Supervisor Qualifications

Projects involving human participants, vertebrates, hazardous biological agents, or hazardous chemicals require qualified adult supervision per ISEF guidelines as adapted by LACSEF.

school

Teacher / Advisor (Adult Sponsor)

Works at the student's school or lab location. Must have a strong science background and close contact with the project. Bears ultimate responsibility for student safety and any test subjects or animals involved.

Must verify that:

check_circle Experimentation complies with local, state, and federal laws and LACSEF screening guidelines
check_circle Required online pre-approval is completed and approved by the Science Review Committee before research begins
check_circle Any Biomedical Scientist supervisor meets established qualifications

science

Biomedical Scientist

Should hold an earned doctoral or professional degree in the biological or medical sciences relevant to the student's research area. A master's degree with equivalent experience is acceptable when approved by the Teacher/Advisor.

The Biomedical Scientist and Teacher/Advisor may be the same individual if properly qualified. Students may work with a scientist at another location, provided they also work locally with a trained Designated Adult Supervisor.

person_check

Designated Adult Supervisor

Directly oversees student experimentation. Does not need advanced credentials but must be trained in the student's necessary research techniques. Either the Teacher/Advisor or a parent may serve in this role.

For vertebrate projects, the supervisor must understand proper animal care and handling. If not knowledgeable, the Teacher/Advisor must ensure an Animal Care Supervisor is enlisted.

pets

Animal Care Supervisor

Required for all projects involving non-human vertebrates. Must understand proper care and handling of the research animals involved.

This role may be filled by the Biomedical Scientist, Designated Adult Supervisor, an animal care professional, or the Site Science Fair Coordinator.