NC Science and Engineering Fair
March 23, 2024 at NC State University
160+ judges are pouring over abstracts and other materials for 332 projects prepared by 400+ students from Murphy to Manteo for
virtual project judging via Zoom on March 20, 2024
and state in-person project judging and awards on March 23, 2024
traffic & weather alert
The NC State campus will be exceptionally busy on Saturday, plan to arrive early, and bring an umbrella.
In addition to the 1000 students, parents, judges and other volunteers at the NC Science and Engineering Fair, other student events are being held in Talley Student Center and Carmichael Gymnasium, the first round of the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament kicks off at noon in Reynolds Coliseum, and a baseball game at Doak Field on the west end of campus begins at 3pm.
NCSEF visitors have the advantage of arriving before others, but you may have difficulty finding parking if you leave mid-day. For additional maps and parking information see the guide to the 2024 NC Science and Engineering Fair.
Scattered showers are also expected Friday evening and Saturday. Consider bringing an umbrella and protection for project board and other items for display.
2024 NCSEF Saturday Schedule
- 7:45AM – 8:45AM- Project setup – Carmichael Gym
- 9:30AM – 10:00AM Welcome Ceremony – Talley Ballroom
- Students share their projects with judges – Carmichael Gym (students and judges only)
- 10:15AM – 11:30AM – Elementary Division
- 10:30AM – 12:30PM – Junior Division
- 10:30AM – 12:45PM – Senior Division
- 10:30AM – 11:30AM – Q&A with the NCSEF Director – Talley Ballroom
- 11:30AM – 2:00PM Lunch Talley
- 11:30AM – 2:30PM Exhibitors Talley
- 1:00PM – 3:00PM Projects open to the public – Carmichael Gym
- 1:00PM – 5:00PM Self-Guided Campus Tours
- 2:30PM – 3:15PM Elementary Division Award Ceremony – Talley
- 3:00PM – 5:00PM Project removal
- 3:30PM – 4:15PM Junior Division Award Ceremony – Talley
- 4:30PM – 5:30PM Senior Division Award Ceremonies – Talley
See the fair guide for a more detailed schedule by divisionm, maps, and more
From the NC Science Fair Foundation Chair
Welcome to the redesigned website of the NC Science and Engineering Fair (NCSEF) and the NC Science Fair Foundation (NCSFF). Whether you are a student, parent, teacher, judge, volunteer, or individual/business/foundation sponsor, we hope our new website will be of value and interest to you.
Congratulations to the thousands of NC students from across our state’s public schools, public charter schools, private schools, and homeschools who have embraced our motto, Inspiring Innovation in Student Research, by engaging in student-led STEM research. We celebrate their motivation and aspiration to seek excellence in their educational journey as they take the risk of competing at the local, regional, and state levels.
Thank you to all of the teachers, school leaders, parents, and mentors who have invested their time and energy in supporting and encouraging our students in their student-led research.
Special recognition to our 10 Regional Fair Directors who take on this leadership role and give of their time and talent so students from all 100 NC counties have access to the NCSEF. Also, thank you to our state co-directors for their leadership and coordination efforts.
Finally, thank you to our NCSFF Board of Directors who volunteer throughout the year to advance our mission, vision, goals, and funding priorities.
Good luck to each of our students competing in the 10 Regional Fairs and we look forward to seeing about 400 of you at the 36th annual state NCSEF on March 20 (Virtual) or March 23 (In-person) at North Carolina State University!
To request more information, please go to NCSFF and scroll to the Contact form on the left side of the page.
Dr. Gary Kelley,
Chairman NC Science Fair Foundation
a message to students from North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper
Participation in science fair allows for eager learners the opportunity to explore and observe real scientific questions in the world they live in. They are truly engaged when scientific questions, theories, and principles are hands-on inquiries and not just words in a textbook.
Carina D, Parent