The Northeastern Ohio Science and Engineering Fair (NEOSEF) will be held at Lakeland Community College from March 9-12, 2026.

The fair, which has been held annually since 1953, provides an opportunity for 7th-12th grade students to present their science and engineering projects, discuss their research with judges, and compete for more than $30,000 in prizes. This is the first time NEOSEF will take place at a community college.

“NEOSEF is critical for fostering STEM interest, teaching students healthy competition, and giving them opportunities for experimentation and discovery in science and engineering,” says Sunil Ahuja, Ph.D., President, Lakeland Community College. “We couldn’t be happier that NEOSEF selected Lakeland to host this hallmark event in students’ academic careers.”

NEOSEF selects students to move on to the next levels of competition, such as the International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) and the Thermo Fisher Junior Innovators Challenge. The five best projects win an all-expense paid trip for the student and their chaperone to attend the Regeneron ISEF in May 9-15, 2026, at the Phoenix Convention Center.

• Public viewing on March 10, 6:30-9 p.m. and March 12, 3:30-6:30 p.m.

• Awards ceremony March 12 6:30-9 p.m.

“Please join us for the public viewing of our region’s science and engineering projects and the awards ceremony that evening,” says Oanh Loi-Powell, NEOSEF board president. “Participating students deserve the support of the community. We should be immensely proud of them.”

Complete information about participating, judging, or viewing the projects is available at the NEOSEF website, www.neosef.org.

By: Jessica Tremayne, Chief Public Relations Officer