Special Awards
Prestigious awards offered by our partner organizations to recognize excellence in specific fields of study. These awards provide additional recognition and opportunities for outstanding student researchers.
Biology
Awards recognizing excellence in biological sciences, medicine, and life sciences research
American Psychological Association Award
American Psychological Association (APA), located in Washington, DC, is the leading scientific and professional organization representing psychology in the United States, with more than 146,000 researchers, educators, clinicians, consultants, and students as its members. Through its divisions in 54 subfields of psychology and affiliations with 60 state, territorial and Canadian provincial associations, APA works to promote the advancement, communication, and application of psychological science and knowledge to benefit society and improve lives.
Dr. Harald Biessmann Award
Harald Biessmann Memorial Award Dr. Harald Biessmann was a molecular biochemist working with the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster and the malaria mosquito Anopheles. He made major contributions to our understanding of telomere structure and function in the model organism Drosophila melanogaster, describing a new way of maintaining chromosome ends, which is very specific to Drosophila and different from most other species. In the mosquito Anopheles Gambia, he studied how mosquitoes find the humans for their blood meal. Mosquito females need a blood meal to be able to produce eggs. To find a object for their blood meal they use their antennas to detect odor molecules emanating from the source. This research project was actually the result of a science project that his son did in middle school, which was selected for and won first prize at the California State Science Fair. Harald Biessmann had been a judge for the Irvine School Science Fair and the Orange County Science Fair for many years and he was always very enthusiastic about these events. He enjoyed discussing with the students their projects and he made his lab and time available to many students to do their research in his lab. His enthusiasm and insight will be missed. It is therefore in his memory that we honor students at these Science Fairs for their achievements
Dave Walkington Award
The Walkington Award, presented by the OCSEF Board of Directors, recognizes excellent work by students in Botany and related fields, in memory of Dr. David L. Walkington. As a Biology professor and administrator at Cal State Fullerton, Dr. Walkington was devoted to science education and environmental preservation. He was instrumental in establishing the Fullerton Arboretum, the Youth Science Center, and Science Olympiad, and was a long-time member of the OCSEF Board of Directors.
Nat Lamm Award
The Nat Lamm Award, presented by the OCSEF Board of Directors, recognizes excellence in ecology and environmental studies. During his tenure as the Orange County Department of Education Coordinator of Math and Science, Nat was a champion of environmental education, and academic events. He served for many years on the Board of Directors of the OCSEF, the Outdoor Science School Program, the Academic Decathlon, and science fairs at all levels. As a science teacher, author and lecturer, Nat was ever guided by his enthusiastic and untiring dedication to science education, social action and humanitarian issues.
White Coat Award
The Orange County Medical Association (OCMA) is dedicated to ensuring that every person in Orange County has access to quality medical care. By advocating for public health initiatives and health care education, OCMA works to strengthen the relationship patients have with their doctors and improve overall health outcomes. OCMA is committed to fostering and supporting the next generation of health care providers, ensuring that Orange County's growing and diverse population has access to well-trained physicians. Through advocacy, education, and community engagement, OCMA remains at the forefront of advancing medicine and safeguarding patient care county-wide.
Regeneron Biomedical Science Award
Regeneron is a leading biotechnology company that invents, develops, and commercializes life-transforming medicines for people with serious diseases. Founded and led for 35 years by physician-scientists, Regeneron's unique ability to repeatedly and consistently translate science into medicine has led to numerous FDA-approved treatments and product candidates in development, almost all of which were homegrown in Regeneron's laboratories. Regeneron's medicines and pipeline are designed to help patients with eye diseases, allergic and inflammatory diseases, cancer, cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, pain, hematologic conditions, infectious diseases, and rare diseases.
Society for In Vitro Biology Award
SIVB is a professional society devoted to fostering the exchange of knowledge of in vitro biology of cells, tissues and organs from both plant and animals (including humans). The focus is on biological research, development, and applications of significance to science and society.
