behavior and the study does not involve more
study includes a survey, the survey must be attached to than minimal risk.
the consent form. • Surveys, questionnaires, or activities that are determined
e. The student researcher may request that the IRB waive by the IRB to involve perception, cognition, or game theory,
the requirement for written informed consent/parental etc. and that do NOT involve gathering personal information,
permission in his/her research plan if the project meets invasion of privacy or potential for emotional distress.
specific requirements. See section on IRB waivers for • Studies involving physical activity where the IRB determines
more information about situations in which written that no more than minimal risk exists and where the
parental permission and/or written informed consent can probability and magnitude of harm or discomfort anticipated
be waived by the IRB. in the research are not greater than those ordinarily
encountered in DAILY LIFE or during performance of routine
7. A student may observe and collect data for analysis of physical activities.
medical procedures and medication administration only
under the direct supervision of a medical professional. If there is any uncertainty regarding the appropriateness of
This medical professional must be named in the research waiving written informed consent/assent/parental permission, it
protocol approved by the IRB. Students are prohibited from is strongly recommended that documentation of written informed
administering medication and/or performing invasive medical consent/assent/parental permission be obtained.
procedures on human participants. The IRB must also confirm
that the student is not violating the medical practice act of the Expedited Review
state or country in which he/she is conducting the research. An expedited review by only one member of the IRB may be
conducted for projects that meet one of the criteria listed below.
8. Student researchers may NOT publish or display information The IRB member reviewing the project will determine whether
in a report that identifies the human participants directly appropriate safety precautions will be employed and whether the
or through identifiers linked to the participants (including project meets criteria for expedited review. If a project submitted
photographs) without the written consent of the participant(s) for expedited review does not meet the criteria specified below,
(Public Health Service Act, 42, USC 241 (d)). the project must undergo full IRB review. The IRB member
reviewing the project must have the expertise necessary to make
9. All published instruments that are not in the public domain such a decision and/or receive advisement from an appropriate
must be administered, scored and interpreted by a Qualified expert.
Scientist as required by the instrument publisher. Any and all • Student-designed Invention, Prototype, Computer Application,
use and distribution of the test must be in accordance with or Engineering/Design Project in which the human participants
the publisher’s requirements, including procurement of legal other than (but possibly including) the student researcher are
copies of the instrument. used to determine whether the invention/application works
as intended. The data received in these types of projects is
10. Studies that involve the collection of data via use of the only in direct reference to the design. Personal data are not
internet (e.g., email, web-based surveys) are allowed, but collected and the testing does not pose a health or safety
researchers should be aware that they can pose challenges in hazard. (See below for further clarification.)
a) collecting anonymous data, b) obtaining informed consent • Any other human participant study that does not involve
and c) ensuring that participants are of the appropriate age to student-designed invention in which the student is the only
give informed consent. See the Online Studies Section of the subject of his/her own research and the project does not
Risk Assessment Guide. involve more than minimal risk.
International Rules: Guidelines for Science and Engineering Fairs 2017 – 2018 student.societyforscience.org/intel-isef Page 9
Human Participant Involvement in Student-designed
Invention, Prototype, Computer Application &
Engineering/Design Projects
Student-designed invention, prototype, computer application
and engineering/design projects that involve testing of the
invention by any human participant require attention to the
potential risks to the individual(s) testing or trying out the
invention/prototype. To be considered for Exempt Status or
Expedited Review, the data collected/feedback received must be
a direct reference to the invention/prototype (i.e., personal data
cannot be collected) and the testing may not pose a health or
safety risk.
• Exempt Status can be used when the student researcher
is the only person testing the invention/prototype. It is
recommended that a Risk Assessment Form (3) be completed.
• Expedited Review process may only be used for projects
that involve human participants to test a student designed
invention or prototype in which the feedback obtained is only
related to the invention.
• Full IRB Review is necessary if the activities involved in testing
of the invention or prototype are more than minimal risk or
involve collection of personal information from participants.
• Full IRB Review is necessary if the testing of the invention,
prototype or project involves a medical intervention (as
defined by the FDA or Medical Practices Act) and should
be conducted in a Registered Research Institution with IRB
approval from the institution.
Page 10 International Rules: Guidelines for Science and Engineering Fairs 2017 – 2018, student.societyforscience.org/intel-isef
Human Participant Risk Assessment
Use this information to help determine the level of risk involved in a study involving
human participants.
All human participant projects are considered to have some level of risk.
No more than minimal risk exists when the probability and magnitude of harm or discomfort anticipated in the research are not
greater (in and of themselves) than those ordinarily encountered in everyday life or during performance of routine physical or
psychological examinations or tests.
More than minimal risk exists when the possibility of physical or psychological harm or harm related to breach of confidentiality
or invasion of privacy is greater than what is typically encountered in everyday life. Most of these studies require documented
informed consent or minor assent with the permission of parent or guardian (as applicable).
3. Privacy Concerns
a. The student researcher and IRB must consider whether an activity could potentially result in negative consequences for the
participant due to invasion of privacy or breach of confidentiality. Protecting confidentiality requires measures to ensure that
identifiable research data are not disclosed to the public or unauthorized individuals.
b. Risk level can be reduced by protecting confidentiality or collecting data that is strictly anonymous. This requires the
collection of research in such a way that it is impossible to connect research data with the individual who provided the data.
4. Risk Groups
If the research study includes participants from any of the following groups, the IRB and student research must consider whether
the nature of the study requires special protections or accommodations:
a. Any member of a group that is naturally at-risk (e.g. pregnant women, developmentally disabled persons, economically or
educationally disadvantaged persons, individuals with diseases such as cancer, asthma, diabetes, AIDS, dyslexia, cardiac
disorders, psychiatric disorders, learning disorders, etc.)
b. Special groups that are protected by federal regulations or guidelines (e.g. children/minors, prisoners, pregnant women,
students receiving services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
See the online Risk Assessment Guide (https://student.societyforscience.org/human-participants#riskass) and Online
Survey Consent Procedures (https://member.societyforscience.org/document.doc?id=40) for more detailed information on
risk assessment.
International Rules: Guidelines for Science and Engineering Fairs 2017 – 2018 student.societyforscience.org/intel-isef Page 11
Vertebrate Animals Rules
Rules involving vertebrate animals
The following rules were developed to help pre-college student affiliated fair SRC serves in this capacity for vertebrate animals
researchers adhere to the federal regulations governing studies performed in a school, home or field. Any SRC serving
professional scientists and to protect the welfare of both in this capacity must include a veterinarian or an animal care
animal subjects and the student researcher. Health and well- provider with training and/or experience in the species being
being is of high priority when students conduct research with studied.
animal subjects.
4. All vertebrate animal studies must have a research plan that
The Society strongly endorses the use of non-animal research includes:
methods and encourages students to use alternatives to animal a. Justification why animals must be used, including the
research. If the use of vertebrate animals is necessary, students reasons for the choice of species, the source of animals
must consider additional alternatives to reduce and refine the and the number of animals to be used; description,
use of animals. explanation, or identification of alternatives to animal use
that were considered, and the reasons these alternatives
All projects involving vertebrate animals must adhere to the rules were unacceptable; explanation of the potential impact or
below AND to either Section A or Section B rules, depending on contribution this research may have on the broad fields of
the nature of the study and the research site. biology or medicine.
b. Description of how the animals will be used. Include
A project is considered a tissue study and not a vertebrate animal methods and procedures, such as experimental design
study if tissue is obtained from an animal that was euthanized and data analysis; description of the procedures that will
for a purpose other than the student’s project. (Use of tissues minimize the potential for discomfort, distress, pain and
obtained from research conducted at a Regulated Research injury to the animals during the course of experimentation;
Institution requires a copy of an IACUC certification with the identification of the species, strain, sex, age, weight, source
and number of animals proposed for use.
name of the research institution, the title of the study, the
IACUC approval number and date of IACUC approval.) In tissue
studies, a student may observe the vertebrate study, but may 5. Studies involving behavioral observations of animals are
not manipulate or have any direct involvement in the vertebrate exempt from prior SRC review if ALL of the following apply:
a. There is no interaction with the animals being observed,
animal experimental procedures.
b. There is no manipulation of the animal environment in
any way, and
Rules for ALL Vertebrate Animal Studies c. The study meets all federal and state agriculture, fish,
1. The use of vertebrate animals in science projects is allowable game and wildlife laws and regulations.
under the conditions and rules in the following sections.
Vertebrate animals, as covered by these rules, are defined as: 6. Students performing vertebrate animal research must satisfy
a. Live, nonhuman vertebrate mammalian embryos or US federal law as well as local, state, and country laws and
fetuses regulations of the jurisdiction in which research is performed.
b. Tadpoles
c. Bird and reptile eggs up to three days (72 hours) prior to 7. Research projects which cause more than momentary or slight
hatching pain or distress are prohibited. Any illness or unexpected
d. All other nonhuman vertebrates (including fish) at
weight loss must be investigated and a veterinarian consulted
hatching or birth.
to receive required medical care. This investigation must
Exception: Because of their delayed cognitive neural
be documented by the Qualified Scientist or Designated
development, zebrafish embryos may be used up to seven
Supervisor, who is qualified to determine the illness, or by a
days (168 hours) post-fertilization.
veterinarian. If the illness or distress is caused by the study,
the experiment must be terminated immediately.
