Student Checklist (1A)

This form is required for ALL projects.

1. a. Student/Team Leader: Grade:

Email: Phone:

b. Team Member: c. Team Member: ______________________________________

2. Title of Project: ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________

3. School: School Phone:

School Address:

4. Adult Sponsor: Phone/Email:

5. Does this project need SRC/IRB/IACUC or other pre-approval? o Yes (Tentative start date: _________ ) o No
■

6. Is this a continuation/progression from a previous year? o Yes o No ■

If Yes:
a. Attach the previous year’s o Abstract and o Research Plan/Project Summary
b. Explain how this project is new and different from previous years on
o Continuation/Research Progression Form (7)

7. This year’s experimentation/data collection:

Actual Start Date: (mm/dd/yy) End Date: (mm/dd/yy)

8. Where will you conduct your experimentation? (check all that apply)
Research Institution o School
o o Field o Home o Other: ________________________

9. Source of Data:
Collected self/mentor o Other Describe/url: _____________________________________________
o

 ist the name and address of all non-home and non-school work site(s), whether you worked there
10. L
virtually or on-site:

Name
Address:

Phone/
email

11. Complete a Research Plan/Project Summary following the Research Plan/Project Summary instructions
must accompany this form.
 n abstract is required for all projects after experimentation.
12. A

Page 32 International Rules: Guidelines for Science and Engineering Fairs 2022–2023, societyforscience.org/ISEF
 Research Plan/Project Summary Instructions
A complete Research Plan/Project Summary is required for ALL projects and
must accompany Student Checklist (1A).

• All projects must have a Research Plan/Project Summary

a. The Research Plan is to be written prior to experimentation following the instructions below to detail the rationale, research
question(s), methodology, and risk assessment of the proposed research.
b. If changes are made during the research, such changes can be added to the original research plan as an addendum, recognizing
that some changes may require returning to the IRB or SRC for appropriate review and approvals. If no additional approvals are
required, this addendum serves as a project summary to explain research that was conducted.
c. If no changes are made from the original research plan, no project summary is required.
d. Some studies, such as an engineering design or mathematics projects, will be less detailed in the initial project plan and will
change through the course of research. If such changes occur, a project summary that explains what was done is required and
can be appended to the original research plan.
• The Research Plan/Project Summary should include the following:
a. RATIONALE: Include a brief synopsis of the background that supports your research problem and explain why this research is
important and if applicable, explain any societal impact of your research.
b. RESEARCH QUESTION(S), HYPOTHESIS(ES), ENGINEERING GOAL(S), EXPECTED OUTCOMES: How is this based on the
rationale described above?
c. Describe the following in detail:
• Procedures: Detail all procedures and experimental design including methods for data collection, and when applicable, the
source of data used. Describe only your project. Do not include work done by mentor or others. If you will use published
surveys, questionnaires or tests, describe how you obtained these, including required permission if applicable.
 isk and Safety: Identify any potential risks and safety precautions needed.
• R
• Data Analysis: Describe the procedures you will use to analyze the data/results.
d. B
IBLIOGRAPHY: List major references (e.g. science journal articles, books, internet sites) from your literature review.
If you plan to use vertebrate animals, one of these references must be an animal care reference.
Items 1–4 below are subject-specific guidelines for additional items to be included in your research plan/project summary as
applicable.
1. Human participants research:

