The Texas Science & Engineering Fair (TXSEF) is the state’s premier STEM competition for middle and high school students in Texas. Held each spring at Texas A&M University, TXSEF brings together thousands of young innovators to showcase original research in science, engineering, and technology. It’s a celebration of student creativity, problem-solving, and innovation. With more than 20 project categories, TXSEF even serves as the Texas qualifier for the international Regeneron ISEF competition. By participating, students develop critical STEM skills, build confidence, and gain an edge for college admissions.
How TXSEF Works: School → Regionals → State Fair
Getting to TXSEF is a multi-step journey.
- School or District Fair: Students typically start by entering a local fair in the fall.
- Regional Fair: Winning projects advance to one of the Texas Regional Science & Engineering Fairs held across the state in winter.
- Texas Science & Engineering Fair: Regional winners gather at Texas A&M in late March for the state’s premier STEM competition.
At TXSEF, students compete in two divisions: the Junior Division (grades 6–8) and the Senior Division (grades 9–12). Projects may be entered by an individual or a team of up to three members. Finalists present their work through display boards and interviews with judges. Over 350 experts evaluate projects based on creativity, scientific thought, and presentation. Top winners earn awards at the state level and can qualify for the Regeneron ISEF international competition.
Project Categories
TXSEF includes more than 20 categories across science, technology, and engineering. Here’s the full list:
- Animal Sciences (ANIM)
- Behavioral and Social Sciences (BEHA)
- Biochemistry (BCHM)
- Biomedical and Health Sciences (BMED)
- Biomedical Engineering (ENBM)
- Cellular and Molecular Biology (CELL)
- Chemistry (CHEM)
- Computational Biology and Bioinformatics (CBIO)
- Earth and Environmental Sciences (EAEV)
- Embedded Systems (EBED)
- Energy: Sustainable Materials and Design (EGSD)
- Engineering Technology: Statics and Dynamics (ETSD)
- Environmental Engineering (ENEV)
- Materials Science (MATS)
- Mathematics (MATH)
- Microbiology (MCRO)
- Physics and Astronomy (PHYS)
- Plant Sciences (PLNT)
- Robotics and Intelligent Machines (ROBO)
- Systems Software (SOFT)
- Technology Enhances the Arts (TECA)
- Translational Medical Science (TMED)
This diversity ensures that whether a student is passionate about building apps, studying ecosystems, or exploring human biology, there’s a category that aligns with their interest.
Awards and Recognition
At TXSEF, students compete not only for medals but also for scholarships, special awards, and recognition by STEM organizations. Winning a category or earning a “Best of Fair” award can:
- Strengthen college applications
- Unlock scholarship opportunities
- Provide direct entry to ISEF
Beyond prizes, students also gain invaluable networking opportunities with judges, university faculty, and STEM professionals.
Special awards are also given by universities and organizations for projects that excel in innovation and impact.
Eligibility & Pathway
- Grades 6–12: Any Texas student in middle or high school can enter.
- Regional Requirement: To reach TXSEF, students must qualify through an ISEF-affiliated regional fair.
- Project Rules: Students must follow all display and safety guidelines, especially for projects involving human subjects, animals, or chemicals.
- Teams: Projects may be individual or team-based (up to three students).
General Timeline
The science fair season runs from fall through spring:
- Fall (September–December): Students choose topics, start research, and present at school fairs.
- Regional Fairs (January–March): Regional competitions take place, with top winners advancing to state.
- State Fair – TXSEF (March): Finalists compete at Texas A&M with judging, public exhibitions, and an awards ceremony.
Texas hosts several Regional Science and Engineering Fairs each year, serving as qualifiers for the state and international levels. Below is a complete list of the (2026) competition dates and territories for every regional fair across the state.
