Pittsburgh Regional Science & Engineering Fair
- Requires Preregistration
- Grade Levels: 6-8, 9-12
- Content Themes: Chemistry, Engineering, Environmental Science, Health and Nutrition, Outer Space, Physics
Pittsburgh Regional Science & Engineering Fair
A science fair unlike any other.
Pittsburgh Regional Science & Engineering Fair
Established in 1940, Pittsburgh Regional Science & Engineering Fair (PRSEF) is the region’s premiere science fair and the third oldest in the United States under the affiliation of the Society for Science 
.
Each year, students from over 75 schools participate in the Pittsburgh Regional Science & Engineering Fair (PRSEF), spending two to 12 months developing projects using the scientific method. The fair is supported by foundations, universities, industries, corporations, and professional societies.
Participants connect with broader science communities through the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) and Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge.
Kamin Science Center hosts PRSEF, fulfilling our vision of a world that thrives through science and innovation. Through our engagement with PRSEF, Kamin Science Center connects students and science, igniting curiosity that endures for a lifetime.
Kamin Science Center and PRSEF
Promote workforce readiness and career awareness by helping students foster crucial thinking and problem-solving skills, as well as applying STEM skills
Support schools in meeting state and national standards
Connect students with professionals in diverse science and engineering fields
Promote economic development within Western Pennsylvania
Cultivate and retain talented youth as a valuable regional resource
PRSEF Regional Participation
In 2025, PRSEF hosted:
- 476 students from 75 middle and high schools
- 300 volunteers and judges
In 2025, PRSEF awarded:
- 99 sponsor/scholarship awards
- 21 – 1st place category awards
- 32 – 2nd place category awards
- 24 – 3rd place category awards
- 19 – Honorable mention (4th place category)
In addition, 2025 PRSEF winners brought home multiple awards at ISEF, the International Science & Engineering Fair!
- One – 1st place category award in Translational Medical Sciences
- Two – 2nd place category awards in Translational Medical Sciences and Physics and Astronomy
- One – 3rd place category awards in Biomedical and Health Sciences
2026 PRSEF Information
The 2026 PRSEF competition will be held on Tues., March 24 for Grades 9–12 and Wed., March 25 for Grades 6–8
Middle and high school students can design, implement, and present original experiments for a chance to win cash prizes and scholarships
Open to students in Grades 6–12 from 21 counties in Western Pennsylvania and Garrett County, Md.
The nonrefundable registration fee of $50 per project is due by March 6, 2026
A nonrefundable “early bird” registration fee of $25 per project is available if paid prior to Dec. 1, 2025
Please contact PRSEF@KaminScienceCenter.org with questions.
Science Fair is for Everyone!
Kamin Science Center is committed to providing opportunities for students to participate in the Pittsburgh Regional Science and Engineering Fair.
Resources, scholarships, mentoring, professional development and one-on-one support may be available to support Science Fair participants. We will do all we can to help remove barriers to participation.
Contact our Learning and Engagement team at PeroneyA@KaminScienceCenter.org.
Funding requests should be on school letterhead and contain details on financial need, including free/reduced lunch percentage.