2. Alternatives to the use of vertebrate animals for research must
be explored and discussed in the research plan. The guiding
8. No vertebrate animal deaths due to the experimental
principles for the use of animals in research include the
procedures are permitted in any group or subgroup.
following “Four Rs”:
a. Studies that are designed or anticipated to cause
a. Replace vertebrate animals with invertebrates, lower life
vertebrate animal death are prohibited.
forms, tissue/cell cultures and/or computer simulations
b. Any death that occurs must be investigated by a
where possible.
veterinarian, the Qualified Scientist or the Designated
b. Reduce the number of animals without compromising
Supervisor who is qualified to determine if the cause
statistical validity.
of death was incidental or due to the experimental
c. Refine the experimental protocol to minimize pain or
procedures. The project must be suspended until the
distress to the animals.
cause is determined and then the results must be
d. Respect animals and their contribution to research.
documented in writing.
c. If death was the result of the experimental procedure, the
3. All vertebrate animal studies must be reviewed and approved study must be terminated, and the study will not qualify
before experimentation begins. An Institutional Animal Care for competition.
and Use Committee, known as an IACUC, is the institutional
animal oversight review and approval body for all animal 9. All animals must be monitored for signs of distress. Because
studies at a Regulated Research Institution. The local OR significant weight loss is one sign of stress, the maximum
Page 12 International Rules: Guidelines for Science and Engineering Fairs 2017 – 2018, student.societyforscience.org/intel-isef
permissible weight loss or growth retardation (compared to All vertebrate animal studies that do not meet the above
controls) of any experimental or control animal is 15%. guidelines must be conducted in a Regulated Research
Institution (see Section B).
10. Students are prohibited from designing or participating in an
experiment associated with the following types of studies on 2. Animals must be treated kindly and cared for properly.
vertebrate animals: Animals must be housed in a clean, ventilated, comfortable
a. Induced toxicity studies with known toxic substances environment appropriate for the species. They must be given
that could cause pain, distress, or death, including but a continuous, clean (uncontaminated) water and food supply.
not limited to alcohol, acid rain, pesticides, or heavy Cages, pens and fish tanks must be cleaned frequently. Proper
metals or studies with the intent to study toxic effects of a care must be provided at all times, including weekends,
substance on a vertebrate animal. holidays, and vacation periods. Animals must be observed
b. Behavioral experiments using conditioning with aversive daily to assess their health and well-being. A Designated
stimuli, mother/infant separation or induced helplessness. Supervisor is required to oversee the daily husbandry of the
c. Studies of pain. animals. Any of the following U.S. documents provide further
d. Predator/vertebrate prey experiments. guidance for animal husbandry:
• Federal Animal Welfare Regulation
11. Justification is required for an experimental design that • Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals
involves food or fluid restriction and must be appropriate to • Guide for the Care and Use of Agricultural Animals in
the species. If the restriction exceeds 18 hours, the project Agricultural Research and Teaching (Ag-Guide)
must be reviewed and approved by an IACUC and conducted • Quality Assurance Manuals (for the appropriate species)
at a Regulated Research Institution.
3. The local or affiliated fair Scientific Review Committee must
12. Animals may not be captured from or released into the wild determine if a veterinarian’s certification of the research and
without approval of authorized wildlife or other regulatory animal husbandry plan is required. This certification, as well
officials. All appropriate methods and precautions must be as SRC approval, is required before experimentation and is
used to decrease stress. Fish may be obtained from the wild documented on Vertebrate Animal Form (5A). A veterinarian
only if the researcher releases the fish unharmed, has the must certify experiments that involve supplemental nutrition,
proper license, and adheres to state, local and national fishing administration of prescription drugs and/or activities that
laws and regulations. The use of electrofishing is permissible would not be ordinarily encountered in the animal’s daily life.
only if conducted by a trained supervisor; students are
prohibited from performing electrofishing. 4. If an illness or emergency occurs, the affected animal(s) must
receive proper medical or nursing care that is directed by a
13. A Qualified Scientist or Designated Supervisor must directly veterinarian. A student researcher must stop experimentation
supervise all research involving vertebrate animals, except for if there is unexpected weight loss or death in the experimental
observational studies. subjects. The experiment can only be resumed if the cause of
illness or death is not related to the experimental procedures
14. After initial SRC approval, a student with any proposed and if appropriate steps are taken to eliminate the causal
changes in the Research Plan/Project Summary of the factors. If death is the result of the experimental procedure,
project must repeat the approval process before laboratory the study must be terminated, and the study will not qualify
experimentation/data collection resumes. for competition.
A. Additional Rules for Projects Conducted at School/ 5. The final disposition of the animals must be conducted in a
Home/Field responsible and ethical manner, and must be described on
Vertebrate animal studies may be conducted at a home, school, Vertebrate Animal Form (5A).
farm, ranch, in the field, etc. This includes:
a. Studies of animals in their natural environment. 6. Euthanasia for tissue removal and/or pathological analysis
b. Studies of animals in zoological parks. is not permitted for a project conducted in a school/home/
c. Studies of livestock that use standard agricultural field site. Livestock or fish raised for food using standard
practices. agricultural/aquacultural production practices may be
d. Studies of fish that use standard aquaculture practices euthanized by a qualified adult for carcass evaluation.
These projects must be reviewed and approved by an SRC in 7. The following forms are required:
which one member is either a veterinarian and/or an animal care a. Checklist for Adult Sponsor (1), Student Checklist (1A),
provider/expert with training and/or experience in the species Research Plan/Project Summary, and Approval Form (1B)
being studied. b. Vertebrate Animal Form (5A)
c. Qualified Scientist Form (2), when applicable
1. These projects must adhere to BOTH of the following
guidelines: B. Additional Rules for Projects Conducted in a
a. The research involves only agricultural, behavioral, Regulated Research Institution
observational or supplemental nutritional studies on All studies not meeting the criteria in Section A that are
animals. otherwise permissible under Intel ISEF rules must be conducted
AND in a Regulated Research Institution (RRI). A Regulated Research
b. The research involves only non-invasive and non- Institution within the U.S. is defined as a professional research/
intrusive methods that do not negatively affect an teaching institution that is regularly inspected by the USDA and
animal’s health or well-being. is licensed to use animals covered by the Animal Welfare Act
International Rules: Guidelines for Science and Engineering Fairs 2017 – 2018 student.societyforscience.org/intel-isef Page 13
and may also be subject to U.S. Public Health Service Policy. Also
included are all federal laboratories such as National Institutes
of Health, Veteran’s Affairs Medical Centers and the Centers for
Disease Control. In addition, pharmaceutical and biotechnology
companies and research institutions that utilize research animals
that are not covered by the Animal Welfare Act but have an
operational Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee and
are in compliance with U.S. federal laws are included in this
definition. For projects conducted outside of the United States, a
Regulated Research Institution would be a comparable research
institution that adheres to country laws governing the care and
use of vertebrate animals.
Page 14 International Rules: Guidelines for Science and Engineering Fairs 2017 – 2018, student.societyforscience.org/intel-isef
Potentially Hazardous Biological Agents (PHBA) Rules
Potentially Hazardous Biological Agents Rules for use of microorganisms (including bacteria, viruses, viroids,
prions, rickettsia, fungi, and parasites), recombinant DNA (rDNA) technologies or human
or animal fresh/frozen tissues, blood, or body fluids.
Research using microorganisms (including bacteria, viruses, 3. Prior review and approval is required for the use of potentially
viroids, prions, rickettsia, fungi, and parasites), recombinant hazardous microorganisms (including bacteria, viruses, viroids,
DNA (rDNA) technologies or human or animal fresh/frozen prions, rickettsia, fungi, and parasites), recombinant DNA
tissues, blood, or body fluids may involve potentially hazardous (rDNA) technologies or human or animal fresh/frozen tissues,
biological agents. Students are permitted to do some research blood, or body fluids:
projects with potentially hazardous biological agents meeting a. An affiliated fair SRC, an IBC or an IACUC must approve all
the conditions and rules described below which were designed research before experimentation begins. The initial risk
to protect students and to ensure adherence to federal and assessment determined by the student researcher and
international biosafety regulations and guidelines. adults supervising the project must be confirmed by the
SRC, IBC or IACUC.
When dealing with potentially hazardous biological agents, it is b. Experimentation involving the culturing of potentially
the responsibility of the student and all of the adults involved in hazardous biological agents, even BSL-1 organisms, is
a research project to conduct and document a risk assessment prohibited in a home environment. However, specimens
on Form (6A) to define the potential level of harm, injury or may be collected at home as long as they are immediately
disease to plants, animals and humans that may occur when transported to a laboratory with the BSL containment
working with biological agents. The risk assessment determines determined by the affiliated fair SRC.
a biosafety level which in turn determines if the project can c. Research determined to be at Biosafety Level 1 (BSL-1)
proceed, and if so, the laboratory facilities, equipment, training, must be conducted in a BSL-1 or higher laboratory. The
and supervision required. research must be supervised by a trained Designated
Supervisor or a Qualified Scientist. The student must be
properly trained in standard microbiological practices.
All projects involving microorganisms, recombinant DNA
d. Research determined to be a Biosafety Level 2 (BSL-2)
technologies and human or animal fresh/frozen tissues, blood or
must be conducted in a laboratory rated BSL-2 or above
body fluids must adhere to the rules below AND, depending on
(commonly limited to a Regulated Research Institution).
the study, to the additional rules in Section A, B or C.