a. Participants: Describe age range, gender, racial/ethnic composition of participants. Identify vulnerable populations (minors,
pregnant women, prisoners, mentally disabled or economically disadvantaged).
b. Recruitment: Where will you find your participants? How will they be invited to participate?
c. Methods: What will participants be asked to do? Will you use any surveys, questionnaires or tests? If yes and not your own, how
did you obtain? Did it require permissions? If so, explain. What is the frequency and length of time involved for each subject?
d. Risk Assessment: What are the risks or potential discomforts (physical, psychological, time involved, social, legal, etc.) to
participants? How will you minimize risks? List any benefits to society or participants.
e. Protection of Privacy: Will identifiable information (e.g., names, telephone numbers, birth dates, email addresses) be collected?
Will data be confidential/anonymous? If anonymous, describe how the data will be collected. If not anonymous, what procedures
are in place for safeguarding confidentiality? Where will data be stored? Who will have access to the data? What will you do with
the data after the study?
f. Informed Consent Process: Describe how you will inform participants about the purpose of the study, what they will be asked to
do, that their participation is voluntary and they have the right to stop at any time.
2. Vertebrate animal research:
a. Discuss potential ALTERNATIVES to vertebrate animal use and present justification for use of vertebrates.
b. Explain potential impact or contribution of this research.
c. Detail all procedures to be used, including methods used to minimize potential discomfort, distress, pain and injury to the
animals and detailed chemical concentrations and drug dosages.
d. Detail animal numbers, species, strain, sex, age, source, etc., include justification of the numbers planned.
e. Describe housing and oversight of daily care.
f. Discuss disposition of the animals at the end of the study.
• Potentially hazardous biological agents research:
a. Give source of the organism and describe BSL assessment process and BSL determination.
b. Detail safety precautions and discuss methods of disposal.
4. Hazardous chemicals, activities & devices:
a. Describe Risk Assessment process, supervision, safety precautions and methods of disposal.
b. Material Safety Data Sheets are not necessary to submit with paperwork.

International Rules: Guidelines for Science and Engineering Fairs 2022–2023, societyforscience.org/ISEF Page 33
 Approval Form (1B)
A completed form is required for each student, including all team members.

1. To Be Completed by Student and Parent

a. Student Acknowledgment:
• I understand the risks and possible dangers to me of the proposed research plan.
• I have read the ISEF Rules and Guidelines and will adhere to all International Rules when conducting
this research.
• I have read and will abide by the science fair ethics statement.
Student researchers are expected to maintain the highest standards of honesty and integrity. Scientific fraud and
misconduct are not condoned at any level of research or competition. Such practices include but are not limited to
plagiarism, forgery, use or presentation of other researcher’s work as one’s own, and fabrication of data. Fraudulent
projects will fail to qualify for competition in affiliated fairs and ISEF.

Student’s Printed Name Signature Date Acknowledged (mm/dd/yy)

(Must be prior to experimentation.)
b. Parent/Guardian Approval: I have read and understand the risks and possible dangers involved in the
Research Plan/Project Summary. I consent to my child participating in this research.

Parent/Guardian’s Printed Name Signature Date Acknowledged (mm/dd/yy)

(Must be prior to experimentation.)

2. To be completed by the local or affiliated Fair SRC

(Required for projects requiring prior SRC/IRB APPROVAL. Sign 2a or 2b as appropriate.)

a. Required for projects that need prior SRC/IRB approval b. Required for research conducted at all Regulated
BEFORE experimentation (humans, vertebrates or Research Institutions with no prior fair SRC/IRB
potentially hazardous biological agents). OR approval.
This project was conducted at a regulated research institution
The SRC/IRB has carefully studied this project’s Research Plan/ (not home or high school, etc.), was reviewed and approved
Project Summary and all the required forms are included. My by the proper institutional board before experimentation and
signature indicates approval of the Research Plan/Project complies with the ISEF Rules. Attach (1C) and any required
Summary before the student begins experimentation. institutional approvals (e.g. IACUC, IRB).

SRC/IRB Chair’s Printed Name

SRC Chair’s Printed Name
Signature Date of Approval (mm/dd/yy)
(Must be prior to experimentation.)
Signature Date of Signature (mm/dd/yy)
(May be after experimentation)

3. Final ISEF Affiliated Fair SRC Approval (Required for ALL Projects)

SRC Approval After Experimentation and Before Competition at Regional/State/National Fair

I certify that this project adheres to the approved Research Plan/Project Summary and complies with all ISEF Rules.

