The newest version of the NVSEF  will be rolled out for the 2025 school year. If your departments are already doing a science fair or engineering fair, why not join an international cadre of teachers and schools?  Check out the Alumni list of schools that are participating or have participated in the past. Your school may already be on that list.

The NESA Virtual Science & Engineering Fair (NVSEF) is an exciting event with over two decades of history. Since 2002, more than 30,000 students from Grades 5-8 in NESA schools and beyond have participated, fostering their passion for science and engineering. During the 2024-2025 school year, over 350 teams competed from 15 schools

The hybrid format combines the authenticity of a hands-on scientific discovery at your own local science fair with a virtual international connection that brings schools together throughout the NESA region and beyond in a championship venue. The NVSEF is the perfect platform to share student research and ideas.

If you're already involved in a science/engineering fair at your school, take your journey to the next level with NVSEF. Celebrate the wonder of science and engineering with other NESA students and teachers!

Need to know some more....Jump to our FAQ list

DIVISIONS

• • NVSEF Junior Varsity (Grades 5-6)

  • NVSEF Varsity (Grades 7-8)

THE COMPETITION – 3 QUALIFYING ROUNDS

ROUND 1 (November 10, 2025 - April 10, 2026)

Each school holds its own local science fair to select top teams that advance to Round II.

ROUND 2 (April 12, 2026 - May 7, 2026)

This round is entirely virtual. Teams submit their research reports, short team videos, and answers to four well-developed questions about their research process. These entries are judged online using a rubric that assesses understanding and analysis, background knowledge, use of scientific vocabulary, and communication of ideas. From approximately 80 finalists, the top 5 teams are selected.

ROUND 3 (May 12, 2026 - May 25, 2026)

This final round involves expert judges, led by Dr. Eric Brunsell from The University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, who assess and rank the Junior Varsity teams. For the Varsity teams, Dr. Brunsell adds a final question to each team’s research, challenging students to revisit and enhance their work based on existing data. A team of nine scientists and engineers then ranks these teams.

NVSEF winners (first through fifth place) for the two divisions are announced and certificates distributed at the annual NESA Fall Leadership Conference.

BENEFITS FOR STUDENTS

The NVSEF...

• • Provides a platform for students to showcase their scientific and engineering projects;

  • Fosters innovation and a deeper understanding of the scientific method and engineering process;

  • Promotes scientific and engineering habits of mind;

  • Provides opportunities for students to learn research/investigative skills in science and engineering;

  • Highlights student work as examples of their potential as future leaders in scientific and engineering fields;

  • Gives students a forum to demonstrate remarkable levels of dedication, creativity, and understanding.

BENEFITS FOR TEACHERS

• • Gain valuable experience and insights into the world of science and engineering events;

  • Connect with like-minded peers and mentors from other NESA schools;

  • Be challenged to meet the exciting research questions posed by your students;

  • Learn, grow, and inspire your students to explore the wonders of science.

  • Experience quality professional development in science education at the annual online teacher training seminar (see below).

TRAINING SEMINAR FOR TEACHER ADVISORS

The NVSEF Training Workshops will be held this year in Athens.  The Attica Zoological Park will host our meeting in their education centre. The dates of the workshops are October 30-31 (Thursday and Friday).  Come join us as we discuss the local ad hybrid sections of the NVSEF. As a treat, the Attica Zoo Staff, under the direction of Dragana Zouri, will host several workshops at the zoo with different animals.

Fee to Participate: USD 1,500 (includes the school  participation fee and attendance to the workshop.)

Some new changes.....

We're thrilled to announce exciting updates to our "Ask a Scientist" and "Ask an Expert" programs! 🚀 Now, your students can channel their curiosity through an AI-powered application, unlocking a whole new way to explore science and engineering ideas. Imagine the possibilities—AI at their fingertips to dive deep into any topic! But don't worry, the option to chat with a real, live expert isn't going anywhere. Stay tuned for more details on how to bring this innovative tool into your classroom! 🎉