2025 Fair
The Society worked with the regional science fairs across Aotearoa to create a pathway for students to participate in the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) and to celebrate student excellence and passion for scientific inquiry.
A Scientific Review Committee was convened and judging was held online in two stages:
Stage 1 – initial assessment based on slides and photographs of the students’ projects submitted at their regional science and technology fair.
Stage 2 – online interviews with shortlisted students.
Two students were selected to compete at the International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) in Columbo, Ohio, United States of America with the support of the Australian Science and Engineering Fair (AUSSEF) who provided a pathway for them to attend.
International shout outs on the main stage, ISEF 2025.
Jesse Rumball-Smith, a year 13 student at Wellington College, placed 1st in the Behavioral and Social Sciences category for his road safety app, winning USD $6,000 + USD $1,000 for his school and his fair.
Jesse's project, Building A Better Backseat Driver, uses the ubiquitous smartphone in tandem with psychologically backed behavioural interventions to improve road safety. New cars increasingly include advanced safety features, but these remain out of reach for most of the fleet. The app Jesse has developed offers a solution and reduces the growing inequity which he says, “effectively limits safety to only the richest in our society.”
Isabelle Aduna, a year 11 student at Wellington Girls’ College, placed 3rd in the Chemistry category for her eco-friendly production of solar panels, winning USD $1,200.
Isabelle’s project, Power-Up with Produce, aimed to tackle the pressing issue of food waste and create an eco-friendly, cost-effective alternative to traditional photovoltaic cells by exploring the feasibility of using locally sourced fruit and vegetable waste as natural dyes for a special type of solar panel called Dye-Sensitised Solar Cells.
The New Zealand and AUSEEF teams with their medals at ISEF 2025
The judges also awarded commendations and special prizes.