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Georgia Science and Engineering Fair

Be a Volunteer Judge

Investments in the education and support of our nation’s most promising young researchers are necessary to solve the challenges in areas such as energy, healthcare, the environment, and global security. By joining the GSEF judging team, you will be helping Georgia’s talented youth gain the knowledge, skills, and confidence to pursue STEM careers and make unprecedented advancements toward a better world.

Judging will take place on Friday, March 27, 2026 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (times vary by role) at The Classic Center (Opens in a new window) in downtown Athens. See below for judge qualifications, roles, and schedule.

The 2026 GSEF Judge Application will be available on this page by October 1.

Three students at the Georgia Science and Engineering Fair

Judge Qualifications

Junior and Senior Division Judges must have a minimum of a Bachelor’s in a STEM field or significant research experience in a relevant professional setting.

Senior Division (Grades 9-12)

  1. terminal degree (PhD, MD, DDS, DVM, etc.); or
  2. substantial research experience in a PhD program in a STEM discipline; or
  3. bachelor’s or master’s degree and a minimum of six years of professional experience in a relevant discipline

Junior Division (Grades 6-8)

  1. any of the Senior Division qualifications; or
  2. research experience in a relevant professional or industrial setting; or
  3. graduate standing in a discipline related to a GSEF Project Category or in a relevant education program;
    or
  4. significant progress toward, or completion, of an undergraduate degree in a STEM field with significant experience working with youth in STEM (additional info may be requested)

Judge Roles & Schedule

The following is an overview of the GSEF judging roles. Junior Division judges interview students in grades 6 – 8, and Senior Division judges interview students in grades 9 – 12. Senior Division judges are assigned as Tier I, II, or III, depending on prior judging experience and preference.

Judge applicants are asked to select the Division(s)/Tier(s) they are qualified for and interested in judging. Division assignments will be based on indicated preference and determined need areas.

Please refer to last year’s Call for Judges for an overview of the judging process and volunteer expectations. Please note that adjustments may be made for the 2026 event; updated information will be posted to this page by October 1.