Interested in becoming a Judge?

Thank you for your interest in volunteering as a judge for the Vienna International Science Fair! Your contribution will have a meaningful impact on our students, supporting their growth and passion for science. It will be your role to view projects in your field of expertise. Your participation makes it possible for the students to have some serious fun with science and find out if science is something for them to pursue in their later careers. Below please find the necessary details to make up your mind.

Hope to see you soon!

The Judging Process

Of course you will receive more details on this during the coming months, but to give you an impression:

Before the fair:

  • You will receive links to review the projects for your category via email around two weeks before the science fair, so you can prepare in advance.
  • Around one week before the science fair the judges meet to be briefed to receive further instructions and scoring rubrics.

At the Fair:

  • Meet fellow judges and receive any last-minute updates.
  • Students will display their projects on presentation boards and explain their work during interviews.
  • After the interviews, you will collaborate with your fellow judges to discuss and evaluate the projects.
  • The coordinator judge of your category will write down the motivation for each prize.

General Judging Guidelines

Again, you will receive more details, but we expect:

  1. Objectivity:

    Evaluate each project based on its merits, independent of your personal preferences or the student's background. Among others, focus on the scientific method, innovation, and clarity of presentation.

  2. Encouragement and Inspiration:

    Your feedback can have a lasting impact. Offer constructive criticism alongside positive reinforcement to motivate students to continue their scientific pursuits.

  3. Collaboration:

    When judging as part of a panel, discuss your impressions with fellow judges to ensure fair and consistent scoring.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What is my role?

As a judge, you'll evaluate student projects based on scientific rigor, creativity, presentation, and overall impact. You'll also have the opportunity to interview participants, ask them about their research process, and provide constructive feedback.

Do I need to be a scientist? Have a technical background?

While a background in science or engineering is helpful, it's not required. We welcome judges from all fields, as long as you're passionate about science education. We provide evaluation criteria to guide you through the judging process.

What is the time commitment?

Expect to invest approximately 16 hours to be a deciding factor in the life of a young scientist; if it is your first time as a judge. For the more experienced judges it may be a little less. This includes time for reviewing projects before the fair (4 hours), attending the judges' briefing (2 hours), getting acquainted with the rules and regulations in detail (1 hour) and the judging system (1 hour). And of course, spending around 8 hours on the day of the event.

What Will My Day Look Like as a Judge?

At the start of the day, the judges gather to receive last-minute changes in the projects. Then you will have the opportunity to view all project displays without the students being present to prepare yourself. After a short break, but still in the morning, you will visit the projects from your category (again) and have the opportunity to ask questions. Subsequently, you will discuss your findings in your project group. Finally, all the judges meet to determine the award recipients. The day closes with a ceremony to celebrate the students' achievements which all judges are kindly requested to attend.

Is my participation a one time event?

In principle yes, but many of us see it as such a meaningful and inspiring event, that they keep returning every year. Once you see the creativity and enthusiasm of those young minds you get infected by it and want to see more.

Thank You

Your role as a judge is crucial in fostering a love for science and innovation among our participants. Thank you for your dedication and support in making this event a success! For any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out to the Judging Coordinator at judging.viennasciencefair@gmail.com.