Illinois Junior
Academy of Science

Mission Statement

The mission of the Illinois Junior Academy of Science is to present science as a rational observation and systematic investigation of natural phenomena; to stress the importance of critical thinking and logical reasoning; and to encourage students to view science as an interdisciplinary study applicable to society and its interactions with the environment. 

IJAS Mailing List

Important: Sign up for our New and Official Mailing List for IJAS! Stay up date with the latest and the greatest including our Newsletters, Rules/Website Changes, Help Sessions, How-To Videos, Competition Updates, and more!


IJAS 2023 State Exposition

Thank you to Southern Illinois University and their unbelievable students, faculty and staff that made our event such a success!

New: Virtual Help Sessions!

The IJAS Student Board is hosting help sessions during project season! All students can join. Our next meeting will be on October 15th (6pm–7pm) More info and the zoom link here!

New Newsletter

IJAS just released the September Newsletter! Check it out here!

About Us

The Illinois Junior Academy of Science exists for the benefit of students in the state of Illinois, by guiding them and hosting several science fairs throughout Illinois, which culminate with the State Exposition. The process students follow when participating gives them insights into the problems faced by scientists and methodologies scientists use. It encourages students to find information concerning new investigations and discoveries in science. It allows students to get experience with scientific equipment, while also allowing them to develop their own investigation beyond the classroom and progress towards a career in STEM.

Get Started

New to IJAS? Check out our quick-start guide for sponsors or for students. These pages will walk you through getting registered and starting out. Once you're ready, you can also view our how-to videos that guide you from carrying out your own investigation from start to finish! If you have any questions or need additional help, check out our help sessions, FAQ, or contact us

Stay Updated!

Follow IJAS on our Twitter and Instagram to stay up to date!

IJAS just released a new newsletter for September. Check it out!

If you have any questions, feel free to contact us at studentboardijas@gmail.com!

Save the Date: 2024 IJAS State Exposition

Millikin University: May 3rd & 4th

2023 RESULTS

2023 IJAS Poster Session

2023 IJAS Paper Session 

EPIC & Special Awards


If you have missing poster/paper session certificates, please email Ryan Friel at ryanfriel1998@gmail.com.
Make sure to include your name, school, student names, and project/paper number.

If you have poster/paper session score questions, please email Emily Dawson at emily.dawson77@gmail.com.
Make sure to include your name, school, student names, and project/paper number.

If you received a white/blank certificate it was due to being disqualified for safety violations.
If you received a green participation certificate it was due to a low score below the bronze score cut off.
Gold 100-85, Silver 84-70, Bronze 69-55, Participation 55 & below.