For 5-12th grade students

AISES National Advancing Indigenous Science & Engineering Fair (NAISEF)

Oklahoma State Fair Park
Modern Living Building
608 Kiamichi Place
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73107

NAISEF is an SSP-affiliated science fair and is the only national science fair, with a virtual option, centered around acknowledging and supporting indigenous students interested in science and engineering.

During our event, students compete for the chance to represent NAISEF at the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF).

*Schedule is subject to change

Student Registration

Volunteer Registration

Judge Registration

Teacher Registration

FAQs & Resources

Sponsor NAISEF

Join AISES

Free for students and schools

NAISEF Eligibility

5-12th grade students, who have not reached age 20 on or before May 1
Projects may be submitted by individual students or teams of up to 3 students
Project must cover research done over a maximum, continuous 12-month period between January and May
Each participant (individual or team) must have one adult sponsor (parent, teacher, or mentor)

How to enter

Step 1

Review the Polices, Procedures and Rules

- ISEF International Rules and Guidelines
- NAISEF Division Policies, Procedures, and Rules

Gather contact information for adult sponsor, all team members (if applicable), and all participants’ parents/guardians.

Step 2

Use the ISEF Rules Wizard: The ISEF Rules Wizard helps you determine which forms are required under ISEF Rules.

Step 3

Download and print required ISEF forms and documents. All projects require the following forms:

Form 1: Checklist for Adult Sponsors
Form 1A: Student Checklist, including Research Plan/Summary
Form 1B: Approval Form
Additional forms identified via ISEF Rules Wizard
ISEF Official Abstract Form *Note: the ISEF Official Abstract Form is due later than the other required forms.

Thank you to our 2026 partners supporting the advancement of Indigenous STEM!

Torch Bearer

Legacy Builder

STEM Champion

STEM Advocate

Tribal Partner

Special Activity Sponsors

NAISEF Categories

NAISEF is organized into a junior and senior division, and prizes are offered in the categories below:

Junior division (5th-8th)

Competitors in the junior division can be nominated for the Junior Innovators Challenge

Senior division (9th-12th)

Grand prize winners in each category (1 in science and 1 in engineering) will be sent, all expenses paid, to the International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) to represent NAISEF.

Science

Animal and plant sciences
Behavioral/Social sciences
Biomedical/biological sciences (includes molecular, micro, and developmental biologies)
Chemistry and physics

Engineering

Engineering (general)
Mathematics/physics
Computer systems and software
Robotics/intelligent machines

Specialty Awards*

Native Heritage Award
Northrop Grumman Earth/Resource Sciences Award

*Specialty awards are subject to change

The rewards of competing at NAISEF!

Awards and Cash Prizes

In both divisions, students will compete for cash prizes in the categories above

Stand out on college applications

Participation in science fairs is a way to stand out on college applications

Network at the College and Career Fair

The college and career fair at NAISEF will give students the opportunity to network with people in career fields that may interest them

Grand winners will be sent to compete at ISEF 2026

2 grand prize winners will be sent on an all-expenses paid trip to the International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) taking place May 9-15, 2026 in Phoenix, AZ. They will represent NAISEF and compete against students from over 70 countries. These students will also be featured on the NAISEF website.

Learn more about ISEF

Opportunity to be nominated for the Junior Innovators Challenge

The top 10% of students in the Junior division are nominated for the Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge. Students who become JIC finalists will receive $500, an all-expenses paid trip to Washington DC, and a chance at several more STEM awards ranging from $1,500-25,000!

Note: the selection committee for this event is separate from NAISEF and students will have additional requirements to enter this competition. Assistance from the NAISEF team in completing these applications will be provided upon request.

Learn More about JIC

Congratulations to Our Indigenous Ingenuity Award Winners

In collaboration with the National STEM Festical, this award recognizes the creativity, ingenuity, and technical prowess of the first scientists by honoring Indigenous students from North American tribes or the Pacific Islands who have developed research projects that answer burning questions or address real-world challenges from their communities.

Congratulations to Caytie Couch, Natashia Anderson, and Kambria Tamayo!

Learn More About the National STEM Festival

2026 AISES National Conference Call for Sessions Ends May 15!