Investments in the education and support of our nation’s most promising young researchers are necessary to solve the challenges in areas such as energy, healthcare, the environment, and global security. By joining the GSEF judging team, you will be helping Georgia’s talented youth gain the knowledge, skills, and confidence to pursue STEM careers and make unprecedented advancements toward a better world.
Judging will take place on Friday, April 4 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (times vary by role) at The Classic Center in downtown Athens. See below for judge qualifications, roles, and schedule. Sign up by Tuesday, February 20, 2025.
Later applications will also be accepted and appreciated.
Judge Qualifications
Junior and Senior Division Judges must have a minimum of a Bachelor’s in a STEM field or significant research experience in a relevant professional setting.
Senior Division (Grades 9-12)
- terminal degree (PhD, MD, DDS, DVM, etc.); or
- substantial research experience in a PhD program in a STEM discipline; or
- bachelor’s or master’s degree and a minimum of six years of professional experience in a relevant discipline
Junior Division (Grades 6-8)
- any of the Senior Division qualifications; or
- research experience in a relevant professional or industrial setting; or
- graduate standing in a discipline related to a GSEF Project Category or in a relevant education program;
or - significant progress toward, or completion, of an undergraduate degree in a STEM field with significant experience working with youth in STEM (additional info may be requested)
Judge Roles & Schedule
The following is an overview of the GSEF judging roles. Junior Division judges interview students in grades 6 - 8, and Senior Division judges interview students in grades 9 - 12. Senior Division judges are assigned as Tier I, II, or III, depending on prior judging experience and preference. Judge applicants are asked to select the Division(s)/Tier(s) they are qualified for and interested in judging. Division assignments will be based on indicated preference and determined need areas.
Please refer to our Call for Judges for a full explanation of the judging process and volunteer expectations. Please note that adjustments may be made closer to the event.
| Junior Division | Time: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM |
| Includes first-timers as well as many experienced judges. Junior Division judge student projects from participants in grades 6-8. | |
| Senior Division, Tier I | Time: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Includes first-timers to those with over 20 years of judging experience. Tier I judge Senior Division, grades 9-12, during Round 1. | |
| Senior Division, Tier II | Time: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| A minimum of 3 years of judging experience is required. Tier II judge Senior Division, grades 9-12, during Rounds 1 and 2. | |
| Senior Division, Tier III | Time: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM |
| A minimum of 4 years of experience as a Tier II judge is required. Tier III judge Senior Division, grades 9-12, during Rounds 1 and 2. Judges in this category may be asked to assist or fill in for a Tier I or II judges during Round 1 or 2 or be assigned other responsibilities. Tier III judges are responsible for discussing the Top Projects and Best in Category suggestions and winner selection. | |
| Junior Division Category Leader | Time: 3:30 PM – 5:00 PM (in addition to Tier I or Junior Division judging time) |
| Tier I or Junior Division judges who are also responsible for helping select Best in Category for a Junior Division category. | |
| Special Award Judge | Time: 12:30 PM – 5:30 PM (varies) |
| Special Award Judges judge for a specific sponsored award on behalf of its sponsor, which must be indicated on the Award Sponsorship Form. Special Award Judges do not need to fill out a Judge Application unless they are interested in signing up for regular Junior/Senior Division judging. | |