Wednesday, February 18, 2026

Online submission deadline for MSEF Registration Form, Form 1 (Checklist for Adult Sponsor/Safety Form, including adult’s signature), Form 1A (Student Checklist), Research Plan (1-2 page description in your own words about your project), and Form 1B (Approval Form, including student and parent/guardian signatures), and other forms
specified for the project by ISEF Rules Wizard. Middle School students (“Junior Division”) may complete the “Nebraska Junior Academy of Sciences Junior Division Project Form” instead of Forms 1, 1A, and 1B.

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Thursday, March 26, 2026, 3:30 – 6:00 PM 

MSEF Project Set Up at Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium**. A member of the MSEF Rules Committee will verify that your display meets the size and safety requirements. Allow up to 30 minutes to complete check-in, set up, and obtain Rules Committee approval for your display. 3:30 – 6:00 PM (Senior and Junior Division). **All must enter through the MAIN GATE.

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Friday, March 27, 2026, Omaha Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium (OHDZA)

• MSEF Check-in at OHDZA (IF not completed on Thursday. Thursday is STRONGLY advised to eliminate any worries on Fair Day!)

  • 7:45 – 8:15 AM (Senior Division) at Omaha Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium, Daugherty Education Center (DEC)

  • 8:15 – 8:55 AM (Junior Division) at Omaha Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium, Aquarium Conference Center and Wild Kingdom Pavilion (ACC & WKP)

**All must enter through the MAIN GATE.

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MSEF Project Judging:

• 8:30 AM – 11:44 AM (Senior Division) at Omaha Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium, Daugherty Education Center (DEC)

• 9:00 AM – 11:44 AM (Junior Division) at Omaha Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium, Aquarium Conference Center and Wild Kingdom Pavilion (ACC & WKP)

• Snack (Time to be announced) In the middle of the judging process

• 11:45 AM Lunch

• 12:00 PM - 12:30 PM Public Viewing

• 12:30 PM Project removal & Departure

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Saturday, March 28, 2026

Invitations to Award Ceremony sent to award recipients and sponsors

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Tuesday, March 31, 2026 (by invitation), Skutt Student Center (Mutual of Omaha Ballroom) on Creighton University Campus

• 6:00 PM: Doors Open

• 6:45 PM: Awards Ceremony Starts

• 8:15 PM: Awards Ceremony Concludes

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Thursday, April 23, 2026 (by invitation)

NJAS State Science Fair, University of Nebraska -Lincoln, East Campus