ADLM Award
The Association for Diagnostics and Laboratory Medicine (ADLM) (previously American Association for Clinical Chemistry (AACC)) is the principal association of professional laboratory scientists – including MDs, PhDs and medical technologists. AACC's members develop and use chemical concepts, procedures, techniques and instrumentation in health-related investigations, and work in hospitals, independent laboratories and the diagnostics industry worldwide. The ADLM (previously AACC) provides national leadership in advancing the practice and profession of clinical laboratory science and its application to healthcare.
Earth Sciences
Awards for environmental science, geology, oceanography, and climate research
Sea and Sage Audubon Society Award
The Sea and Sage Chapter of the National Audubon Society supports environmental education and conservation awareness projects throughout Southern California.
Association for Women Geoscientists Award
The Association for Women Geoscientists is a global organization devoted to enhancing the quality and level of participation of women in geosciences and to introduce girls and young women to geoscience careers. Membership is open to anyone who supports AWG's goals.
Stockholm Junior Water Prize
California Water Environment Association (CWEA oversees the selection of a winner for the Stockholm Junior Water Prize (SJWP) at the California state level. The SJWP is given for a water-related science project at the high school level. Regional Water Prize Certificates are awarded at regional fairs around the country. Students are encouraged to enter the state competition; however, students do not need to receive a certificate to apply for the state award. Individuals may self-nominate.
Hitachi Digital Earth Alliance Award
Hitachi: Leading the Charge in Climate Action. At Hitachi, we are at the forefront of the battle against climate change, leveraging our expertise in technology and data to make a significant impact. Our Earth Alliance mission is dedicated to championing sustainability and driving meaningful environmental change. Through our leadership in innovative solutions and strategic initiatives, we are committed to supporting organizations that are devoted to protecting our planet and advancing their environmental goals.
Society of Petroleum Engineers Award
The Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) is the preeminent technical professional society for petroleum and other engineering disciplines engaged in the exploration and production of oil and natural gas. SPE is a non-profit organization with over 50,000 members world-wide, 650 in the L.A. Basin Section. SPE is dedicated to the advancement of technology to develop our precious oil and gas natural resources for public benefit.
NASA Earth System Science Award
The goal of the NASA Earth System Science Award is to increase awareness regarding the importance of scientific research in the area of Earth system science, the study of the complex system and the interconnections that occur on Earth.
Taking the Pulse of the Planet Award
NOAA is an agency that enriches life through science. Our reach goes from the surface of the sun to the depths of the ocean floor as we work to keep the public informed of the changing environment around them.
National Water Research Institute Award
National Water Research Institute is a 501c3 nonprofit that collaborates with water utilities, regulators, and researchers in innovative ways to help develop new, healthy sources of drinking water. We assemble teams of scientific and technical experts that provide credible independent review of water projects, develop recommendations that support investment in water infrastructure and public health, and enable water resource management decisions grounded in science and best practices. We fund fellowships to support the water scientists of tomorrow, and we award the Clarke Prize, one of the world's leading water-industry prizes, to water scientists, researchers, and policy experts that are making a difference today
Orange County Sanitation District Award
The Orange County Sanitation District (OCSD) is the third largest wastewater treatment agency west of the Mississippi River serving over 2.5 million residents. Approximately, 220 million gallons of wastewater are treated each day at treatment facilities in Fountain Valley and Huntington Beach. Governed by a 25-member board of directors, OCSD is comprised of representatives of each local sewer agency or city within a 470-square-mile service area. The Orange County Sanitation District is committed to protecting public health and the environment by developing, integrating and implementing fiscally responsible solutions to wastewater, water reclamation, and watershed protection issues. We are a value-based organization dedicated to upholding and consistently demonstrating the attributes affirmed in our Guiding Principles.