The research must be reviewed and approved by the
Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) if the Regulated
Rules for ALL Studies with Potentially Hazardous Research Institution requires the review. The research
Biological Agents (PHBA) must be supervised by a Qualified Scientist. For a high
1. The following types of studies involve BSL-1 organisms and school BSL-2 laboratory, the SRC must review and
are exempt from prior SRC review and require no additional approve.
forms: e. Students are prohibited from designing or participating
a. Studies involving baker’s yeast and brewer’s yeast, except in an experiment associated with the following types of
in rDNA studies. PHBA studies:
b. Studies involving Lactobacillus, Bacillus thuringiensis, • BSL-3 or BSL-4 Research
nitrogen-fixing, oil-eating, and algae-eating bacteria • Culturing CRE (Carbapenem Resistant
introduced into their natural environment. (Not exempt if Enterobacteriacae)
cultured in a petri dish environment.) f. Insertion of antibiotic resistance markers for the clonal
c. Studies involving water or soil not concentrated in media selection of bioengineered organisms is permitted.
conducive to their microbial growth (please review all Students may not genetically engineer organisms with
rules below to ensure that there are not more specific multiple drug resistance traits for the intended purpose of
rules that may apply). investigation of the pathology or treatment of antibiotic-
d. Studies of mold growth on food items if the experiment is resistant infections. Insertion of antibiotic-resistance
terminated at the first evidence of mold. traits or selection of organisms expressing traits that
e. Studies of slime molds and edible mushrooms. may affect the ability to provide effective treatment of
f. Studies involving E. coli k–12 which are done at school infections acquired by humans, animals, or plants is
and are not recombinant DNA studies. strictly prohibited.
g. Laboratory studies culturing known MRSA (Methicillin-
2. The following types of studies are exempt from prior SRC resistant Staphylococcus aureus), VRE (Vancomycin-
review, but require a Risk Assessment Form 3: resistant enterococci) and KPC (Klebsiella pneumonia)
a. Studies involving protists, archaea and known non- must have a written justification for usage and be
pathogenic microorganisms. conducted at a Regulated Research Institution with
b. Research using manure for composting, fuel production, a minimum BSL-2 laboratory with documented IBC
or other non-culturing experiments. Committee review and approval.
c. Commercially-available color change coliform water test h. Extreme caution must be exercised when selecting and
kits. These kits must remain sealed and must be properly
sub-culturing antibiotic-resistant organisms. Studies
disposed.
using such organisms require at least BSL-2 containment.
d. Studies involving decomposition of vertebrate organisms
i. Naturally-occurring plant pathogens may be studied
(such as in forensic projects).
(not cultured) at home, but may not be introduced into a
e. Studies with microbial fuel cells.
home/garden environment.
j. The culturing of human or animal waste, including sewage
sludge, is considered a BSL-2 study.
International Rules: Guidelines for Science and Engineering Fairs 2017 – 2018 student.societyforscience.org/intel-isef Page 15
k. All potentially hazardous biological agents must be cloning of DNA in E. coli K–12, S. cerevesiae, and B. subtilis host-
properly disposed at the end of experimentation in vector systems.
accordance with their biosafety level. For BSL 1 or
BSL 2 organisms: Autoclave at 121 degrees Celsius 2. An rDNA technology study using BSL-1 agents that may
for 20 minutes, use of a 10% bleach solution (1:10 convert to BSL-2 agents during the course of experimentation
dilution of domestic bleach), incineration, alkaline must be conducted entirely in a BSL-2 facility.
hydrolysis, biosafety pick-up and other manufacturer
recommendations are acceptable. 3. All rDNA technology studies involving BSL-2 organisms
l. Any proposed changes in the Research Plan/Project and/or BSL-2 host vector systems must be conducted in a
Summary by the student after initial local or affiliated Regulated Research Institution and approved by the IBC prior
fair SRC approval must undergo subsequent SRC or IBC to experimentation.
review and approval before such changes are made and
before experimentation resumes. 4. Propagation of recombinants containing DNA coding for
human, plant or animal toxins (including viruses) is prohibited.
4. The following forms are required:
a. Checklist for Adult Sponsor (1), Student Checklist (1A), 5. All genome editing studies that include alteration of germline
Research Plan/Project Summary, and Approval Form (1B) cells, insertion of gene drives, use of rapid trait develpment
b. Regulated Research Institution Form (1C) - when systems (RTDS®), etc., should be categorized as a BSL-2
applicable study and must be conducted at an RRI and approved by the
c. Qualified Scientist (2), when applicable IBC from the institution. Qualified scientists are expected to
d. Risk Assessment (3), when applicable ensure that student research protocols address appropriate
e. PHBA Risk Assessment Form (6A), when applicable intrinsic and extrinsic containment precautions.
f. Human and Vertebrate Animal Tissue Form (6B) – for all
studies involving tissues and body fluids. 6. Introduction or disposal of non-native, genetically-altered,
and/or invasive species (e.g. insects, plants, invertebrates,
A. Additional Rules for Projects Involving Unknown vertebrates), pathogens, toxic chemicals or foreign substances
Microorganisms into the environment is prohibited. Students and adult
Studies involving unknown microorganisms present sponsors should reference their local, state and national
a challenge because the presence, concentration and regulations and quarantine lists.
pathogenicity of possible agents are unknown. In science fair
projects, these studies typically involve the collection and C. Additional Rules for Projects with Tissues and
culturing of microorganisms from the environment (e.g. soil, Body Fluids, including Blood and Blood Products
household surfaces, skin.) Studies involving fresh/frozen tissue, blood or body fluids
obtained from humans and/or vertebrates may contain
1. Research with unknown microorganisms can be treated as a microorganisms and have the potential of causing disease.
BSL-1 study under the following conditions: Therefore, a proper risk assessment is required.
a. Organism is cultured in a plastic petri dish (or other
standard non-breakable container) and sealed. Other 1. The following types of tissue do not need to be treated as
acceptable containment includes two heavy-duty sealed potentially hazardous biological agents:
bags. a. Plant tissue (except those known to be toxic or hazardous)
b. Experiment involves only procedures in which the petri b. Plant and non-primate established cell lines and tissue
dish remains sealed throughout the experiment (e.g., culture collections (e.g., obtained from the American Type
counting presence of organisms or colonies). Culture Collection). The source and/or catalog number
c. The sealed petri dish is disposed of via autoclaving or of the cultures must be identified in the Research Plan/
disinfection under the supervision of the Designated Project Summary.
Supervisor. c. Fresh or frozen meat, meat by-products, pasteurized milk
or eggs obtained from food stores, restaurants, or packing
2. If a culture container with unknown microorganisms is opened houses
for any purpose, (except for disinfection for disposal), it must d. Hair, hooves, nails and feathers
be treated as a BSL-2 study and involve BSL-2 laboratory e. Teeth that have been sterilized to kill any blood-borne
procedures. pathogen that may be present.
f. Fossilized tissue or archeological specimens.
B. Additional Rules for Projects Involving g. Prepared fixed tissue
Recombinant DNA (rDNA) Technologies
Studies involving rDNA technologies in which microorganisms, 2. Research involving human and/or non-human primate
plants and/or animals have been genetically modified require established cell lines and tissue culture collections (e.g.,
close review to assess the risk level assignment. Some rDNA obtained from the American Type Culture Collection) must be
studies can be safely conducted in a BSL-1 high school considered a BSL-1 or BSL-2 level organism as indicated by
laboratory with prior review by a knowledgeable SRC: source information and treated accordingly. The source and/
or catalog number of the cultures must be identified in the
1. All rDNA technology studies involving BSL-1 organisms and Research Plan/Project Summary.
BSL-1 host vector systems, including commercially available kits,
must be conducted in a BSL-1 laboratory under the supervision 3. If tissues are obtained from an animal that was euthanized
of a Qualified Scientist or Designated Supervisor and must be for a purpose other than the student’s project, it may be
approved by the SRC prior to experimentation. Examples include considered a tissue study. Use of tissues obtained from
Page 16 International Rules: Guidelines for Science and Engineering Fairs 2017 – 2018, student.societyforscience.org/intel-isef
research conducted at a Regulated Research Institution experimentation.
requires a copy of the IACUC certification with the name of the
research institution, the title of the study, the IACUC approval 12. Studies involving embryonic human stem cells must
number and date of IACUC approval. Use of tissues obtained be conducted in a Registered Research Institution and
from agricultural/aquacultural studies require prior SRC reviewed and approved by the ESCRO (Embryonic Stem
approval. Cell Research Oversight) Committee.
4. If the animal was euthanized solely for the student’s project, Sources of Information are available as a separate section at
the study must be considered a vertebrate animal project the end of the document.
and is subject to the vertebrate animal rules. (See vertebrate
animal rules.)
International Rules: Guidelines for Science and Engineering Fairs 2017 – 2018 student.societyforscience.org/intel-isef Page 17
Potentially Hazardous Biological Agents Risk Assessment
Use this information to complete PHBA Risk Assessment Form (6A)
Risk assessment defines the potential level of harm, injury or 6. Assignment of a biosafety level for the study based on risk
disease to plants, animals and humans that may occur when group of biological agent, level of biological containment
working with biological agents. The end result of a risk assessment available and the expertise of the Qualified Scientist or
is the assignment of a biosafety level which then determines the Designated Supervisor who will be supervising the project
laboratory facilities, equipment, training, and supervision required.
Risk assessment involves: 7. Documentation of review and approval of study prior to
1. Assignment of the biological agent to a risk group experimentation:
a. If a study is conducted at a non-regulated site (e.g.
school), the SRC reviews the Research Plan/Project
2. Studies involving a known microorganism must begin with an
initial assignment of the microorganism to a biosafety level risk
Summary.
group based on information available through a literature search. b. If the study was conducted at a Regulated Research
Institution, and was approved by the appropriate
institutional board (e.g. IBC, IACUC), the SRC reviews
3. The study of unknown microorganisms and the use of fresh
the institutional forms provided and documents SRC
tissues relies on the expertise of the supervising adult(s).
approval (Form(6A)).
c. If a PHBA study was conducted at a Regulated Research
4. Determination of the level of biological containment available
Institution but the institution does not require review
to the student researcher to conduct the experimentation. (See
for this type of study. The SRC must review the study
“Levels of Biological Containment” for details.)
and document approval on Form 6A that the student
5. Assessment of the experience and expertise of the adult(s) received appropriate training and the project complies
supervising the student. with Intel ISEF rules.
