The International Rules for Pre-college Science Research: Guidelines for Science and Engineering Fairs are published annually to support students doing independent research safely. The International Rules are the official rules of the Regeneron ISEF and students competing at Society-affiliated science fairs.

The purpose of these rules is to:

• protect the rights and welfare of the student researcher

• protect the rights and welfare of the human participant

• ensure adherence to federal regulations

• ensure use of safe laboratory practices

• protect the environment

• determine eligibility for competition at the regional, state, and/or international levels