[ST. PAUL, MN, March 13, 2025] - Approximately 400 Minnesota students will compete in the 88th annual Minnesota State Science & Engineering Fair (MSSEF) on March 28 at the Legendary Roy Wilkins Auditorium. Participating students in grades 6-12 advanced from regional science fairs throughout Minnesota to compete in this prestigious science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) event. MSSEF is proudly organized by the Minnesota Academy of Science (MAS).
“The State Science Fair unites students and STEM professionals from across Minnesota to celebrate their achievements and encourage future success,” says Liz Buhmann, MSSEF Program Director. “Completing a Science Fair project provides students with valuable opportunities to engage in every stage of the scientific process. As STEM careers continue to expand and shape our communities, research and communication skills developed through the Science Fair are critical to equipping Minnesota students with the tools needed to pursue careers in these fields.”
During MSSEF, STEM professionals from some of Minnesota’s top companies serve as judges to determine award winners. “A key aspect of Science Fair is the interaction between students and judges,” says Kristen Barry, MAS Executive Director. “Presenting their projects to professional scientists provides students with valuable validation and important feedback, encouraging them to continue exploring solutions to the questions that matter to them. Ultimately, this benefits everyone.”
Science Fair projects will be open for a public viewing on March 28 from 3:30 pm to 4:30 pm at the Roy Wilkins Auditorium. Dozens of companies and organizations—including Medtronic, 3M, Beckman Coulter, Bolton & Menk, Broadcom Foundation, Ecolab, Institute of Food Technologists (Minnesota Section), and Land O’ Lakes—give awards valued at a total of more than $20,000. MAS will announce several top awards during an awards reception at the Roy Wilkins Auditorium on March 28. The rest of the awards will be presented during a live virtual awards ceremony on March 30 at 2:00 pm. All award results will be posted at mnmas.org following the awards ceremony.
The Regeneron International Science & Engineering Fair (ISEF) Award, which recognizes top high school projects, is a prestigious prize awarded at MSSEF. ISEF is the world’s largest pre-college science competition, where nearly 2,000 students from around the world showcase their research. This year’s ISEF competition will be held in Columbus, Ohio, from May 10-16.
The Minnesota State Science & Engineering Fair is a program of the Minnesota Academy of Science. Medtronic is the event’s Premier Sponsor. Additional support comes from the Alliance for Volunteer Advancement / Americorps Volunteer Generation Fund, the Broadcom Foundation, and other generous sponsors and donors.