BSL-2 risk group contains biological agents that pose BSL-2 containment is designed to maximize safety when
moderate risk to personnel and the environment. If exposure working with agents of moderate risk to humans and the
occurs in a laboratory situation, the risk of spread is limited environment. Access to the laboratory is restricted. Biological
and it rarely would cause infection that would lead to serious safety cabinets (Class 2, type A, BSC) must be available. An
disease. Effective treatment and preventive measures are autoclave should be readily available for decontaminating
available in the event that an infection occurs. The agents waste materials. Lab coats and gloves are required; eye
require Biosafety Level 2 containment. Examples of BSL-2 protection and face shields must also be worn as needed.
organisms are: Mycobacterium, Streptococcus pneumoniae, The laboratory work must be supervised by a scientist who
Salmonella choleraesuis. understands the risk associated with working with the agents
involved.
BSL-3 risk group contains biological agents that usually cause
serious disease (human, animal or plant) or that can result in BSL-3 containment is required for infectious agents that
serious economic consequences. Projects in the BSL-3 group may cause serious or potentially lethal diseases as a result
are prohibited. of exposure by inhalation. Projects in the BSL-3 group are
prohibited.
BSL-4 risk group contains biological agents that usually
produce very serious disease (human, animal or plant) that is BSL-4 containment is required for dangerous/exotic agents
often untreatable. Projects in the BSL-4 group are prohibited. that pose high risk of life-threatening disease. Projects in the
BSL-4 group are prohibited.
Page 18 International Rules: Guidelines for Science and Engineering Fairs 2017 – 2018, student.societyforscience.org/intel-isef
Hazardous Chemicals, Activities or Devices Rules
Includes DEA-controlled substances, prescription drugs, alcohol & tobacco, firearms and explosives, radiation, lasers, etc.
The following rules apply to research using hazardous chemicals, 1. DEA-Controlled Substances
devices and activities. These include substances and devices The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) regulates
that are regulated by local, state, country, or international law, chemicals that can be diverted from their intended use
most often with restrictions of their use by minors such as DEA- to make illegal drugs. Other countries may have similar
controlled substances, prescription drugs, alcohol, tobacco, regulatory bodies; students outside of the U.S. must adhere
firearms and explosives. Hazardous activities are those that to their own country’s drug regulatory agency requirements in
involve a level of risk above and beyond that encountered in the addition to U.S. DEA regulations. DEA-controlled substances
student’s everyday life. and their schedule number are at the DEA website under
Sources of Information. It is the responsibility of the student
These rules are intended to protect the student researcher to consult this list if there is a possibility that substances used
by ensuring proper supervision and the consideration of all in experimentation could be regulated.
potential risks so that the appropriate safety precautions are a. All studies using DEA-controlled substances must be
taken. Students are required to meet all standards imposed by supervised by a Qualified Scientist who is licensed by the
Intel ISEF, school, local, and/or regional fair(s). DEA (or other international regulatory body) for use of the
controlled substance.
Rules for ALL Projects Involving Hazardous b. All studies using DEA Schedule 1 substances (including
marijuana) must have the research protocol approved
Chemicals, Activities and Devices by DEA before research begins. Schedule 2, 3 and 4
1. The use of hazardous chemicals and devices and involvement substances do not require protocol approval by DEA.
in hazardous activities require direct supervision by a
Designated Supervisor, except those involving DEA-controlled 2. Prescription Drugs
substances, which require supervision by a Qualified Scientist. Prescription drugs are drugs regulated by federal or country
laws to protect against inappropriate or unsafe use. Special
2. The student researcher must conduct a risk assessment precautions must be taken in their use for a science project as
in collaboration with a Designated Supervisor or Qualified follows:
Scientist prior to experimentation. This risk assessment is a. Students are prohibited from administering prescription
documented on the Risk Assessment Form 3. drugs to human participants.
b. A veterinarian must supervise student administration of
3. Student researchers must acquire and use regulated any prescription drugs to vertebrate animals.
substances in accordance with all local, state, U.S. federal
and country laws. For further information or classification for 3. Alcohol and Tobacco
these laws and regulations, contact the appropriate regulatory The U.S. Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB)
agencies. regulates the production of alcohol and distribution of alcohol
and tobacco products. Many such products are restricted by
4. For all chemicals, devices or activities requiring a Federal and/ age for purchase, possession and consumption.
or State Permit, the student/supervisor must obtain the permit a. Fermentation studies in which minute quantities of ethyl
prior to the onset of experimentation. A copy of the permit alcohol are produced are permitted.
must be available for review by adults supervising the project b. The Designated Supervisor is responsible for the
and the local, affiliated, and Intel ISEF SRCs in their review acquisition, usage and appropriate disposal of the alcohol
prior to competition. or tobacco used in the study.
c. Production of wine or beer by adults is allowable in the
5. The student researcher must minimize the impact of home and must meet TTB home production regulations.
an experiment on the environment. Examples include Students are allowed to design and conduct a research
using minimal quantities of chemicals that will require project, under direct parental supervision, involving the
subsequent disposal; ensuring that all disposal is done in an legal production of the wine or beer.
environmentally safe manner and in accordance with good d. Students are prohibited from conducting experiments
laboratory practices. where consumable ethyl alcohol is produced by
distillation. However, students are allowed to distill
6. The following forms are required: alcohol for fuel or other non-consumable products. To do
a. Checklist for Adult Sponsor (1), Student Checklist (1A), so, the work must be conducted at school or a Regulated
Research Plan/Project Summary and Approval Form (1B) Research Institution and follow all local and country laws.
b. Regulated Research Institution Form (1C), when See Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB)
applicable website for details.
c. Qualified Scientist Form (2), when applicable
d. Risk Assessment Form (3) 4. Firearms and Explosives
The U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives
Additional Rules for Specific Regulated Substances (ATF), along with state agencies, regulates the purchase and
There are additional rules for the following regulated substances: use of firearms and explosives. A firearm is defined as a small
• DEA-controlled Substances arms weapon from which a projectile is fired by gunpowder.
• Prescription Drugs An explosive is any chemical compound, mixture or device,
• Alcohol & Tobacco the primary purpose of which is to function by explosion.
• Firearms and Explosives Explosives include, but are not limited to, dynamite, black
• Drones powder, pellet powder, detonators, and igniters.
International Rules: Guidelines for Science and Engineering Fairs 2017 – 2018 student.societyforscience.org/intel-isef Page 19
Environmentally Responsible Chemistry
The purchase of a firearm by a minor is generally unlawful. The mission of environmentally responsible (green) chemistry
The use of a firearm, without proper state certification, is is to avoid the use or production of hazardous substances
illegal. Students should check the training and certification during chemical process. The principles of green chemistry are
requirements of individual states and countries. described on the EPA website in the Sources of Information
a. Projects involving firearms and explosives are allowable section. Whenever possible the following principles should be
when conducted with the direct supervision of a
incorporated into the research plan.
Designated Supervisor and when in compliance with all
• Waste prevention
federal, state and local laws.
• Use of the safest possible chemicals and products
b. A fully assembled rocket motor, reload kit or propellant
• Design of the least possible hazardous chemical syntheses
modules containing more than 62.5 grams of propellant
• Use renewable materials
are subject to the permitting, storage and other
• Use catalysts in order to minimize chemical usage
requirements of federal explosive laws and regulations.
c. Potato guns and paintball guns are not considered • Use of solvents and reaction conditions that are safe as
firearms unless they are intended to be used as weapons. possible
However, they must be treated as hazardous devices. • Maximization of energy efficiency
• Minimization of accident potential
5. Drones
Projects involving unmanned aircraft systems (UAS)/drones
must follow all state, Federal and country laws. See the 2. Hazardous Devices
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for more details (www. The documentation of risk assessment (Form 3) is required
faa.gov.uas/registration). when a student researcher works with potentially hazardous/
dangerous equipment and/or other devices, in or outside a
Guidance for Risk Assessment laboratory setting that require a moderate to high level of
Please find below guidance on conducting risk assessment when expertise to ensure their safe usage. Some commonly used
using the following: devices (Bunsen burners, hot plates, saws, drills, etc.) may
• Hazardous Chemicals not require a documented risk assessment, assuming that
• Hazardous Devices the student researcher has experience working with the
• Radiation device. Use of other potentially dangerous devices such as
high vacuum equipment, heated oil baths, NMR equipment,
1. Hazardous Chemicals and high temperature ovens must have documentation of a
A proper risk assessment of chemicals must include review of risk assessment. It is recommended that all student designed
the following factors: inventions also have documentation of a risk assessment.
a. Toxicity – the tendency of a chemical to be hazardous to
health when inhaled, swallowed, injected or in contact 3. Radiation
with the skin. A risk assessment must be conducted when a student’s
b. Reactivity ‑ the tendency of a chemical to undergo project involves radiation beyond that normally encountered
chemical change. in everyday life. Non-ionizing radiation includes the spectrum
c. Flammability ‑ the tendency of a chemical to give off of ultraviolet (UV), visible light, infrared (IR), microwave (NW),
vapors which readily ignite when used under normal radiofrequency (RF) and extremely low frequency (ELF).
working conditions. Ionizing radiation has enough energy to remove tightly bound
d. Corrosiveness ‑ the tendency of a chemical, upon electrons from atoms, thus creating ions. Examples include
physical contact, to harm or destroy living tissues or high frequency UV, X-Rays, and gamma rays.
physical equipment.
Lasers usually emit visible, ultraviolet or infrared radiation.