Orange County Water District Award
The Orange County Water District, formed in 1933, manages and protects the Orange County Groundwater Basin and operates the world's largest advanced potable reuse project of its kind. The District provides quality and reliable water to 19 cities and water agencies in north and central Orange County and their 2.5 million customers
The Energy Coalition Award
The Energy Coalition [TEC] is a non-profit focused on building blocks for the new energy economy to make clean energy affordable and accessible to everyone. We have four key service areas: Program Design & Project Implementation – We work with public agencies to implement energy efficiency projects from start to finish, especially in school districts! For example, we can support school districts in updating their building lighting, HVAC systems, and swimming pools to be more energy efficient. Marketing & Outreach – Using proven marketing and engagement strategies to get buy-in and motivate action, we help communities change the way people use energy. Policy & Master Planning – We help policymakers foster the social and political environment that allows communities to transition to a new, low-carbon economy. Education & Workforce Development – Our education programs make up about 20% of what we do at TEC. Through our education programs, we provide environmental-STEM programming to schools across California.
STEM
Awards recognizing excellence across multiple STEM disciplines
Arnold & Mabel Beckman Award
The Foundation was established in September 1977 by Dr. Arnold O. and Mrs. Mabel Beckman to give back to the scientific community. When the Foundation was established, the Beckmans intended to disburse the full amount of the endowment within their lifetimes. The Beckman's passion for supporting science began with 5 mega-gifts during 1978-1989 to establish and construct the Beckman Research Institutes and Centers at: University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, City of Hope, Caltech, Stanford, University of California, Irvine. The Beckmans also provided a major grant to the National Academy of Sciences to construct and operate the Beckman Center at the National Academies as a West Coast facility to host meetings and events focused on scientific topics and advancements in medicine. Following the establishment of these Research Institutes, it became clear to the Beckmans that despite their careful philanthropic efforts, the value of the Foundation was continuing to grow and could provide support to the scientific community long after their lifetimes. In 1990, Dr. Beckman made the decision to change the Foundation to be in perpetuity, and the mission was updated by Dr. Beckman to reflect his wishes to support young researchers with funding for innovative and high-risk research projects.
American Statistical Association Award
The Orange County/Long Beach (OCLB-ASA) Chapter is an official chapter of the American Statistical Association representing Orange County, Long Beach, and surrounding areas. Our purpose is to foster and enrich the community of professionals and students interested in statistics in our local area. Our members represent diverse areas of statistical practice, including university/college researchers, professors, and students, marketing/finance firms, pharmaceutical/biomedical companies, health information systems, high school educators and many other fields. Throughout the year we host lectures, workshops, career development fairs and other networking events that are open to members and non-members alike. Outreach to local educators and students has been a long-standing priority for OCLB-ASA. We have co-hosted High School AP Statistics poster competitions, sent judges/advisors to university Hack-A-Thons and provided judges for the International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF). The OCLB-ASA chapter is pleased to extend our mission to offer a statistics award for students participating in the Orange County Science and Engineering Fair.
Ricoh Sustainable Development Award
Since our start in the United States in 1962, we've been on the forefront of workplace innovation. Today, we're empowering our customers to respond to our changing world with actionable insights and create more meaningful human experiences. Our global team of 78,000 employees serves a vast array of industries, helping our customers unleash the full power of trapped information to unlock the full potential of their employees and their business. We believe having access to the right information translates to better business agility, more human experiences, and the ability to thrive in today's age of hybrid and borderless work.
Chemistry
Awards celebrating achievements in chemical sciences and molecular research
OCACS Award
The American Chemical Society is the world's largest scientific society with 200,000 members representing a wide range of disciplines of chemists, chemical engineers, and technicians. The organization promotes the public's perception and understanding of chemistry through public outreach programs, and provides career development assistance for science professionals. The Orange County Section has over 800 members. The Education Committee provides testing and awards programs for high school and college chemistry students.
