Does my project need Pre-Approval by the

Scientific Review Committee (SRC)?  Science Buddies is here to help.

What is SRC?

Many science fairs have a group of people called a Scientific Review Committee (or SRC) that reviews each project application to ensure that all safety and legal requirements will be met and that the appropriate forms have been completed.

Does My Project Need Pre-Approval Before I Begin My Experiment?

Some project areas require approval BEFORE experimentation begins. Most fairs that require such pre-approval follow the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) rules: ISEF Rules and Guidelines

Because the Intel ISEF rules can be rather intimidating, we have prepared a summary of the key sections to help you get started:

• Human Subjects (including projects involving the use of psychological surveys)

• Hazardous Substances or Devices (including model rockets, drugs, alcohol, and many other chemicals)

• Nonhuman Vertebrate Animals

• Potentially Hazardous Biological Agents (microorganisms, recombinant DNA (rDNA) technologies, or human or animal fresh tissues, blood, or body fluids)

If your project involves any of the above, you should investigate your fair's SRC requirements BEFORE you begin experimentation.

Different fairs have different rules for what requires SRC approval. Check with the fair you intend to enter.

Follow this Chart

If you are not sure if your project needs pre-approval by the SRC, simply CLICK HERE and answer a few questions. 

The Consent Form Checklist is a simple way to find the forms you need for your project.

Tips from a Science Fair Winner

Here is a Getting Started Guide to understanding the SRC guidelines written by a past Intel ISEF winner.