When assessing risk, the type and amount of exposure to a Lasers are classified into four classes based upon their safety.
chemical must be considered. For example, an individual’s Manufacturers are required to label Classes II – IV lasers
allergic and genetic disposition may have an influence on the
overall effect of the chemical. The student researcher must Projects involving radionuclides (radioisotopes) and X-rays
refer to Safety Data Sheets provided by the vendor (SDS) to must involve a careful examination of the risks associated with
ensure that proper safety precautions are taken. Some SDS the study and appropriate safety precautions must be taken.
sheets (e.g., Flinn) rank the degree of hazard associated with a Depending upon the level of exposure, radiation released from
chemical. This rating may assist students and adult sponsors these sources can be a health hazard.
in determining risk associated with the use of a chemical.
A risk assessment must take into account the time of exposure,
A risk assessment must include proper disposal methods distance and shielding involved in the study.
for the chemicals used in an experiment. The Flinn Catalog a. A study of natural radiation that is no more than
(referenced in the Sources of Information section) provides encountered in everyday life is exempt from the following
information for the proper disposal of chemicals. If applicable, requirements.
the student researcher must incorporate in the research plan b. All studies may not exceed the dose limits set by the
disposal procedure required by federal and state guidelines. Nuclear Regulatory Commission of 0.5 mrem/hr or 100
mrem/year of exposure.
c. If the voltage needed in the study is <10 kvolts, a risk
assessment must be conducted. The study may be done
at home or school, and SRC preapproval is not required.
Page 20 International Rules: Guidelines for Science and Engineering Fairs 2017 – 2018, student.societyforscience.org/intel-isef
d. A study using 10-25 kvolts must have a risk assessment 2. Dunn, C. M. and Chadwick, G. L., Protecting Study Volunteers
conducted and must be preapproved by the SRC to in Research, 3rd Edition (2004). Boston, MA: Thomson
assess safety. Such a study must be conducted in a metal Centerwatch. ISBN 1-930624-44-1.
chamber using a camera only, not direct view through Can be purchased from:
glass. A dosimeter or radiation survey meter is required to www.amazon.com
measure radiation exposure.
e. All studies using > 25 kvolts must be conducted at an 3. NIH tutorial, “Protecting Human Research Participants”
institution with a Licensed Radiation Program and must http://phrp.nihtraining.com/users/PHRP.pdf
be preapproved by the Institutions’ Radiation Safety
Officer or the Committee which oversees the use of 4. Belmont Report, April 18, 1979
ionizing radiation to ensure compliance with state and www.hhs.gov/ohrp/humansubjects/guidance/belmont.html
federal regulations.
5. Standards for Educational and Psychological Testing. (1999).
Washington, DC: AERA, APA, NCME.
Sources of Information for All Projects www.apa.org/science/programs/testing/standards.aspx
1. United States Patent and Trade Office
Customer Service: 1-800-786-9199 (toll-free); 6. American Psychological Association
571-272-1000 (local); 571-272-9950 (TTY) 750 First Street, NE Washington, DC 20002-4242
www.uspto.gov phone: 202-336-5500; 800-374-2721
www.uspto.gov/patents/process/index.jsp www.apa.org
International Rules: Guidelines for Science and Engineering Fairs 2017 – 2018 student.societyforscience.org/intel-isef Page 21
Document is available from: email: [email protected]
USDA/APHIS/AC https://www.sis.nlm.nih.gov
4700 River Road, Unit 84 http://toxnet.nlm.nih.gov/altbib.html
Riverdale, MD 20737-1234
email: [email protected] 5. Johns Hopkins Center for Alternatives to Animal Testing (CAAT)
phone: 301-734-7833; fax: 301-734-4978 has worked with scientists since 1981 to find new methods to
http://awic.nal.usda.gov replace the use of laboratory animals in experiments, reduce
the number of animals tested, and refine necessary tests to
5. Guide for the Care and Use of Agricultural Animals in eliminate pain and distress.
Agricultural Research and Teaching (Agri-Guide) email: [email protected]
Association for Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory http://caat.jhsph.edu/
Animal Care International (AAALAC International)
https://www.aaalac.org/ 6. Quality Assurance Manuals (for appropriate species)
https://www.aaalac.org/about/Ag_Guide_3rd_ed.pdf Such as:
Poultry: https://www.ams.usda.gov/?dDocName=STELDEV3002393
6. Guidelines for the Use of Fish in Research (2014), American Beef: http://www.bqa.org/manuals.aspx
Fisheries Society. Pork: http://old.pork.org/filelibrary/youthpqaplus/ypqamanual.pdf
www.fisheries.org
www.fisheries.org/afs/docs/policy_16.pdf Potentially Hazardous Biological Agents
1. American Biological Safety Association: ABSA Risk Group
7. Euthanasia Guidelines Classification – list of organisms
AVMA Guidelines on Euthanasia (2013) www.absa.org
American Veterinary Medical Association
www.avma.org/KB/Policies/Documents/euthanasia.pdf 2. American Type Culture Collection (ATCC)
www.atcc.org
Alternative Research and Animal Welfare
1. The National Library of Medicine provides computer searches 3. Bergey’s Manual of Systematic Bacteriology website – follow the
through MEDLINE: links for resources and microbial databases for a collection of
Reference & Customer Services international websites of microorganisms and cell cultures.
National Library of Medicine www.bergeys.org/resources.html
8600 Rockville Pike
Bethesda, MD 20894 4. Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories (BMBL)
888-FIND-NLM or 888-346-3656; 301-594-5983; - 4th Edition. Published by CDC-NIH
email: [email protected] www.cdc.gov/biosafety/publications/bmbl5/BMBL.pdf
www.nlm.nih.gov
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/entrez 5. World Health Organization Laboratory Safety Manual
www.who.int/diagnostics_laboratory/guidance/en
2. National Agriculture Library (NAL) provides reference service
for materials that document a) Alternative Procedures to Animal 6. Canada – Agency of Public Health – list of non-pathogenic
Use and b) Animal Welfare. organisms
Animal Welfare Information Center http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/lab-bio/index-eng.php
National Agriculture Library
10301 Baltimore Avenue, Room 410 7. American Society for Microbiology
Beltsville, MD 20705-2351 https://www.asm.org/division/w/web-sites.htm
phone: 301-504-6212, fax: 301-504-7125
email: [email protected] 8. Microbiology Society
www.nal.usda.gov/awic Charles Darwin House
12 Roger Street
3. Institute of Laboratory Animal Resources (ILAR) provides a London
variety of information on animal sources, housing and handling WC1N 2JU
standards, and alternatives to animal use through annotated UK
bibliographies published quarterly in ILAR Journal. [email protected]
ILAR ‑ The Keck Center of the National Academies http://microbiologyonline.org
500 Fifth Street, NW, Keck 687
Washington, DC 20001 9. NIH Guidelines for Research Involving Recombinant DNA
phone: 202-334-2590, fax: 202-334-1687 Molecules. Published by National Institutes of Health.
email: [email protected] http://osp.od.nih.gov/office-biotechnology-activities/oba/
http://dels.nas.edu/ilar index.html
4. Quarterly bibliographies of Alternatives to the Use of Live 10. OSHA – Occupational Health and Safety Administration
Vertebrates in Biomedical Research and Testing may be www.osha.gov
obtained from:
Specialized Information Services Hazardous Chemicals, Activities or Devices
NLM/NIH General Lab/Chemical Safety
2 Democracy Plaza, Suite 510 1. Safety in Academic Chemistry Laboratories, Volumes 1 and 2,
6707 Democracy Blvd., MSC 5467 2003. Washington, DC: American Chemical Society.
Bethesda, MD 20892-5467 Order from (first copy free of charge):
phone: 301-496-1131; Fax: 301- 480-3537
Page 22 International Rules: Guidelines for Science and Engineering Fairs 2017 – 2018, student.societyforscience.org/intel-isef
American Chemical Society 11. U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission
Publications Support Services Material Safety and Inspection Branch
1155 16th Street, NW One White Flint North
Washington, DC 20036 11555 Rockville Pike
phone: 202- 872-4000 or 800-227-5558 Rockville, MD 20852
email: [email protected] phone: 301-415-8200; 800-368-5642
www.acs.org/education www.nrc.gov
2. General
Howard Hughes Medical Institute has resources for working
with cell cultures, radioactive materials and other laboratory
materials.
www.hhmi.org/resources
5. Pesticides
National Pesticide Information Center
http://npic.orst.edu/ingred/products.html
Describes the various types of pesticides and the legal
requirements for labelling. Provides links and phone numbers
to get additional information.
8. Radiation
Radiation Studies Information (CDC)
www.cdc.gov/nceh/radiation/default.htm
International Rules: Guidelines for Science and Engineering Fairs 2017 – 2018 student.societyforscience.org/intel-isef Page 23
Intel ISEF Display & Safety Regulations
Please address any questions regarding Intel ISEF Display & Safety Regulations to
Diane Hecht, Display & Safety Committee Chair at [email protected]
Page 24 International Rules: Guidelines for Science and Engineering Fairs 2017 – 2018, student.societyforscience.org/intel-isef
and Certification, Regulated Research Institution/ d. It is a photograph or visual depiction of the finalist.
Industrial Setting Form 1C must be vertically displayed. e. It is a photograph or visual depiction for which a signed
c. The information provided on the Form 1C by the mentor consent form is at the project or in the booth.
may be referenced to confirm that the information
provided on the project board is that of the finalist. Only 2. Display of photographs other than that of the finalist must
minimal reference to mentor’s or other researcher’s have a photo release signed by the subject, and if under 18
work is allowable and must only reflect background years of age, also by the guardian of the subject.
information or be used to clarify differences between a. Sample consent text: “I consent to the use of visual
finalist’s and others’ work. images (photos, videos, etc.) involving my participation/
my child’s participation in this research.”
2. Continuation Projects Form (7) b. (These forms must be available upon request by a Display
a. If a study is a continuation/research progression, the & Safety inspector, but shall not be displayed.)
