Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge Announces Finalists
Key Highlights:
- Finalist Announcement: The Society for Science has revealed the 30 finalists for the 2026 Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge (Thermo Fisher JIC), a leading middle school STEM competition in the U.S.
- Geographic Representation: The finalists hail from 17 U.S. states and Puerto Rico, showcasing a diverse pool of young talent.
- Project Categories: The majority of projects focus on Environmental & Earth Sciences, reflecting pressing global concerns.
- Competition Details: The finals will occur from October 23-28 in Washington, D.C., where finalists will compete for over $100,000 in awards, including the prestigious $25,000 Thermo Fisher Scientific ASCEND Award.
Quotes from Officials
Maya Ajmera, President and CEO of Society for Science, stated, “Every year, our Thermo Fisher JIC finalists remind us of what’s possible when curiosity meets courage — even in middle school.”
Karen Nelson, Chief Scientific Officer at Thermo Fisher Scientific, added, “Reaching the Top 30 is an extraordinary achievement and a testament to the creativity and determination these students bring to science.”
Award Categories
- Thermo Fisher Scientific ASCEND Award – $25,000 for overall excellence.
- Broadcom Coding with Commitment Award – $10,000 for projects combining STEM knowledge and community impact through coding.
- Innovation Awards – $10,000 each for excellence in data-driven solutions and technical skills in STEM.
All participants will receive a $500 cash award and recognition for their schools.
For a full list of finalists and additional details, visit Society for Science.
This initiative reflects Thermo Fisher’s commitment to expanding access to STEM education, with the competition reaching 60,000 students annually across the country.