| Fair | Competition Dates | Territory |
|---|---|---|
| Alamo Regional Science and Engineering Fair | Feb 21–22 | Atascosa, Bandera, Bexar, Blanco, Burnet, Comal, Dewitt, Dimmit, Edwards, Frio, Gillespie, Goliad, Gonzales, Guadalupe, Hays (except Wimberley HS & Dripping Springs ISD), Karnes, Kendall, Kerr, Kinney, La Salle, Live Oak, Llano, Maverick, McMullen, Medina, Real, Uvalde, Val Verde, Victoria, Webb (Harmony Science Academy & Harmony School of Excellence–Laredo), Wilson, Zavala |
| Beal Bank Dallas Regional Science and Engineering Fair | Feb 28 | Collin, Dallas, Ellis, Fannin, Grayson, Henderson (part), Hunt, Kaufman, Rockwall, Van Zandt (part) |
| Central Texas Science and Engineering Fair | Feb 10–11 | Bell, Bosque, Coryell, Falls, Freestone, Hamilton, Hill, Lampasas, Limestone, McLennan, Milam, Navarro, Robertson |
| Coastal Bend Regional Science Fair | Feb 13–14 | Aransas, Bee, Brooks, Calhoun, Duval, Jim Wells, Kenedy, Kleberg, Nueces, Refugio, San Patricio |
| East Texas Regional Science Fair | Feb 6 | Anderson, Angelina, Bowie, Camp, Cass, Cherokee, Delta, Franklin, Gregg, Harrison, Henderson, Hopkins, Houston, Lamar, Leon, Madison, Marion, Morris, Nacogdoches, Panola, Rains, Red River, Rusk, Sabine, San Augustine, Shelby, Smith, Titus, Upshur, Van Zandt, Wood |
| Fort Worth Regional Science and Engineering Fair | Feb 22–23 | Cooke, Denton, Eastland, Erath, Hood, Johnson, Palo Pinto, Parker, Somervell, Tarrant, Wise |
| Greater Austin Regional Science and Engineering Fair | Feb 18–19 | Bastrop, Brazos, Burleson, Caldwell, Colorado, Comanche, Fayette, Hays (Wimberley HS & Dripping Springs ISD), Lavaca, Lee, Mills, Travis, Washington, Williamson |
| Laredo Independent School District Science Fair | TBD | Laredo ISD in Webb County |
| Permian Basin Regional Science Fair | TBD | Andrews, Borden, Brewster, Crane, Culberson, Ector, Gaines, Glasscock, Howard, Jeff Davis, Loving, Martin, Midland, Mitchell, Pecos, Presidio, Reagan, Reeves, Terrell, Tom Green, Upton, Ward, Winkler, San Angelo City |
| Rio Grande Valley Regional Science and Engineering Fair | Feb 20–21 | Bee, Cameron, Hidalgo, Jim Hogg, Starr, Willacy, Zapata |
| Red River Regional Fair | Feb 12–13 | Archer, Baylor, Clay, Foard, Hardeman, Jack, Knox, Montague, Throckmorton, Wichita, Wilbarger, Young |
| Science & Engineering Fair of Houston | Feb 13–14 | Austin, Brazoria, Chambers, Fort Bend, Galveston, Grimes, Hardin, Harris, Jackson, Jasper, Jefferson, Matagorda, Montgomery, Newton, Orange, Polk, San Jacinto, Trinity, Tyler, Walker, Waller, Wharton |
| South Plains Regional Science and Engineering Fair | TBD | Armstrong, Bailey, Briscoe, Carson, Castro, Childress, Cochran, Collingsworth, Cottle, Crosby, Dallam, Dawson, Deaf Smith, Dickens, Donley, Floyd, Garza, Gray, Hall, Hale, Hansford, Hartley, Hemphill, Hockley, Hutchinson, King, Kent, Lamb, Lipscomb, Lubbock, Lynn, Moore, Motley, Ochiltree, Oldham, Parmer, Potter, Randall, Roberts, Sherman, Swisher, Terry, Wheeler, Yoakum |
| Sun Country Science Fair | Feb 21 | El Paso, Hudspeth |
| United Independent School District Regional Science Fair | TBD | Webb County (except Laredo ISD Harmony Science Academy & Harmony School of Excellence–Laredo) |
Tips for Success
- Choose a Great Topic: Pick a problem you’re passionate about. Creativity and originality stand out.
- Plan and Document: Start months in advance, keep a research log, and follow a clear method.
- Strong Display: Organize your board with clear sections—Question, Method, Results, and Conclusion. Use visuals and graphs.
- Practice Your Pitch: Rehearse explaining your project in 2–3 minutes and prepare for judges’ questions.
- Find Mentors: Teachers and local scientists can provide valuable guidance.
- Show Enthusiasm: Judges value passion and honesty as much as polished data.
Why TXSEF Matters
Participating in TXSEF provides students with experiences that extend beyond the competition itself:
- Research Skills – Students learn how to ask questions, design experiments, and analyze data.
- Presentation Skills – Communicating complex ideas to judges helps students build confidence.
- STEM Exposure – Students gain real-world insights into STEM fields and career paths.
- College Readiness – Competitive science fair participation is a standout achievement for admissions committees.
TXSEF is more than a competition—it’s a platform for young innovators to shine. Whether you’re in middle school discovering science for the first time or a high school student preparing for college, this fair offers opportunities to grow, showcase your work, and gain experiences that last a lifetime.
Fast Forward
The Texas Science & Engineering Fair is more than just an event—it’s a stepping stone to national and international recognition, scholarships, and STEM careers. Whether you are a middle school student curious about science or a high schooler preparing for college, TXSEF offers a platform to challenge yourself, showcase your work, and stand out in the competitive world of STEM competitions.
If you’re aiming for TXSEF, or even ISEF, our team is here to support your journey. Preparing for a competition like TXSEF takes more than just a good idea; it requires mentorship, strategy, and polish. With our two-step approach—preparation and presentation—we help turn your ideas into award-winning projects. Let’s work together to turn your ideas into award-winning projects.