Regional SRC Chair’s Printed Name Signature Date of Approval (mm/dd/yy)

State/National SRC Chair’s Printed Name Signature Date of Approval (mm/dd/yy)

(where applicable)

Page 34 International Rules: Guidelines for Science and Engineering Fairs 2022–2023, societyforscience.org/ISEF
 Checklist for Adult Sponsor (1)
This completed form is required for ALL projects.

To be completed by the Adult Sponsor in collaboration with the student researcher(s):

Student’s Name(s):
Project Title:
1. o I have reviewed the ISEF Rules and Guidelines, including the science fair ethics statement.

2. o I have reviewed the student’s completed Student Checklist (1A) and Research Plan/Project Summary.
3. o I have worked with the student and we have discussed the possible risks involved in the project.
4. o The project involves one or more of the following and requires prior approval by an SRC, IRB, IACUC or IBC:
o Humans Potentially Hazardous Biological Agents
o Vertebrate Animals o Microorganisms o rDNA o Tissues
5. o Items to be completed for ALL PROJECTS
o Adult Sponsor Checklist (1) o Research Plan/Project Summary
o Student Checklist (1A) o Approval Form (1B)
o Regulated Research Institutional/Industrial Setting Form (1C) (when applicable; after completed experiment)
o Continuation/Research Progression Form (7) (when applicable)

Additional forms required if the project includes the use of one or more of the following (check all that apply):
o Humans, including student designed inventions/prototypes. (Requires prior approval by an Institutional Review Board (IRB);
see full text of the rules.)
o Human Participants Form (4) or appropriate Institutional IRB documentation
o Sample of Informed Consent Form (when applicable and/or required by the IRB)
o Qualified Scientist Form (2) (when applicable and/or required by the IRB)
o Vertebrate Animals (Requires prior approval, see full text of the rules.)
o Vertebrate Animal Form (5A) ‑ for projects conducted in a school/home/field research site (SRC prior approval required
o Vertebrate Animal Form (5B) ‑ for projects conducted at a Regulated Research Institution. (Institutional Animal Care and
Use Committee (IACUC) approval required prior experimentation.)
o Qualified Scientist Form (2) (Required for all vertebrate animal projects at a regulated research site or when applicable)
o Potentially Hazardous Biological Agents (Requires prior approval by SRC, IACUC or IBC, see full text of the rules.)
o Potentially Hazardous Biological Agents Risk Assessment Form (6A)
o Human and Vertebrate Animal Tissue Form (6B) ‑ to be completed in addition to Form 6A when project involves the use of
fresh or frozen tissue, primary cell cultures, blood, blood products and body fluids.
o Qualified Scientist Form (2) (when applicable)
o The following are exempt from prior review but require a Risk Assessment Form 3: projects involving protists, archae
and similar microorganisms; projects using manure for composting, fuel production or other non-culturing experiments;
projects using color change coliform water test kits, microbial fuel cells; and projects involving decomposing vertebrate
organisms.

o Hazardous Chemicals, Activities and Devices (No SRC prior approval required, see full text of the rules.)
o Risk Assessment Form (3)
o Qualified Scientist Form (2) (required for projects involving DEA-controlled substances or when applicable)

o Other
o Risk Assessment Form (3)
o I attest to the information checked above and that I have read and agree to abide by the science fair ethics statement.

Adult Sponsor’s Printed Name Signature Date of Review (mm/dd/yy)

Phone Email
International Rules: Guidelines for Science and Engineering Fairs 2022–2023, societyforscience.org/ISEF Page 31
 Regulated Research Institutional/Industrial Setting Form (1C)
This form must be completed AFTER experimentation by the adult supervising the student research
either virtually or on site, conducted in a regulated research institution, industrial setting or
any work site other than home, school or field.