Continuation Form 7 must be completed and displayed at
the project booth. 3. Finalists using audio-visual or multi-media presentations (for
b. The display board and abstract must reflect the current example, PowerPoint presentation, YouTube video, images,
year’s work only. The project title displayed in the finalist’s graphics, etc. displayed on computer monitors or other non-
booth may mention years (for example, “Year Two of an
print presentation methods) must be prepared to show the
Ongoing Study”).
entire presentation to the Display & Safety Inspectors before
c. The display board must be based on collective past
the project is approved.
conclusionary data and its comparison to the current
year data set. No raw data from previous years may be
displayed. Safety Regulations
d. If Box 4 is checked YES on the official Intel ISEF Abstract The following regulations must be adhered to when a Finalist
and Certification, Continuation Form 7 must be vertically exhibits a project at the Intel ISEF.
displayed.
e. Supporting data books (not research papers) from
Items/Materials Not Allowed on Display or at Project
previous related research may be exhibited if properly
1. Any information on the project display or items that
labeled as such.
are acknowledgments, self-promotions or external
endorsements are not allowed in the project booth. This
Forms Required at Project but not Displayed includes:
Forms, excluding those listed above, that were required for the a. The use of logos including known commercial brands,
Scientific Review Committee review and approval do not have to institutional crests or trademarks and/or a personalized
be vertically displayed, but must be available in the booth in case graphic/logo that is developed to indicate a commercial
asked for by a judge or other Intel ISEF official. Forms include, purpose or viability of an established or proposed
but are not limited to, Checklist for Adult Sponsor (1), Student business.
Checklist (1A), Research Plan and Approval Form (1B). b. Any reference to an institution or mentor that supported
your research except as provided in the official Intel
A photograph/video release form signed by the subject is ISEF paperwork, most notably Form 1C or the Qualified
required for visual images of humans (other than the finalist) Scientist Form 2.
displayed as part of the project. c. Any reference to patent status of the project. This is
considered self-endorsement and is not allowable on the
Forms NOT to be Displayed display or at the project booth.
Completed informed consent forms for a human participant d. Any items intended for distribution such as disks, CDs,
study are NOT to be displayed and should NOT be present at the flash drives, brochures, booklets, endorsements, give-
project display. away items, business cards, or printed materials designed
to be distributed to judges or the public.
2. Any awards or medals, except for past or present Intel ISEF
Photograph/Image Display Requirements medals that may be worn by the Finalist.
1. Any photograph/visual image/chart/table and/or graph is
3. Postal addresses, World Wide Web, email and/or social
allowed if:
media addresses, QR codes, telephone and/or fax numbers
a. It is not deemed offensive or inappropriate (which
of a project or finalist.
includes images/photographs showing invertebrate or
4. Active Internet or email connections as part of displaying or
vertebrate animals/humans in surgical, necrotizing or
dissection situations) by the Scientific Review Committee,
operating the project at the Intel ISEF.
the Display & Safety Committee, or Society for Science & 5. Any attempt to uncover, replenish or return removed
the Public. The decision made by any one of the groups language or items from the display or project booth area
mentioned above is final. after Display & Safety Committee review is a violation of
b. It has a credit line of origin (“Photograph taken by...”or the Ethics Statement and may result in the project failing to
“Image taken from...” or “Graph/Chart/Table taken qualify for competition.
from…”). (If all images, etc. being displayed were taken or 6. No changes, modifications, or additions to projects may be
created by the finalist or are from the same source, one made after approval by the Display & Safety Committee and
credit line prominently and vertically displayed on the the Scientific Review Committee.
backboard/poster or tabletop is sufficient.) a. Display & Safety inspections will include recording
c. It is from the Internet, magazine, newspaper, journal, photographic evidence of the approved Project Display
etc., and a credit line is attached. (If all photographs, etc. and Project booth.
are from the same source, one credit prominently and b. Finalists who do not adhere to this signed agreement on
vertically displayed is sufficient.) the Intel ISEF Project Set-up Approval Form regarding this
regulation will fail to qualify for competition.
International Rules: Guidelines for Science and Engineering Fairs 2017 – 2018 student.societyforscience.org/intel-isef Page 25
Not Allowed at Project or Booth power must be disconnected, or power bars must be
1. Living organisms, including plants switched off (Exception: during pre-judging audio visual
2. Soil, sand, rock, cement and/or waste samples, even if displays may be available).
permanently encased in a slab of acrylic 5. An insulating grommet is required at the point where any
3. Taxidermy specimens or parts wire or cable enters any enclosure.
4. Preserved vertebrate or invertebrate animals 6. No exposed live circuits over 36 volts are allowed.
5. Human or animal food as part of the exhibitor demonstration 7. There must be an accessible, clearly visible on/off switch or
of the project. other means of quickly disconnecting from the 120 or 220
6. Human/animal parts or body fluids (for example, blood, Volt power source.
urine)
7. Plant materials (living, dead, or preserved) that are in their Laser/Laser Pointer Requirements
raw, unprocessed, or non-manufactured state (Exception: Any Class 1 or Class 2 lasers, along with only Class 3A or 3R lasers,
manufactured construction materials used in building the are allowed to be used provided a finalist avoids indiscriminate
project or display) exposure to other finalists, judges, or visitors (except if passed
8. All chemicals including water (projects may not use water in through magnifying optics such as microscopes and telescopes, in
any form in a demonstration) which case they may not be used). No other lasers may be used or
9. All hazardous substances or devices (Example: poisons, displayed.
drugs, firearms, weapons, ammunition, reloading devices, 1. Any laser must be labeled by the manufacturer so that power
and lasers) output can be inspected. Lasers without labels will NOT be
10. Items that may have contained or been in contact with “cleared.”
hazardous chemicals (Exception: Item may be permitted if 2. LED’s that consume over 1 watt, unless they are in a
professionally cleaned and document for such cleaning is commercial light bulb/ fixture or otherwise shielded, will not
available) be allowed.
11. Dry ice or other sublimating solids 3. Lasers will be confiscated with no warning if not used in a
12. Sharp items (for example, syringes, needles, pipettes, knives) safe manner. Serious offenses may result in failure to qualify.
13. Flames or highly flammable materials (including mangified
light sources)
Other Safety Regulations
14. Batteries with open-top cells or wet cells
1. Any inadequately insulated apparatus producing extreme
15. Drones or any flight-capable apparatus should have the
temperatures that may cause physical burns is not allowed.
propulsion power source removed.
2. Any apparatus with unshielded belts, pulleys, chains, or
16. Glass or glass objects unless deemed by the Display &
moving parts with tension or pinch points must be for display
Safety Committee to be an integral and necessary part of
only.
the project (for example, glass that is an integral part of a
3. Society for Science & the Public, the Scientific Review
commercial product such as a computer screen)
Committee, and/or the Display & Safety Committee reserve
17. Any apparatus deemed unsafe by the Scientific Review
the right to remove any project for safety reasons or to protect
Committee, the Display & Safety Committee, or Society
the integrity of the Intel ISEF and its rules and regulations.
for Science & the Public (Example: large vacuum tubes
4. Project sounds, lights, odors, or any other display items must
or dangerous ray-generating devices, empty tanks that
not be distracting. Exceptions to this rule may be permitted
previously contained combustible liquids or gases,
for judging demonstrations. Approval must be given prior to
pressurized tanks, 3D printers etc.)
judging.
5. Projects can be continued under the table BUT this area is
Electrical Regulations at Intel ISEF not to be used for storage. No personal items or packaging
1. Electrical power supplied to the project is 120 or 220 Volt, materials may be stored underneath the booth.
AC, single phase, 60 cycle. No multi-phase will be available or
shall be used. Maximum circuit amperage/wattage available
is determined by the electrical circuit capacities of the exhibit
hall and may be adjusted on-site by the Display & Safety
Committee. For all electrical regulations, “120 Volt AC” or
“220 Volt AC” is intended to encompass the corresponding
range of voltage as supplied by the facility in which the Intel
ISEF is being held.
2. Electrical devices must be protectively enclosed. Any
enclosure must be non-combustible. All external non-
current carrying metal parts must be grounded.
3. Energized wiring, switches, and metal parts must have
adequate insulation and over-current safety devices (such
as fuses) and must be inaccessible to anyone other than the
finalist. Exposed electrical equipment or metal that possibly
may be energized must be shielded with a non-conducting
material or with a grounded metal box to prevent accidental
contact.
4. Decorative lighting or illumination is discouraged. If used,
lighting must be as low a voltage as possible and must be
LED lighting that does not generate heat. Light bulbs are
prohibited. When student is not at the exhibit, all electrical
Page 26 International Rules: Guidelines for Science and Engineering Fairs 2017 – 2018, student.societyforscience.org/intel-isef
Information on Required Abstract & Certification for ALL Projects at the Intel ISEF
* This form may not be relevant for your regional or state fair; please refer to instructions from your affiliated fair.*
In ADDITION to the basic form requirements for ALL Projects and any other requirements due to specific areas of research,
an Abstract & Certification is required at the conclusion of research. Details on this requirement follow.
Abstract Body
Sciences
Biochemistry o
the following: Biomedical and Health
Sciences
o
c. data Bioinformatics
Earth & Environmental o
Sciences
d. conclusions Embedded Systems o
Energy: Chemical o
Energy: Physical o
Engineering Mechanics o
It may also include any possible research Environmental Engineering o
Materials Science o
applications. Only minimal reference Mathematics
Microbiology
o
o
mentor 2. This abstract describes only procedures performed by me/us, reflects my/our own independent re-
search, and represents one year’s work only. o yes o no
Completing the Certification 3. I/We worked or used equipment in a regulated research institution or industrial setting.
o yes o no
At the bottom of the Abstract &
Certification form there are six questions. 4. This project is a continuation of previous research. o yes o no
Please read each carefully and answer
appropriately. The Intel ISEF Scientific
5. My display board includes non-published photographs/visual depictions of
Research Committee will review and humans (other than myself): FOR INTEL ISEF
approve the abstract and answers to the o yes o no OFFICIAL USE
questions. ONLY
6. I/We hereby certify that the abstract and responses to the above state-
ments are correct and properly reflect my/our own work.