Technology & Engineering
Awards recognizing innovation in engineering, technology, and applied sciences
AIAA Award
The nonprofit American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) is the principal society serving the aerospace profession. Its mission is to advance the arts, sciences, and technology of aeronautics and astronautics and to promote the professionalism of those engaged in these pursuits. AIAA is a global organization with nearly 30,000 individual professional members, over 50 corporate members, thousands of customers worldwide, and an active international outreach. AIAA is the U.S. representative on the International Astronautical Federation and the International Council on the Aeronautical Sciences.
Broadcom Coding with Commitment ®
Broadcom Coding with Commitment ® is a special award for a 6th – 8th grade student who uses basic coding or computational thinking to solve a community problem they care about that aligns with the 17 Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations!
Naval Science Award
Navy and Marine Corps leaders recognize that our nation's progress in science and engineering have been achieved by people who devoted their lives to research. They believe that young people who demonstrate a willingness to be part of our world of science and engineering, by participating in science and engineering fairs, deserve special recognition. Through the Naval Science Awards Program, the Navy and Marine Corps competitively select Distinguished Achievement Award winners at the county level, and invite them to participate in the Junior Science and Humanities Symposia. Student winners at the national level are eligible for college scholarships.
Lon Isenberg Award
The Lon Isenberg award is given to a student for exceptional creativity and scientific insight in an engineering project. Lon Isenberg served on the OCSEF Board for nearly 30 years and for much of that time as Treasurer and Sweepstakes Award Judge. He completed degrees at UCLA in engineering and chemistry and joined the ranks of rocket scientists in the late 1950's. He helped create and launch the Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo space programs and earned over 40 patents. Lon was a Senior Staff Scientist at JPL from the late 1970's until retirement in 1990. Never able to stop working and contributing, Lon helped start up and operate Volunteer Professionals for Medical Advancement comprised of JPL and CalTech retirees and worked with local hospitals to develop better engineering systems for health delivery.
PECG Award
The Professional Engineers in California Government represents the 13,000 state-employed engineers and related professionals responsible for designing and inspecting California's infrastructure, improving air and water quality and developing clean energy and green technology. In order to ensure the sustainability of our state engineering workforce and the ongoing safety and well-being of all Californians, PECG works to inspire, motivate, and help to develop the next generation of highly skilled engineers and related professionals through its coordination, sponsorship, and participation in various mentoring and educational programs, events and competitions. The PECG Orange County Section is proud to sponsor this special award, which recognizes local students for their projects related to transportation, science, and engineering.
Lemelson Early Inventor Prize
Society for Science is proud to partner with The Lemelson Foundation to expand innovation and invention initiatives for middle school students. This award is for a young inventor creating an invention that represents a promising solution to a real-world problem. Inventions can be devices, or they can take the form of novel methods or processes.
U.S. Air Force Award
The U.S. Air Force recognizes outstanding achievements in aerospace and technology-related science projects.
YSEA Science Fair Award
Our mission is to connect alumni with students, with the University, and with each other to strengthen the Yale science and engineering community.
Affiliated Fairs
Nominations to advance to regional, state, and national science fairs
Society for Science ISEF Delegates
Society for Science delegates to the International Science and Engineering Fair.
Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge – Nominee
The Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge (JIC) is the nation's premier STEM research competition for 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students. The top 10% of students have the honor of continuing their science fair journey by applying to compete in the Thermo Fisher JIC. From the nominees that enter, the Top 300 Junior Innovators will be selected in early September and receive a prize. Then 30 Finalists will be selected in mid-September and will be awarded an all-expense paid trip to Washington, DC to compete in Finals Week in October 2024. Finalists will compete for more than $100,000 in prizes, including a top prize of $25,000 and scholarships for STEM summer camps.
California Science & Engineering Fair - Nominee
The California Science & Engineering Fair is the final science fair of the academic year for students throughout the State of California in grades 6 - 12, serving California's future scientists and engineers since 1952. The fair is hosted by the California Science and Engineering Foundation.