Selection Process

The selection process for Team Canada-ISEF underwent significant changes in 2025, aiming to better align Team Canada with the Canada-Wide Science Fair (CWSF). The direct application option has been eliminated.

The new pathway to join Team Canada-ISEF requires participating in a YSC-affiliated regional STEM fair, being selected for the Canada-Wide Science Fair, and then being chosen as a Team Canada-ISEF candidate for the following year.

At CWSF 2025 in Fredericton, the YSC National Judging Team identified a group of about 20 top finalists (Grand Award winners and medallists) as candidates for Team Canada-ISEF 2026. Along with eligible members of Team Canada-ISEF 2025, these candidates have been invited to receive scientific and project development support from October through February. In March, they will present their projects to the Team Canada-ISEF selection panel, which will select eight members for the 2026 team. Candidates not selected will be encouraged to participate in their regional STEM fairs for another chance to qualify for the CWSF.

Representing Canada at Regeneron ISEF, the YSC team is joined by finalists from the Bay Area Science & Engineering Fair and the Montreal Regional Science & Technology Fair, both of which have been directly affiliated with ISEF for over 40 years.