Student’s Name(s)

Title of Project
To be completed by the Supervising Adult in the Setting (NOT the Student(s)) after experimentation:
(Responses must be on the form as it is required to be displayed at student’s project booth; please do not print double-
sided.)

Research was supported at my work site:

1. Did you or your proxy (e.g. graduate student, postdoc, employee) mentor or provide
substantial guidance to the student researcher? o Yes o No
■

a. If yes, complete questions 2 –5

b. If no, describe your and/or your institution’s role with the student researcher and
his/her project (e.g. supervised use of equipment on site without ongoing mentorship
and sign below).

2. Is the student’s research project a subset of your ongoing research or work? o Yes o No
■

Use questions 3, 4 and 5 to detail how the student’s project was similar and/or
different from ongoing research or work at your site. If this project is under a grant and needs
to be acknowledged, please list the grant statement here.

3. Describe the independence and creativity with which the student:

a. developed the hypotheses or engineering goals for the research project

b. designed the methodology for his/her research project

c. analyzed and interpreted data

(Continued on next page)

International Rules: Guidelines for Science and Engineering Fairs 2022–2023, societyforscience.org/ISEF Page 35
 Regulated Research Institutional/Industrial Setting Form (1C)
Continued

Student’s Name(s)

4. Detail the student’s role in conducting the research (e.g. data collection, specific procedures
performed). Differentiate what the student observed and what the student actually did.

5. Did the student(s) work on the project as part of a group? o Yes o No

If yes, how many individuals were in the group and who were they (e.g. high school
students, graduate students, faculty, professional researchers)?

I attest that the student has conducted the work as indicated above and that any required review and approval
by institutional regulatory board (IRB/IACUC/IBC) has been obtained. Copies are attached if applicable. I further
acknowledge that the student will be presenting this work publicly in competition and I have communicated with
the student research regarding any requirements for my review and/or restrictions of what is publicized.

Supervising Adult’s Printed Name Signature Title

Institution Date Signed (must be after experimenta-

tion) (mm/dd/yy)

Address Email/Phone

Page 36 International Rules: Guidelines for Science and Engineering Fairs 2022–2023, societyforscience.org/ISEF
 Qualified Scientist Form (2)
May be required for research involving human participants, vertebrate animals, potentially hazardous
biological agents, and hazardous chemicals, activities and devices. Must be completed and signed before
the start of student experimentation.

Student’s Name(s)

Title of Project

To be completed by the Qualified Scientist:

Scientist Name:
Educational Background: Degree(s):
Experience/Training as relates to the student’s area of research:

Position/Institution: Email/Phone:

1. Have you reviewed the ISEF rules relevant to this project and the science o Yes o No
fair ethics statement relevant to this project?

2. Will any of the following be used?

a. Human participants o Yes o No
b. Vertebrate animals o Yes o No
c. Potentially hazardous biological agents (microorganisms, rDNA and o Yes o No
tissues, including blood and blood products)
d. Hazardous substances and devices o Yes o No

3. Will this study be a sub-set of a larger study? o Yes o No

4. Will you directly supervise the student? o Yes o No
a. If no, who will directly supervise and serve as the Designated Supervisor?
b. Experience/Training of the Designated Supervisor:

To be completed by the Qualified Scientist: To be completed by the Designated Supervisor

when the Qualified Scientist cannot directly
I certify that I have reviewed and approved the Research Plan/
Project Summary prior to the start of the experimentation. supervise.
If the student or Designated Supervisor is not trained in the
I certify that I have reviewed the Research Plan and have been
necessary procedures, I will ensure her/his training. I will
trained in the techniques to be used by this student, and I will
provide advice and supervision during the research. I have
provide direct supervision.
a working knowledge of the techniques to be used by the
student in the Research Plan. I understand that a Designated
Supervisor is required when the student is not conducting
experimentation under my direct supervision. Designated Supervisor’s Printed Name

Qualified Scientist’s Printed Name

Signature Date of Approval (mm/dd/yy)

Signature Date of Approval (mm/dd/yy)

Phone Email

International Rules: Guidelines for Science and Engineering Fairs 2022–2023, societyforscience.org/ISEF Page 37
 Risk Assessment Form (3)
Must be completed before experimentation. Required for projects involving hazardous chemicals,
activities or devices and may be needed by other projects.