Revisions or questions will be resolved o yes o no
International Rules: Guidelines for Science and Engineering Fairs 2017 – 2018 student.societyforscience.org/intel-isef Page 27
Intel ISEF Categories and Subcategories
The categories have been established with the goal of better aligning judges and student projects for the judging at the
Intel ISEF. Local, regional, state and country fairs may or may not choose to use these categories, dependent on the needs
of their area. Please check with your affiliated fair(s) for the appropriate category listings at that level of competition.
Page 28 International Rules: Guidelines for Science and Engineering Fairs 2017 – 2018, student.societyforscience.org/intel-isef
Checklist for Adult Sponsor (1)
This completed form is required for ALL projects.
2. o I have reviewed the student’s completed Student Checklist (1A) and Research Plan/Project Summary.
3. o I have worked with the student and we have discussed the possible risks involved in the project.
4. o The project involves one or more of the following and requires prior approval by an SRC, IRB, IACUC or IBC:
o Humans Potentially Hazardous Biological Agents
o Vertebrate Animals o Microorganisms o rDNA o Tissues
Additional forms required if the project includes the use of one or more of the following (check all that apply):
Humans, including student designed inventions/prototypes. (Requires prior approval by an Institutional Review Board (IRB);
see full text of the rules.)
Human Participants Form (4) or appropriate Institutional IRB documentation
Sample of Informed Consent Form (when applicable and/or required by the IRB)
Qualified Scientist Form (2) (when applicable and/or required by the IRB)
Vertebrate Animals (Requires prior approval, see full text of the rules.)
Vertebrate Animal Form (5A) ‑ for projects conducted in a school/home/field research site (SRC prior approval required.)
Vertebrate Animal Form (5B) ‑ for projects conducted at a Regulated Research Institution. (Institutional Animal Care and
Use Committee (IACUC) approval required prior experimentation.)
Qualified Scientist Form (2) (Required for all vertebrate animal projects at a regulated research site or when applicable)
Potentially Hazardous Biological Agents (Requires prior approval by SRC, IACUC or Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC),
see full text of the rules.)
Potentially Hazardous Biological Agents Risk Assessment Form (6A)
Human and Vertebrate Animal Tissue Form (6B) ‑ to be completed in addition to Form 6A when project involves the use of
fresh or frozen tissue, primary cell cultures, blood, blood products and body fluids.
Qualified Scientist Form (2) (when applicable)
The following are exempt from prior review but require a Risk Assessment Form 3: projects involving protists, archae and
similar microorganisms, for projects using manure for composting, fuel production or other non-culturing experiments,
projects using color change coliform water test kits, microbial fuel cells, and projects involving decomposing vertebrate
organisms.
Hazardous Chemicals, Activities and Devices (No SRC prior approval required, see full text of the rules.)
Risk Assessment Form (3) (have up with potentially hazardous biological agents.)
Qualified Scientist Form (2) (required for projects involving DEA-controlled substances or when applicable)
Phone Email
International Rules: Guidelines for Science and Engineering Fairs 2017 – 2018 student.societyforscience.org/intel-isef Page 29
Student Checklist (1A)
This form is required for ALL projects.
Email: Phone:
2. Title of Project:
School Address:
4.
Adult Sponsor: Phone/Email:
5. Does this project need SRC/IRB/IACUC or other pre-approval? o Yes o No Tentative start date: ___________
8. Where will you conduct your experimentation? (check all that apply)
o
Research Institution o School o Field o Home o Other: ________________________
9. List name and address of all non-home and non-school work site(s):
Name:
Address:
Phone/
email
10. Complete a Research Plan/Project Summary following the Research Plan/Project Summary instructions
and attach to this form.
Page 30 International Rules: Guidelines for Science and Engineering Fairs 2017 – 2018, student.societyforscience.org/intel-isef
Research Plan/Project Summary Instructions
A complete Research Plan/Project Summary is required for ALL projects and
must accompany Student Checklist (1A).
1. All projects must have a Research Plan/Project Summary
a. Written prior to experimentation following the instructions below to detail the rationale, research question(s), methodology,
and risk assessment of the proposed research.
b. If changes are made during the research, such changes can be added to the original research plan as an addendum, recognizing
that some changes may require returning to the IRB or SRC for appropriate review and approvals. If no additional approvals are
required, this addendum serves as a project summary to explain research that was conducted.
c. If no changes are made from the original research plan, no project summary is required.
2. Some studies, such as an engineering design or mathematics projects, will be less detailed in the initial project plan and will change
through the course of research. If such changes occur, a project summary that explains what was done is required and can be
appended to the original research plan.
Items 1–4 below are subject-specific guidelines for additional items to be included in your research plan/project summary as
applicable.
1. Human participants research:
a. Participants: Describe age range, gender, racial/ethnic composition of participants. Identify vulnerable populations (minors,
pregnant women, prisoners, mentally disabled or economically disadvantaged).
b. Recruitment: Where will you find your participants? How will they be invited to participate?
c. Methods: What will participants be asked to do? Will you use any surveys, questionnaires or tests? What is the frequency and
length of time involved for each subject?
d. Risk Assessment: What are the risks or potential discomforts (physical, psychological, time involved, social, legal, etc.) to
participants? How will you minimize risks? List any benefits to society or participants.
e. Protection of Privacy: Will identifiable information (e.g., names, telephone numbers, birth dates, email addresses) be collected?
Will data be confidential/anonymous? If anonymous, describe how the data will be collected. If not anonymous, what procedures
are in place for safeguarding confidentiality? Where will data be stored? Who will have access to the data? What will you do with
the data after the study?
f. Informed Consent Process: Describe how you will inform participants about the purpose of the study, what they will be asked to
do, that their participation is voluntary and they have the right to stop at any time.
International Rules: Guidelines for Science and Engineering Fairs 2017 – 2018 student.societyforscience.org/intel-isef Page 31
Approval Form (1B)
A completed form is required for each student, including all team members.
a. Required for projects that need prior SRC/IRB approval b. Required for research conducted at all Regulated Research
BEFORE experimentation (humans, vertebrates or potentially Institutions with no prior fair SRC/IRB approval.
hazardous biological agents). OR
This project was conducted at a regulated research institution
The SRC/IRB has carefully studied this project’s Research Plan/ (not home or high school, etc.), was reviewed and approved
Project Summary and all the required forms are included. My by the proper institutional board before experimentation and
signature indicates approval of the Research Plan/Project complies with the Intel ISEF Rules. Attach (1C) and any required
Summary before the student begins experimentation. institutional approvals (e.g. IACUC, IRB).
3. Final Intel ISEF Affiliated Fair SRC Approval (Required for ALL Projects)
Page 32 International Rules: Guidelines for Science and Engineering Fairs 2017 – 2018, student.societyforscience.org/intel-isef
Regulated Research Institutional/Industrial Setting Form (1C)
This form must be completed AFTER experimentation by the adult supervising the student research conducted
in a regulated research institution, industrial setting or any work site other than home, school or field.
Student’s Name(s)
Title of Project
To be completed by the Supervising Adult in the Setting (NOT the Student(s)) after experimentation:
(Responses must remain on the form as it is required to be displayed at student’s project booth.)
2. Is the student’s research project a subset of your ongoing research or work? o Yes o No
Use questions 3, 4 and 5 to detail how the student’s project was similar and/or
different from ongoing research or work at your site.
4. Detail the student’s role in conducting the research (e.g. data collection, specific procedures
performed). Differentiate what the student observed and what the student actually did.
I attest that the student has conducted the work as indicated above and that any required review and approval by
institutional regulatory board (IRB/IACUC/IBC) has been obtained. Copies are attached if applicable.
I further acknowledge that the student will be presenting this work publicly in competition and I have communicated with
the student research regarding any requirements for my review and/or restrictions of what is publicized.
Address Email/Phone
International Rules: Guidelines for Science and Engineering Fairs 2017 – 2018 student.societyforscience.org/intel-isef Page 33
Qualified Scientist Form (2)
May be required for research involving human participants, vertebrate animals, potentially hazardous biological agents, and
DEA-controlled substances. Must be completed and signed before the start of student experimentation.
Student’s Name(s)
Title of Project
Position: Institution:
Address: Email/Phone:
1) Have you reviewed the Intel ISEF rules relevant to this project? o Yes o No
Page 34 International Rules: Guidelines for Science and Engineering Fairs 2017 – 2018, student.societyforscience.org/intel-isef
Risk Assessment Form (3)
Required for projects using hazardous chemicals, activities or devices, and microorganisms which are
exempt from pre-approval. Must be completed before experimentation.
Student’s Name(s)
Title of Project
1. List all hazardous chemicals, activities, or devices that will be used; identify microorganisms exempt from pre-approval (see
Potentially Hazardous Biological Agent rules).
3. Describe the safety precautions and procedures that will be used to reduce the risks.
To be completed and signed by the Designated Supervisor (or Qualified Scientist, when applicable):
I agree with the risk assessment and safety precautions and procedures described above. I certify that I have reviewed the
Research Plan/Project Summary and will provide direct supervision.
International Rules: Guidelines for Science and Engineering Fairs 2017 – 2018 student.societyforscience.org/intel-isef Page 35
Human Participants Form (4)
Required for all research involving human participants not at a Regulated Research Institution. If at a Regulated Research Institution,
use institutional approval forms for documentation of prior review and approval.
(IRB approval required before experimentation.)
