TOP MINNESOTA STUDENTS PARTICIPATE IN VIRTUAL STATE SCIENCE FAIR
Over 300 students advance to present original STEM research and compete for awards 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE [ST. PAUL, MN, March 18, 2021] - More than 300 middle and high school students from across Minnesota will compete virtually in the 84th annual Minnesota State Science & Engineering Fair (MSSEF) from March 23-30. Participants were selected from students in grades 6-12 competing at regional science fairs. The annual event is hosted by the Minnesota Academy of Science (MAS). 

“Interestingly, many of this year’s projects reflect scientific contributions to the pandemic such as the effectiveness of masks or disinfectants. Students have used their passion and knowledge of STEM to respond to the concerns of the greater community, which is both impressive and hopeful,” said Program Director Sara Gomez. “Each of the young researchers competing in this year’s fair have overcome the educational challenges brought on by the pandemic and have produced truly excellent projects.”

Science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) professionals serving as judges will review student videos and abstracts to provide feedback and determine award winners. Forty companies and organizations, including Seagate, Ecolab, and the Broadcom Foundation, will award more than $22,000 in cash prizes as well as other valuable awards. Winners of some of the top prizes will be announced in a live virtual awards ceremony on March 30 and all winners of the more than 120 awards will subsequently be posted at mnmas.org.

The most valuable prize remains the Regeneron International Science & Engineering Fair (ISEF) Award, recognizing up to five of the top high school projects. 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 virtually in May. 

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The Minnesota State Science & Engineering Fair is a program of the Minnesota Academy of Science sponsored by Seagate Technology, the Minnesota Department of Education, Ecolab, Broadcom Foundation, General Mills, and the Hardenbergh Foundation.

Emily Shepard, MAS Communications Specialist

Sara Gomez, MSSEF Program Director

Lara Maupin, MAS Executive Director