SCIENTIFIC AND INSTITUTIONAL REVIEW
Senior Division (grades 9-12) Projects Only
The Arizona Science and Engineering Fair (AzSEF) follows all Intel International Science and Engineering
Fair (ISEF) rules and guidelines, as an affiliated fair through the Society for Science and the Public.
AzSEF requires Intel ISEF paperwork for all senior division students (grades 9-12). Please read the
following instructions for successful participation at AzSEF. Failure to follow the directions and submit the
appropriate forms and paperwork will result in a project’s inability to compete at AzSEF and Intel ISEF.
Every eligible Senior project that aims to participate in AzSEF is required to fill out Intel ISEF forms related
to their project (teams submit together as one), as multiple signatures are required before experimentation
begins on any project. All projects involving Human Subjects, Vertebrate Animals, Hazardous Materials,
and/or Potentially Hazardous Biological Agents MUST obtain project approval by an Institutional Review Board
(IRB) or AzSEF Scientific Review Committee (SRC) prior to starting the project. Failure to obtain prior
approval will result in disqualification at AzSEF. If your school does not have an IRB, contact
azsef_src@azscience.org for assistance.
Please complete the ISEF Rules Wizard in order to find out what forms you are required to submit. If your
forms require Scientific Review Committee (SRC) or Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval you will
need to submit them before you begin your experimentation. Failure to obtain prior approval will result in
being unable to compete at AzSEF and Intel ISEF. Please follow these general steps to submit your forms:
Step 1
Complete the ISEF Rules Wizard by answering few questions about your project to the best of your ability.
Step 2
After you complete the ISEF Rules Wizard you will be presented with a list of forms that are required for
your project based on the answers you have provided. Save each form to your computer in a location
where you can easily find them.
Step 3
Fill out all the required ISEF paperwork for your project. Don't forget to save as you go.
Step 4
If your forms require SRC or IRB approval, submit them to your regional committee for review (if your
school/district has an IRB, start there – they will refer you to the AzSEF SRC if required). Only after you
have received approval from your IRB and/or SRC may you begin your experiment. If your school does not
have an IRB, submit the completed forms directly to the AzSEF SRC for review and approval. Failure to
obtain prior approval from all the appropriate committees will result in being unable to compete at AzSEF.
Step 5
Submit your project proposal to AzSEF SRC for preapproval. Forms may be submitted as PDF documents to
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azsef_src@azscience.org or via fax at (602) 716-2098. In approximately 2 weeks you will receive email
feedback from an SRC member regarding your submission.
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Please note the following guidelines when dealing with Intel ISEF forms:
• The most current Intel ISEF forms must be used. Forms are dated at the bottom of each form, and are
available updated for 2015-2016.
• Intel ISEF forms are provided and need to be submitted in PDF file format. If you are having difficulties
opening or saving in this format, please make sure that you download and install the latest version
of Adobe Reader. Adobe Reader is a free program that can be downloaded directly from Adobe
website.
• A Research Plan must be submitted with your Intel ISEF forms. See the Intel ISEF forms for guidance on
that format if needed.
• AzSEF does not require students to submit an abstract form. However, we do recommend students
complete an abstract and have copies available by their project display for the various judges.
• Some forms require a signature. When submitting your Intel ISEF paperwork, actual signatures are
required (electronic signatures are not acceptable). Lab notebooks and SRC approval forms (if
applicable) must be presented at your project table during the fair.
What specific items do SRC members consider in reviewing a project?
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Evidence of library/literary search (Internet, Journals, Books, etc)
Evidence of proper supervision
Use of accepted research techniques
Completed forms, signatures and dates
Evidence of search for alternatives to animal use
Humane treatment of animals
Compliance with rules and laws governing proper care and housing of animals
Appropriate/safe handling and use of recombinant DNA, potentially pathogenic organisms,
tissues and hazardous substances, devices and activities
Adequate documentation of the substantial expansion of continuing projects
How do I know if my project has been approved?
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You will receive email confirmation that your project submission has been received.
Project submissions that require additional information will receive email feedback from the
AzSEF SRC.
If no additional information is needed you will receive email feedback that your project
proposal is approved and you are ready to begin experimentation.
PLEASE ALLOW APPROXIMATELY 2 WEEKS FOR FEEDBACK.
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What if my project doesn’t involve Human Subjects, Vertebrate Animals, and/or Potentially Hazardous Biological
Agents?
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If your project involves another potentially hazardous material, or you are not sure if
something you are doing is hazardous, please submit your project form to
azsef_src@azscience.org for SRC approval before research begins.
If your project does not involve any of the areas of concern listed above, you may proceed
with your project with proper scientist/teacher/adult approvals.
What do I need to bring if I become an Arizona Science and Engineering Fair finalist?
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Senior Division students are required to bring completed, approved, and signed Intel ISEF
forms with them at check-in, and will be required to display approved forms at their project
to be eligible for judging. Lab notebooks should also be displayed.
The AzSEF Scientific Review Committee Chair will review each project at check-in to confirm
eligibility.
A full list of Display & Safety requirements is available on azsef.org to ensure your project
board and set-up is in compliance with all AzSEF rules and regulations.
Questions? Call AzSEF SRC: 602-716-2000 ext. 257 or email azsef_src@azscience.org
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