IRB SIGNATURES (All 3 signatures required unless expedited review checked above) None of these individuals may be the adult
sponsor, designated supervisor, qualified scientist or related to (e.g., mother, father of) the student (conflict of interest).
I attest that I have reviewed the student’s project, that the checkboxes above have been completed to indicate the IRB determination
and that I agree with the decisions above.
Medical or Mental Health Professional (a psychologist, medical doctor, licensed social worker, licensed clinical professional counselor, physician’s
assistant, doctor of pharmacy, or registered nurse) with expertise related to this project.
Educator
School Administrator
Page 36 International Rules: Guidelines for Science and Engineering Fairs 2017 – 2018, student.societyforscience.org/intel-isef
Human Informed Consent Form
Instructions to the Student Researcher(s): An informed consent/assent/permission form should be developed in
consultation with the Adult Sponsor, Designated Supervisor or Qualified Scientist.
This form is used to provide information to the research participant (or parent/guardian) and to document written informed
consent, minor assent, and/or parental permission.
• When written documentation is required, the researcher keeps the original, signed form.
• Students may use this sample form or may copy ALL elements of it into a new document.
If the form is serving to document parental permission, a copy of any survey or questionnaire must be attached.
Student Researcher(s):
Title of Project:
I am asking for your voluntary participation in my science fair project. Please read the following information about the project.
If you would like to participate, please sign in the appropriate area below.
Benefits:
If you have any questions about this study, feel free to contact:
Voluntary Participation:
Participation in this study is completely voluntary. If you decide not to participate there will not be any negative consequences.
Please be aware that if you decide to participate, you may stop participating at any time and you may decide not to answer any
specific question.
By signing this form I am attesting that I have read and understand the information above and I freely give my consent/assent
to participate or permission for my child to participate.
International Rules: Guidelines for Science and Engineering Fairs 2017 – 2018 student.societyforscience.org/intel-isef Page 37
Vertebrate Animal Form (5A)
Required for all research involving vertebrate animals that is conducted in a school/home/field research site.
(SRC approval required before experimentation.)
Student’s Name(s)
Title of Project
2. Describe completely the housing and husbandry to be provided. Include the cage/pen size, number of animals per
cage, environment, bedding, type of food, frequency of food and water, how often animal is observed, etc. Add an
additional page as necessary.
5. The Intel ISEF Vertebrate Animal Rules require that any death, illness or unexpected weight loss be investigated and
documented by a letter from the qualified scientist, designated supervisor or a veterinarian. If applicable, attach this
letter with this form when submitting your paperwork to the SRC prior to competition.
To be completed by Local or Affiliate Fair Scientific Review Committee (SRC) BEFORE experimentation.
Level of Supervision Required for agricultural, behavioral or nutritional studies:
o Designated Supervisor REQUIRED. Please have applicable person sign below.
o Veterinarian and Designated Supervisor REQUIRED. Please have applicable persons sign below.
o
Veterinarian, Designated Supervisor and Qualified Scientist REQUIRED. Please have applicable persons sign below and have the Qualified
Scientist complete Form (2).
The SRC has carefully reviewed this study and finds it is an appropriate study that may be conducted in a non-regulated research site.
Local or Affiliate Fair SRC Pre-Approval Signature:
Page 38 International Rules: Guidelines for Science and Engineering Fairs 2017 – 2018, student.societyforscience.org/intel-isef
Vertebrate Animal Form (5B)
Required for all research involving vertebrate animals that is conducted in at a Regulated Research Institution.
(IACUC approval required before experimentation. Form must be completed and signed after experimentation.)
Student’s Name(s)
Title of Project
Title and Protocol Number of IACUC Approved Project
2. Describe, in detail, the role of the student in this project: animal procedures and related equipment that were
involved, oversight provided and safety precautions employed. (Attach extra pages if necessary.)
3. Was there any weight loss or death of any animal? If yes, attach a letter obtained from the qualified scientist,
designated supervisor or a veterinarian documenting the situation and the results of the investigation.
6. Attach a copy of the Regulated Research Institution IACUC Approval. A letter from the Qualified Scientist or
Principal Investigator is not sufficient.
Printed Name
Signature Date
International Rules: Guidelines for Science and Engineering Fairs 2017 – 2018 student.societyforscience.org/intel-isef Page 39
Potentially Hazardous Biological Agents Risk Assessment Form (6A)
Required for research involving microorganisms, rDNA, fresh/frozen tissue (including primary cell lines, human and
other primate established cell lines and tissue cultures), blood, blood products and body fluids.
SRC/IACUC/IBC approval required before experimentation.
Student’s Name(s)
Title of Project
To be completed by the QUALIFIED SCIENTIST/DESIGNATED SUPERVISOR in collaboration with the student researcher(s).
All questions are applicable and must be answered; additional page(s) may be attached.
SECTION 1: PROJECT ASSESSMENT
1. Identify potentially hazardous biological agents to be used in this experiment. Include the source, quantity and the biosafety level
risk group of each microorganism.
3. Describe the procedures that will be used to minimize risk (personal protective equipment, hood type, etc.).
4. What final biosafety level do you recommend for this project given the risk assessment you conducted?
5. Describe the method of disposal of all cultured materials and other potentially hazardous biological agents.
SECTION 2: TRAINING
1. What training will the student receive for this project?
2. Experience/training of Designated Supervisor as it relates to the student’s area of research (if applicable).
SECTION 3: For ALL CELL LINES and MICROORGANISMS – To be completed by the QUALIFIED SCIENTIST or DESIGNATED
SUPERVISOR - Check the appropriate box(es) below:
o Experimentation on the cell line/microorganism used in this study was NOT conducted at a Regulated Research Institution, but was conducted at
a (check one) ___BSL-1 or ___BSL-2 laboratory. This study has been reviewed by the local SRC and the procedures have been approved prior to
experimentation.
o Experimentation on the cell line/microorganism used in this study was conducted at a Regulated Research Institution and was approved by the
appropriate institutional board prior to experimentation; institutional approval forms are attached.
Origin of cell lines:__________________________________________ Date of IACUC/IBC approval (mm/dd/yy) ___________________________
o Experimentation on the cell line/microorganism used in this study was conducted at a Regulated Research Institution, which does not require
pre-approval for this type of study. The SRC has reviewed that the student received appropriate training and the project complies with Intel
ISEF rules.
Page 40 International Rules: Guidelines for Science and Engineering Fairs 2017 – 2018, student.societyforscience.org/intel-isef
Human and Vertebrate Animal Tissue Form (6B)
Required for research involving fresh/frozen tissue (including primary cell lines, human and other primate established cell lines and
tissue cultures), blood, blood products and body fluids. If the research involves living organisms please ensure that the proper human
or animal forms are completed. All projects using any tissue listed above must also complete Form 6A.
Student’s Name(s)
Title of Project
1. What vertebrate animal tissue will be used in this study? Check all that apply.
o Fresh or frozen tissue sample
o Fresh organ or other body part
o Blood
o Body fluids
o Primary cell/tissue cultures
o Human or other primate established cell lines
2. Where will the above tissue(s) be obtained. If using an established cell line include source and catalog number.
3. If the tissue will be obtained from a vertebrate animal study conducted at a research institution attach a copy of the
IACUC certification with the name of the research institution, the title of the study, the IACUC approval number and
date of IACUC approval.
Title Phone/Email
Institution
International Rules: Guidelines for Science and Engineering Fairs 2017 – 2018 student.societyforscience.org/intel-isef Page 41
Continuation/Research Progression Projects Form (7)
Required for projects that are a continuation/progression in the same field of study as a previous project.
This form must be accompanied by the previous year’s abstract and Research Plan/Project Summary.
Student’s Name(s)
To be completed by Student Researcher: List all components of the current project that make it new and different from previous
research. The information must be on the form; use an additional form for 2014–2015 and earlier projects.
Current Research
Components Previous Research Project
Project
1. Title 2016–2017
2015–2016
2015–2016
3. Changes in 2016–2017
methodology
2015–2016
2015–2016
5. Additional 2016–2017
changes
2015–2016
Attached are:
o 2016 – 2017 Abstract and Research Plan/Project Summary o 2015 – 2016 Abstract
I hereby certify that the above information is correct and that the current year Abstract & Certification and project display board
properly reflect work done only in the current year.
Page 42 International Rules: Guidelines for Science and Engineering Fairs 2017 – 2018, student.societyforscience.org/intel-isef
The Intel International Science and Engineering Fair encourages students to tackle challenging
scientific questions and develop the skills needed to solve the problems of tomorrow.
Through its acclaimed education competitions and its award-winning Science News Media Group,
the Society is committed to inform, educate, and inspire.
societyforscience.org
To learn more about the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair, visit:
student.societyforscience.org/intel-isef
Intel Corporation
The foundation of tomorrow’s innovation is education. That’s why making quality education available
to more students around the world ‑ with the help of technology ‑ has inspired Intel’s commitment to
education for 40 years. We do more than make contributions. Intel gets directly involved in developing
and helping to change policy, training teachers, offering free curricula, providing kids with a place
to explore technology, and encouraging young innovators. Intel believes that students at all levels
everywhere deserve to have the skills they need to become part of the next generation of innovators.
In the last decade, Intel has invested more than $1 billion, and Intel employees have donated more
than four million hours, toward improving education in more than 75 countries, regions, and territories.
We are actively involved in education programs, advocacy, and technology access to help tomorrow’s
innovators.
intel.com/education
©
2017 Society for Science & the Public. All rights reserved. Copyright ©2017 Intel Corporation.
All rights reserved. International Science and Engineering Fair is registered in the U.S. Patent
and Trademark Office as a trademark of Society for Science & the Public. Intel and the Intel logo
are trademarks of Intel Corporation in the U.S. and other countries. *Other names and brands
may be claimed as the property of others. Printed in USA Please Recycle.