Student’s Name(s)
Title of Project

To be completed by the Student Researcher(s) in collaboration with Designated Supervisor/Qualified

Scientist: (All questions must be answered; additional page(s) may be attached.)

1. Identify and assess the risks and hazards involved in this project.

2. a) List all hazardous chemicals, activities or devices to be used; b) identify and list all microorganisms to be used that
are exempt from pre-approval (see Potentially Hazardous Biological Agent rules).

3. Describe the safety precautions and procedures that will be used to reduce the risks.

4. Describe the disposal procedures that will be used (when applicable).

5. List the source(s) of safety information.

To be completed and signed by the Designated Supervisor (or Qualified Scientist, when applicable):
I agree with the risk assessment and safety precautions and procedures described above. I certify that I have reviewed the
Research Plan and the International Rules, including the science fair ethics statement and will provide direct supervision.

Designated Supervisor’s Printed Name Signature Date of Review (mm/dd/yy)

Experience/Training as relates to the student’s area of research

Position/Institution Phone or email contact information

Page 38 International Rules: Guidelines for Science and Engineering Fairs 2022–2023, societyforscience.org/ISEF
 Human Participants Form (4)
Required for all research involving human participants not at a Regulated Research Institution.
If at a Regulated Research Institution, use institutional approval forms for documentation
of prior review and approval. (IRB approval required before recruitment or data collection.)

Student’s Name(s) Title of Project

Adult Sponsor Phone/Email

MUST BE COMPLETED BY STUDENT RESEARCHER(S) IN COLLABORATION WITH THE ADULT SPONSOR/DESIGNATED SUPERVISOR/QUALIFIED
SCIENTIST:
1. o I have submitted my Research Plan/Project Summary which addresses ALL areas indicated in the Human Participants Section of the
Research Plan/Project Summary Instructions.
2. o I have attached any surveys or questionnaires I will be using in my project or other documents provided to human participants.
o Any published instrument(s) used was /were legally obtained.
3. o I have attached an informed consent that I would use if required by the IRB.
4. o Yes o No Are you working with a Qualified Scientist? If yes, attach the Qualified Scientist Form 2.

BELOW  –  IRB USE ONLY

MUST BE COMPLETED BY INSTITUTIONAL REVIEW BOARD (IRB) AFTER REVIEW OF THE RESEARCH PLAN. ALL QUESTIONS
MUST BE ANSWERED FOR THE APPROVAL TO BE VALID. (IF NOT APPROVED, RETURN PAPERWORK TO THE STUDENT WITH
INSTRUCTIONS FOR MODIFICATIONS.)
o Approved with Full Committee Review (3 signatures required) and the following conditions: (All 6 must be answered)
1. Risk Level (check one) : o Minimal Risk o More than Minimal Risk
2. Qualified Scientist (QS) Required (Form 2): o Yes o No
3. Risk Assessment Required (Form 3): o Yes o No
4. Written Minor Assent required for minor participants:
o Yes o No o Not applicable (No minors in this study)
5. Written Parental Permission required for minor participants:
o Yes o No o Not applicable (No minors in this study)
6. Written Informed Consent required for participants 18 years or older:
o Yes o No o Not applicable (No participants 18 yrs or older in this study)

IRB SIGNATURES (All 3 signatures required) None of these individuals may be the adult sponsor, designated supervisor, qualified
scientist or related to (e.g., mother, father of) the student (conflict of interest).
I attest that I have reviewed the student’s project, that the checkboxes above have been completed to indicate the IRB
determination and that I agree with the decisions above.
Medical or Mental Health Professional (a psychologist, medical doctor, licensed social worker, licensed clinical professional counselor,
physician’s assistant, doctor of pharmacy, or registered nurse) with expertise related to this project.

