About our fair

The Mercer Science and Engineering Fair (MSEF) has been held for more than 50 years in  Mercer County, NJ. It is open to students of Mercer County in grades 4 through 12. The grand prize winner for the Senior Division receives an all expense paid trip to the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF).

Why should a student participate in MSEF? First of all, it is fun. Students can also win awards and scholarships. Scholarships to leading colleges and universities are awarded at ISEF.

Students get a chance to explore topics in all areas of science, engineering, and mathematics. They get hands-on experience in topics that interest them and students develop expertise in the scientific method. Presentation skills are also developed increasing a students confidence and poise.

Intel ISEF

The Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) is run by the Society for Science & the Public. The Mercer Science and Engineering Fair (MSEF) is affiliated with ISEF. The MSEF grand prize winner receives an all expense paid trip to compete at the annual Intel ISEF competition in May.

Other Science Fairs

ISEF Affiliated Fairs in New Jersey:

• ISEF Affiliated Fair Page

• Hudson County Science Fair, Mrs. Ann Ferreira, 973-992-3460

• Ben Franklin Science Fair (PA and Southern NJ)

• North Jersey Regional Science Fair (Northern NJ)

Non-ISEF Affiliated Fairs in New Jersey:

• Penn State Abington Robot Contests

• FIRST Robotics Competition

• Junior Science and Humanities Symposium

• Internet Science and Technology Fair

• Douglass Project

Why check out other fairs?

1. Going to school outside of Mercer County?: MSEF covers students that attend school only in Mercer County, NJ. You can check links above for other nearby fairs if you attend school outside of Mercer County. 
2. My school has its own science fair. Can I still participate: Check with your school first. Many send winners directly to MSEF each year. If your school is in Mercer County and does not send winners of a school fair to MSEF then you can enter MSEF yourself. You will still need a signature from a teacher or sponsor at your school but schools do not need make any special effort for their students to be considered for MSEF. 
3. Can I participate in more than one fair: You can participate in only one ISEF affiliated fair per year. You can participate in any number of other fairs and science competitions even with the same project as long as they are not affiliated with ISEF.
4. What if I have more questions: You can always drop us an email note if you have questions regarding participation.

Society for Science & the Public

The Society for Science & the Public runs a number of difference science competitions for students. This includes the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF). The Mercer Science and Engineering Fair (MSEF) is affiliated with ISEF. The MSEF grand prize winner receives an all expense paid trip to compete at the annual Intel ISEF competition in May.