Hitachi Science & Engineering Fair, Alameda County


Welcome to the Hitachi Science & Engineering Fair, Alameda County!

The Hitachi Science & Engineering Fair, Alameda County is affiliated with Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge the prestigious national middle school competition, CSEF - CA state science & engineering fair competition, and Regeneron ISEF the international science fair competition.
Want to Participate?
See our updated Rules and Guidelines page for all new regulations we are introducing to The Hitachi Science & Engineering Fair, Alameda County 2027!
Not a Student?
There are plenty of ways to get involved. Please check out the following pages on how you can support the fair.
The Alameda County Science & Engineering Fair Award Ceremony is an exciting celebration of our student innovators.
Check out this year’s Project categories, and last year’s special awards.This year’s special award opportunities will be announced shortly before the event.
Hitachi Pioneering Spirit Award
Hitachi Namihedi Odaira Award
CVM Wisdom in STEM Award
ThermoFisher Scientific Advancing Equity Through Innovation Award
Tri-Valley Air Quality Climate Alliance Award
Young Women in STEM Leadership Award
Einstein Award for AI in Education
AquaMeridian US Special Award
American Vacuum Society Award
Excellence in Water, Wastewater or Recycled Water Award
Broadcom Coding with Commitment Award
Bill Frank Environmental Achievement Award
Emerging Scientist Award
Longevity Achievement Award
Office of Naval Research U.S. Award
ACSEF Director’s Award
President’s Award
American Psychological Association Award
Association for Women Geoscientists Award
Citadel Securities Innovation Award
Lemelson Early Inventor Award
NASA Earth Systems Science Award
NOAA: National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration Award
Regeneron Biomedical Science Award
Ricoh USA Award
Society for in Vitro Biology Award
U.S. Metric Association Award
U.S. Air Force Award
Stockholm Junior Water Prize
Yale Science & Engineering Association Award

Hitachi Science & Engineering Fair, Alameda County
2027
SET-UP | Friday, March 12 2027
Location: Chabot College
Times: 3:00 pm to 8:00 pm
JUDGING | Saturday, March 13 2027
Location: Chabot College
Times: 9:00 am to 4:00 pm
AWARDS | Saturday, March 27 2027
Location: Chabot College Performing Arts Complex
Doors: 1:00 pm
Ceremony: 1:30 pm - 5:00 pm
Friday Participant -Minute-by-Minute
Saturday Participant - Minute-by-Minute




Upcoming Events
Workshop 1: Topic Selection & Research Foundation
This Saturday September 19, 2026 | 12 - 2PM | Online
Led by SLB Student Leaders:
Yewon — Mission San Jose High School
Trisha — Mission San Jose High School
Winston — American High School Click Here to Register
This two-hour workshop will walk you through turning your interests and everyday curiosities into a real project idea, narrowing that down into a solid research question, and thinking through the basics of experimental design (variables, hypotheses, data collection, safety, and ethics along the way). We'll look at real project examples and run through some interactive activities so you can practice evaluating what makes a project strong.
We’ll also use real project examples and interactive activities to help you evaluate what makes a strong ACSEF project.
By the end of the workshop, you should have 1–3 potential project ideas, a draft research question or problem, and a clearer idea of what to do next.
We are thrilled to invite you to one of our most anticipated student STEM events of the year! The Alameda County Science and Engineering Fair Association (ACSEF) is hosting our upcoming Dinner with a Scientist.
We are calling all Middle and High School students to come ignite their curiosity, learn directly from STEM professionals, and be inspired by the incredible world of science and engineering.
EVENT DETAILS
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Date: October 23, 2026
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Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM PT
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Location: Student Union, Dublin High School (8151 Village Parkway, Dublin, CA 94568)
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Ticket Price: $30 per attendee
EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
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Keynote Speaker: Lauren Simitz - Aerospace Engineer & Real-World Explorer!
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Lauren holds a Master's in Aerospace Engineering from Stanford and is currently a Stanford PhD candidate pioneering sustainable "green" space travel.
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She brings incredible, hands-on industry experience from working with aerospace and energy leaders like SpaceX, Boeing, Chevron, and Benchmark.
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As an aerospace engineer, chemist, and geoscientist, she is thrilled to share her journey and answer your questions about STEM careers and exploring the cosmos!
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Meet STEM Mentors: Interactive table conversations featuring professionals across diverse scientific fields.
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Dinner & Discussion: Enjoy dinner while learning about scientific research and engineering careers.
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Q&A Session: Direct access to industry leaders to get guidance on STEM pathways and science fair projects.
RESERVE YOUR SEATS & SUPPORT ACSEF
Your event ticket gives you full access to a unique dinner with a scientist, allowing for direct, meaningful conversations in a welcoming, small-group environment - you may even dine with some of the ACSEF judges!
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Please note: One accompanying adult only per student (separate ticket required).
You can easily purchase your tickets by scanning the QR code on the flyer. Seats fill up fast, so be sure to secure yours today!
NEW DATE: Sunday, OCTOBER 18, 2026 - WEBINAR 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM - ACSEF Application Forms Tutorial & Question/Answer period *To ensure safety of our participants, you must sign up before 4:30 OCTOBER 18TH to receive the Webinar Google Meet invitation by email. The link to sign up https://forms.gle/VuGN2KoR3up5zgdY8
NEW DATE: Saturday, OCTOBER 24, 2026 - WEBINAR 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM - ACSEF Application Forms Tutorial & Question/Answer period *To ensure the safety of our participants emails, you must sign up before 4:30 PM OCTOBER 24th to receive the Webinar Google Meet invitation by email. The link to sign up https://forms.gle/rcGLBoMY7iBmCXqUA

Donate to the fair
As a Non-profit 501(C)(3) public charity, donations from the public are our lifeline, and we have very few to date.
Tax ID 45-1800245 - 100% tax deductable donations
The Hitachi Science & Engineering Fair, Alameda County needs a company or business to become our title sponsor! 2 years without a Title Sponsor has been very difficult.
Picture YOUR COMPANY NAME HERE followed by Hitachi Science & Engineering Fair, Alameda County on every email, flyer, award ribbon, press release, etc.
The Hitachi Science & Engineering Fair, Alameda County is an eligible organization for Corporate Matching! Fill out the form below so we can reach out about how to donate to our fair!
Immediate Need: 2025-2026 Leadership Transition!
Help us keep Hitachi Science & Engineering Fair, Alameda County Going After our 2026 Fair!
See our Open Board Positions Here!
THANK YOU TO OUR ACSEF 2026 SPONSORS!

