Printed Name Degree/Professional License

Signature Date of Approval (Must be prior to experimentation.) (mm/dd/yy)

Educator

Printed Name Degree/Professional License

Signature Date of Approval (Must be prior to experimentation.) (mm/dd/yy)

School Administrator

Printed Name Degree/Professional License

Signature Date of Approval (Must be prior to experimentation.) (mm/dd/yy)

International Rules: Guidelines for Science and Engineering Fairs 2022–2023, societyforscience.org/ISEF Page 39
 Human Informed Consent Form

Instructions to the Student Researcher(s): An informed consent/assent/permission form should be developed in

consultation with the Adult Sponsor, Designated Supervisor or Qualified Scientist.
This form is used to provide information to the research participant (or parent/guardian) and to document written
informed consent, minor assent, and/or parental permission.
• When written documentation is required, the researcher keeps the original, signed form.
• Students may use this sample form or may copy ALL elements of it into a new document.
If the form is serving to document parental permission, a copy of any survey or questionnaire must be attached.

Student Researcher(s):
Title of Project:

You are being asked to volunteer to participate in this science project. If you would like to participate, please sign in the
appropriate area below.

Purpose of the project:

If you participate, you will be asked to:

Time required for participation:

Potential Risks of Study:

Benefits:

How confidentiality will be maintained:

If you have any questions about this study, feel free to contact:

Adult Sponsor/QS/DS ____________________________________ Phone/email _____________________________________________________________

Voluntary Participation:
Participation in this study is completely voluntary. There will be no negative consequences if you decide not to
participate, stop participating, or refuse to answer any question.

By signing this form I am attesting that I have read and understand the information above and I freely give my consent/
assent to participate or permission for my child to participate.

Adult Informed Consent or Minor Assent Date Reviewed & Signed ________________________________________________
(mm/dd/yy)

Research Participant Printed Name Signature:

Parental/Guardian Permission (if applicable) Date Reviewed & Signed

(mm/dd/yy)

Parent/Guardian Printed Name Signature

Page 40 International Rules: Guidelines for Science and Engineering Fairs 2022–2023, societyforscience.org/ISEF
 Vertebrate Animal Form (5A)
Required for all research involving vertebrate animals that is conducted in a school/home/field research site.
(SRC approval required before experimentation.)

Student’s Name(s)

Title of Project

To be completed by Student Researcher:

1. Common name (or Genus, species) and number of animals used.

2. Describe completely the housing and husbandry to be provided. Include the cage/pen size, number of animals
per cage, environment, bedding, type of food, frequency of food and water, how often animal is observed, etc.
Add an additional page as necessary.

3. What will happen to the animals after experimentation?

4. Attach a copy of wildlife licenses or approval forms, as applicable

5. The ISEF Vertebrate Animal Rules require that any death, illness or unexpected weight loss be investigated
and documented by a letter from the qualified scientist, designated supervisor or a veterinarian. If applicable,
include this letter after this form when submitting your paperwork to the SRC prior to competition.

To be completed by Local or Affiliate Fair Scientific Review Committee (SRC) BEFORE experimentation.
Level of Supervision Required for agricultural, behavioral or nutritional studies (select one):
o Designated Supervisor REQUIRED. Please have applicable person sign below.
o Veterinarian and Designated Supervisor REQUIRED. Please have applicable persons sign below.
o Veterinarian, Designated Supervisor and Qualified Scientist REQUIRED. Please have applicable persons sign below and have the
Qualified Scientist complete Form (2).
The SRC has carefully reviewed this study and finds it is an appropriate study that may be conducted in a non-regulated research site.
Local or Affiliate Fair SRC Pre-Approval Signature:

SRC Chair Printed Name Signature Date of Approval (must be prior to

experimentation) (mm/dd/yy)

To be completed by Veterinarian: To be completed by Designated Supervisor or

Qualified Scientist when applicable:
o I have reviewed this research and animal husbandry with
the student before the start of experimentation. o I have reviewed this research and animal husbandry with
the student before the start of experimentation and I
o I have approved the use and dosages of prescription accept primary responsibility for the care and handling
drugs and/or nutritional supplements. of the animals in this project.
o I will provide veterinary medical and nursing care in case o I will directly supervise the experiment.
of illness or emergency. (Fees may apply.)

