About 1,800 guests are expected on campus April 24-25 as SIU hosts the 2026 Illinois Junior Academy of Science State Science Fair.
March 12, 2026
Help needed for State Science Fair at SIU April 24-25
CARBONDALE, Ill. — SIU is hosting the 2026 Illinois Junior Academy of Science (IJAS) State Science Fair April 24-25. The fair is an annual statewide competition during which middle and high school students present original science, technology, engineering, and mathematics research projects. About 1,800 guests from across the state – including students, families and supporters – are expected to attend and volunteers are needed to help make this event a success.
Students qualified for competition at the state level by presenting top projects at regional fairs across Illinois. The Illinois Junior Academy of Science fairs give students the opportunity to experience the scientific process, communicate their research findings, and receive recognition for innovative investigations as they share their work with judges, educators and peers.
Faculty, staff, SIU students and community members are invited to participate in one or more of the helping positions but must register in advance by April 13.
Volunteers are needed to serve as:
- Judges – more than 200 undergraduate/graduate students, faculty, staff or community volunteers are needed. A 3- to 4-hour time commitment is essential, and judges can select the areas they feel most comfortable judging. No prior experience is required, and judges will all receive an orientation prior to judging. Sign up online to assist. If you are not affiliated with an IJAS school, select “no” when asked if affiliated. In the “Institution/Company Affiliation” field, enter SIU if volunteering as a representative of the university. Those selected as judges will be notified of their assignments and receive further instructions.
- General volunteers – helpers are needed both Friday and Saturday of the fair to handle a wide variety of tasks, including welcoming students and their family members/supporters, answering questions, assisting with set-up and providing other valuable support. Students, faculty, staff, alumni and community members are encouraged to volunteer and asked to wear SIU maroon or Saluki shirts. Volunteers may wear apparel representing their SIU college, school or organization. Register online to assist as a volunteer. Refreshments are provided.
More ways to get involved
In addition, all SIU colleges, schools and departments are invited to participate in the College/Department Fair from 9 a.m. to noon on Friday, April 24, at the Banterra Center. The event will feature informational tables and serve as an SIU showcase. It takes place during the time State Science Fair participants and their guests will be setting up their projects and displays, and it’s a great way to connect with attendees and share information about SIU programs and opportunities.
Fill out the college/school/organization table request form no later than April 13. Due to space considerations, each college/school/unit is limited to one table. Academic units with interactive displays, including vehicles or larger demonstrations, may request extra space.
Finally, a hands-on activity and pizza party for participating science fair students is slated for 5-9 p.m. on Friday, April 24, at the Student Center. SIU colleges and Registered Student Organizations are invited to bring relevant activities to highlight what their colleges, majors and organizations have to offer. There will be free pizza and drinks for volunteers. Activities must be staffed the entire duration of the party.
Submit the online involvement request form by April 13.