COVID-19 Announcements

May 12, 2020 — The Department of Energy announced they will hold National Science Bowl® (NSB) finals virtually on June 5 and 6. Both MN regional champions made it into the top 32 teams at each level, qualifying for the finals.

May 6, 2020 — The Society for Science & the Public and Regeneron announced all are welcome to attend a Virtual ISEF May 18 -22 with speakers.

April 24, 2020 — Governor Walz announced that MN schools will be closed the rest of the year.

March 23, 2020 — The Society for Science & the Public and Regeneron made the difficult decision to cancel the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) 2020, scheduled for May 10-15 in Anaheim, California. Read more.

March 17, 2020 — The Department of Energy (DOE) cancelled the National Science Bowl® (NSB) finals scheduled to occur in Washington, DC, on April 30 - May 4, 2020. The DOE is currently assessing the feasibility of a smaller-scale academic event for the 2020 regional winners to be conducted through virtual or teleconference participation.

March 16, 2020 — MAS announced that the Winchell Undergraduate Research Symposium is cancelled. MAS will send details to participants, volunteers, and sponsors.

March 15, 2020 — The CDC, in accordance with its guidance for large events and mass gatherings, recommends that for the next 8 weeks, organizers cancel or postpone in-person events that consist of 50 people or more throughout the United States.

March 15, 2020 — Governor Tim Walz authorized the temporary closure of Minnesota K-12 public schools to students (Executive Order 20-02). Schools will be closed to students by Wednesday, March 18 through Friday, March 27.

March 13, 2020 — With great disappointment the Minnesota Academy of Science announced several cancellations and changes to our upcoming Spring events due to the current Coronavirus health crisis. We made these decisions with the health and safety of our participants and volunteers in mind. We must also ensure that our statewide competitions and events are accessible and fair for all students, to the extent this is under our control. We ask for your patience as we work through the details and get information to those who need it as soon as possible.

CURRENT EVENT STATUS:

Junior Science & Humanities Symposium (previously scheduled for March 26, 2020) - Our regional competition was held virtually. MAS sent participants, volunteers, and adult registrants details and instructions on March 13, 2020. The National JSHS (April 15-17, 2020) was held virtually.

State Science & Engineering Fair (previously scheduled for March 26-28, 2020)- This statewide competition was held virtually. MAS sent participants, volunteers, and adult registrants details and instructions on March 13, 2020. ISEF is cancelled.

Open House Showcase for Science Fair Supporters (previously scheduled for March 26, 2020) - This event was cancelled. Registrants received notification through Eventbrite.

Trivia Night Fundraiser & Silent Auction to Support Science Fair (previously scheduled for March 27, 2020) - These fundraisers are being rescheduled. Ticket holders and donors will receive notification and further information through Eventbrite or from the event coordinators.

Winchell Undergraduate Research Symposium (previously scheduled for April 25, 2020) - This event is cancelled.

Cancellation Policy & Refunds

SSEF: MAS worked hard to ensure that all aspects of the Science Fair included in the in-person format were reflected in the virtual format in some way, as much as possible. Students were still able to win awards, qualify as an ISEF Finalist, and receive feedback from judges. We reduced the fee for all participants to $100 and gave a $35 refund to all students who paid the full $135 fee. Registered adults may receive a full refund. Questions or extenuating circumstances? Contact info@mnmas.org.

Winchell: All registrants will receive full refunds.

NOTE: MAS was not be able to process any refunds until after JSHS & SSEF were concluded.