Printed Name Email/Phone Printed Name Email/Phone

Signature Date of Approval (mm/dd/yy) Signature Date of Approval (mm/dd/yy)

International Rules: Guidelines for Science and Engineering Fairs 2022–2023, societyforscience.org/ISEF Page 41
 Vertebrate Animal Form (5B)
Required for all research involving vertebrate animals that is conducted in at a Regulated Research Institution.
(IACUC approval required before experimentation. Form must be completed and signed after experimentation.)

Student’s Name(s)

Title of Project
Title and Protocol Number of IACUC Approved Project

To be completed by Qualified Scientist or Principal Investigator:

1. Species of animals used: Number of animals used:

2. Describe, in detail, the role of the student in this project: animal procedures and related equipment that
were involved, oversight provided and safety precautions employed. (Attach extra pages if necessary.)

3. Was there any weight loss or death of any animal? If yes, attach a letter obtained from the qualified scientist,
designated supervisor or a veterinarian documenting the situation and the results of the investigation.

4. Did the student’s project also involve the use of tissues?

o No
o Yes; Forms 6A and 6B were completed and approved PRIOR to experimentation.

5. What laboratory training, including dates, was provided to the student?

6. Attach a copy of the Regulated Research Institution IACUC Approval. A letter from the Qualified Scientist
or Principal Investigator is not sufficient.

Qualified Scientist/Principal Investigator

Printed Name

Signature Date (mm/dd/yy)

Page 42 International Rules: Guidelines for Science and Engineering Fairs 2022–2023, societyforscience.org/ISEF
 Potentially Hazardous Biological Agents Risk Assessment Form (6A)
Required for research involving microorganisms, rDNA and other vertebrate fresh/frozen tissue, blood,
blood products and body fluids.
SRC/IACUC/IBC approval required before experimentation.

Student’s Name(s)

Title of Project
To be completed by the QUALIFIED SCIENTIST/DESIGNATED SUPERVISOR in collaboration with the student
researcher(s). All questions are applicable and must be answered; additional page(s) may be attached.
SECTION 1: PROJECT ASSESSMENT
1. Identify potentially hazardous biological agents to be used in this experiment. Include the source, quantity and the
biosafety level risk group of each microorganism.

2. Describe the site of experimentation including the level of biological containment.

3. Describe the procedures that will be used to minimize risk (personal protective equipment, hood type, etc.).

4. What final biosafety level do you recommend for this project given the risk assessment you conducted?

5. Describe the method of disposal of all cultured materials and other potentially hazardous biological agents.

SECTION 2: TRAINING
1. What training will the student receive for this project?

2. Experience/training of Designated Supervisor as it relates to the student’s area of research (if applicable).

SECTION 3: For ALL CELL LINES, MICROORGANISMS AND TISSUES – To be completed by the QUALIFIED SCIENTIST or
DESIGNATED SUPERVISOR - Check the appropriate box(es) below:
o Experimentation on the microorganisms/cell lines/tissues to be used in this study will NOT be conducted at a Regulated
Research Institution, but will be conducted at a (check one) ___BSL-1 or ___BSL-2 laboratory (include a copy of the checklist
for BSL-2). [This study has been reviewed by the local SRC and the procedures have been approved prior
to experimentation.]

o Experimentation on the microorganisms/cell lines/tissues to be used in this study will be conducted at a Regulated
Research Institution and was approved by the appropriate institutional board prior to experimentation; institutional approval
forms are attached.
Origin of cell lines:__________________________________________ Date of IACUC/IBC approval ___________________________

o Experimentation on the microorganisms/cell lines/tissues to be used in this study will be conducted at a Regulated
Research Institution, which does not require pre-approval for this type of study. The SRC has seen and approved the
research plan and supporting documentation and acknowledges the accuracy of the responses above.

