Fairfax County Regional Science and Engineering Fair
The Fairfax County Regional Science and Engineering Fair is a competition for students attending high school in Fairfax County. Students may earn entry to the regional competition through a science fair held at their local public or private schools.
General Information
This year’s 71st annual regional fair is at Robinson Secondary School on March 13-15, 2026.
The fair is open to the public on Sunday, March 15, from 1-3 p.m.during the Open House. We invite our community members to see the project displays and congratulate our student participants.
Judging Information
Category Judges
Each year over 250 judges are required to evaluate science fair projects in a wide variety of categories ranging from astronomy to plant science to biomedical engineering. Judges should hold an advanced degree or possess extensive academic or professional experience in the category for which they apply. Parents, teachers, and family friends are not allowed to judge in categories in which their child, student, or family friend's child is competing.
Create an account and register to Judge by Sunday, March 8, 2026
For further information, please contact Liz Keyes by email [email protected] or by phone 571-423-4783 . Thank you, in advance, for your help in making this year's fair a tremendous success!
If you are registering to judge on behalf of a STEM organization, please see the Special Awards Information section.
Special Awards from Organizations
Each year, approximately 40-60 STEM-related organizations provide community support by sponsoring Special Awards to students at the Fairfax County Regional Science and Engineering Fair. Past awards have ranged from monetary awards (gift cards, checks, etc) to professional publication subscriptions and invitations to luncheons or dinner receptions.
There is no standard organization award or specific judging criteria required. The choice of award is the preference of the organization. Organizations may choose to offer awards within a particular category, for students of a certain grade level, or for goals related to their organization’s mission.
Registration
One designated representative should register your Special Awards organization.
For further information, please contact Brian Schwenk (email: [email protected] or phone: 703-658-3690 ). Thank you, in advance, for your help in making this year's fair a tremendous success!
Non-FCPS Independent Schools
By December 1 of each school year, Non-FCPS Independent Schools must:
- Attend a mandatory information meeting.
- Confirm their intent to participate at the Regional Level by contacting the Regional Fair Directors.
Please reach out to the Regional Fair Directors listed below for more information.
Contact Information for General Questions
- Regional Fair Directors
- Ann Wong (571-423-4785)
- Michelle Gilligan (571-423-4786)
- Category Judge Coordinator: Liz Keyes (571-423-4783)
- Special Award Judge Coordinator: Brian Schwenk (703-658-3690)
Important dates
- March 13-15, 2026: Fairfax County Regional Science and Engineering Fair
- April 10-11, 2026: Virginia State Science and Engineering Fair
- May 9-15, 2026: Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair
Sponsors
2026 Regional Science and Engineering Fair Results
The 71st annual Fairfax County Regional Science and Engineering Fair showcased over 400 high school projects. More than 640 students presented their research projects in a wide variety of science and engineering fields. Projects were judged by more than 250 professionals and 40 professional organizations and businesses.
2025 Regional Science and Engineering Fair Results
In March 2025, the 70th annual Fairfax County Regional Science and Engineering Fair showcased around 400 high school science projects. Over 600 students presented their research projects in a wide variety of science and engineering fields. Projects were judged by over 150 professionals and 40 professional organizations and businesses.
