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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.

GSEF 2026 Judge Application
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 masters degree in a STEM field and six years of research or professional experience in STEM

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

Judges are assigned to either the Junior Division or the Senior Division. The following is an overview of the GSEF judging process; for full details, see GSEF Judge Roles & Schedule.

Junior Division judges interview students in grades 6-8 and work from about 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Junior Division judges include first-timers and many experienced judges who enjoy judging in this age group.

Senior Division judges interview students in grades 9-12 and are assigned as Tier I, II, or III, depending on prior judging experience and preference. Senior Division judges report at 9:00 a.m.; end times vary by Tier.

Judge applicants are asked to indicate the Division(s)/Tier(s) they are qualified for and interested in judging. Division assignments are based on indicated preference and where judges are needed most.

Know a colleague who may be interested in joining the GSEF judging team? Share the Call for Judges flyer.