Introduction
Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is the sponsor for the 2021 International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF). In order to maintain the integrity of the entire process and thus assure a transparent, equitable, and positive experience for all involved (students, judges, other), Regeneron has asked that all Affiliated Fairs post policies to clarify their stand on Non-Discrimination, Judging, and Grievance Resolution. The following provides descriptions of each of these.
Non-discrimination Policy
The New Hampshire Science and Engineering Exposition Association does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations. These activities include, but are not limited to the selection of volunteers and vendors, and provision of services.
Judging Policy
All judges are volunteers. They are not compensated for their time and effort. Judges are recruited, but only in the sense that announcements are sent out inviting qualified judges to take part if they are willing and interested. As part of our registration procedure, each judge selects their categories of interest, and indicates their qualifications and background information for each category choice. Each volunteer is also required to indicate any possible conflict(s) of interest. The data obtained from each judge is used to assign projects which are appropriate to their qualifications. Once a volunteer has registered to judge, and until all their scores are submitted, they have access to representatives of the NHSEE Judge Committee and Fair Director if a question, concern, or conflict of interest arises.
The judge evaluates each assigned project and gives it a score. Each project is evaluated by at least 3 different judges, preferably 5 for Open Competition projects. Judge assignments are distributed throughout the entire agenda so groups of judges do not all evaluate the same projects. Judges work independently and do not confer with each other.
After each judge submits the score sheets for all their projects, the individual scores for each project are submitted to the scoring system used to determine the overall scoring for the Open Competition (Challenge scoring is handled according to each separate challenge rubric). The judge scores are final as submitted. They cannot be modified, adjusted or overruled by anyone during the scoring process.
As part of the Judging Policy, judge volunteers attest to a Statement of Ethics, before they register. The statement follows here:
In my service as a judge:
1. I will perform my duties in the best interest of fair and just competition.
2. I will acknowledge any conflict of interest, that I am aware of when I register, and report any conflicts that may develop after I register.
3. I will refrain from any harassment of another individual.
4. I will decline any payment or other considerations of value.
Grievance Policy
This is especially important during the judging process of the Fair. If anyone has a question or a concern, or is aware of a troubling or potentially sensitive issue, the person can contact anyone in Expo Governance and the problem will be dealt with immediately. One way to reach governance is to go to Contact Us > Expo Questions or Grievance and provide specific details. The question, concern, or issue will be resolved before the Fair is completed. The person filing the grievance will be kept informed of the status of the investigation as it progresses.
