The 2025 Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge Application is now CLOSED.

Congratulations to all who applied! Entrants will receive a prize package this summer. 

Applications are now under review. The Top 300 Junior Innovators will be announced on September 3, and the top 30 finalists will be announced on September 17. 


Important Dates

February 1, 2025

Application opens

June 11, 2025, 8:00 p.m. ET 

June 11, 2025, 11:59p.m. ET

Application is now CLOSED.

September 3, 2025, 12 p.m. ET

Top 300 Junior Innovators announced

September 17, 2025, 12 p.m. ET

Finalists announced

October 24- October 29, 2025

Finals Week in Washington, DC!


Finalists will present their original science fair projects and compete in teams to test their leadership, teamwork and problem-solving abilities in science, engineering and mathematics. Prizes include the $25,000 Thermo Fisher Scientific ASCEND Award (Aspiring Scientists Cultivating Exciting New Discoveries), scientific excursions and cash awards to finalists’ teachers and schools.


For nominee information, visit https://www.societyforscience.org/jic/for-nominees/ .


General questions? Please email us at jic@societyforscience.org.