CERTIFICATION – To be SIGNED by the QUALIFIED SCIENTIST or DESIGNATED SUPERVISOR

The QS/DS has seen this project’s research plan and supporting documentation and acknowledges the accuracy of the information
provided above. This study has been approved as a (check one) o BSL-1/ o  
BSL-2 study, and will be conducted in an appropriate
laboratory.

QS/DS Printed Name Signature Date of review (mm/dd/yy)

SECTION 4: CERTIFICATION – To be completed by the LOCAL or AFFILIATED FAIR SRC

The SRC has seen this project’s research plan and supporting documentation and acknowledges the accuracy of the information provided.

SRC Printed Name Signature Date of review (mm/dd/yy)

International Rules: Guidelines for Science and Engineering Fairs 2022–2023, societyforscience.org/ISEF Page 43
 Human and Vertebrate Animal Tissue Form (6B)
Required for research involving fresh/frozen tissue (including primary cell lines, human and other primate established cell lines
and tissue cultures), blood, blood products and body fluids. If the research involves living organisms please ensure that the
proper human or animal forms are completed. All projects using any tissue listed above must also complete Form 6A.

Student’s Name(s)

Title of Project

To be completed by Student Researcher(s):

1. What vertebrate animal tissue will be used in this study? Check all that apply.
o Fresh or frozen tissue sample
o Fresh organ or other body part
o Blood
o Body fluids
o Primary cell/tissue cultures
o Human or other primate established cell lines
o Other

2. Where will the above tissue(s) be obtained? If using an established cell line include source and catalog number.

3. If the tissue will be obtained from a vertebrate animal study conducted at a research institution attach a copy
of the IACUC certification with the name of the research institution, the title of the study, the IACUC approval
number and a copy of IACUC approval.

To be completed by the Qualified Scientist or Designated Supervisor:

o I verify that the student will work solely with organs, tissues, cultures or cells that will be supplied to him/her by myself
or qualified personnel from the laboratory; and that if vertebrate animals were euthanized they were euthanized for a
purpose other than the student’s research.
AND/OR
o I certify that the blood, blood products, tissues or body fluids in this project will be handled in accordance with the
standards and guidance set forth in U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Act, 29CFR, Subpart Z, 1910.1030 - Blood Borne
Pathogens.

Printed Name Signature Date of Approval (mm/dd/yy)

(Must be prior to experimentation.)

Title Phone/Email

Institution

Page 44 International Rules: Guidelines for Science and Engineering Fairs 2022–2023, societyforscience.org/ISEF
 Continuation/Research Progression Projects Form (7)
Required for projects that are a continuation/progression in the same field of study as a previous project.
This form must be accompanied by the previous year’s abstract and Research Plan/Project Summary.
Student’s Name(s)

To be completed by Student Researcher(s): List all components of the current project that make it new and different from
previous research. The information must be on the form; use an additional form for previous year and earlier projects.

Components Current Research Project Previous Research Project: Year: ________

1. Title

2. Change in goal/
purpose/objec-
tive

3. Changes in
methodology

4. Variable studied

5. Additional
changes

Attached are:
o Abstract and Research Plan/Project Summary, Year _______________

I/we hereby certify that the above information is correct and that the current year Abstract & Certification and project display
board properly reflect work done only in the current year.

Student’s Printed Name(s) Signature Date of Signature (mm/dd/yy)

International Rules: Guidelines for Science and Engineering Fairs 2022–2023, societyforscience.org/ISEF Page 45