Skip To Main Content
HSEF 2
Lisa Proffit-Rau

The 11th Annual Harmony Science and Engineering Fair (H-SEF) will take place Friday, April 10, and Saturday, April 11, 2026, in Houston, bringing together the brightest middle and high school students from across the Harmony Public Schools network to showcase advanced research projects. Registration opens soon with a Mar. 4 deadline, and space is limited as projects must pass an online pre-elimination process that maintains the fair's rigorous standards. H-SEF represents more than competition - it's a launching pad for future innovators that has previously sent winners to prestigious international competitions, including a first-place finish at Mostratec 2021.

STEM banner blog

Harmony Students:

Your Moment to Shine Awaits at the  2026 Harmony Science & Engineering Fair!

The countdown has begun! In just a few months, the brightest young minds across the Harmony Public Schools network will converge in Houston for the 11th Annual Harmony Science and Engineering Fair.

Scheduled for Friday, April 10, and Saturday, April 11, 2026, H-SEF represents everything Harmony stands for: rigorous academics, collaborative learning and the unwavering belief that every student can excel in STEM fields.

Your path to Houston starts now

Registration for H-SEF 2026 opens soon, with a deadline of Mar. 4, 2026. This is your opportunity to dive deep into a research question that fascinates you and join a community of peers who share your passion for discovery.

Space is limited, and projects will be invited only after passing an online pre-elimination process. H-SEF maintains the highest standards because it recognizes the exceptional capabilities of Harmony students.

Whether you're a middle school student just beginning to explore scientific research or a high school senior looking to cap off your academic career with a meaningful project, H-SEF 2026 is calling.

Register Here

A legacy of excellence

Looking back at previous H-SEF fairs, the event has consistently brought together middle and high school students who spent months conducting advanced research projects. Many finalists were already award winners in their regional science fairs—a testament to the caliber of work Harmony students produce.

Organizers say the fair’s mission is to promote STEM through advanced research among secondary students and to spark their interest and motivation to pursue STEM careers.

Over the years, H-SEF winners have gone on to compete in prestigious international competitions, with some earning top honors on the global stage. These aren’t just feel-good stories—they’re proof that Harmony’s commitment to STEM excellence creates real opportunities for real students.

Ready to begin?

This is more than a science fair. It's your chance to join a legacy of student excellence and prove that Harmony's mission—preparing each and every student for college and career success—is a lived reality.

Registration NOW OPEN! Deadline: Mar 4, 2026, 9:00 p.m. Don't let this opportunity pass you by!

 


Interested in Judging?

Are you a professional in a STEM field? If you are a university professor, industry professional, Harmony parent, Harmony staff, or a STEM college student, we would like to invite you to be a Science Fair Judge. Bring your expertise to inspire Harmony students by evaluating projects, asking thoughtful questions, and providing valuable feedback.

Click Here to Access the H-SEF Judging Information


The Details

H-SEF RULES & GUIDELINES

Download the Flyer Here

H-SEF 2026 Timeline

  • Nov. 14, 2025: H-SEF announcement and flyers shared with HPS schools.

  • Dec. 1, 2025 - Mar 4, 2026: Application process.

  • Mar. 4, 2026 9:00 p.m.- Registration deadline.

  • Mar.  4-25, 2026: Review process begins and pre-qualification decisions made.

  • Mar.  27, 2026: Qualification emails sent to students (finalists).

  • Apr. 10, 2026: H-SEF arrival, project set up, Opening Ceremony.

    • 3 - 6 p.m. - Project set up 

 

  • Apr. 11, 2026: H-SEF Judging & Awards Ceremony

    • 9 a.m.-12 p.m. - Judging 

    • 12-1 p.m. - Lunch (provided) 

    • 1-2 p.m. -  Award Ceremony 

H-SEF Categories 

stem sos logo2

Junior Division (Grades 6th-8th)

  • Life Science
  • Physical Science
  • Engineering and Technology 

Senior Division (Grades 9th-12th)

  • Life Science
  • Physical Science
  • Engineering and Technology

 

Important Dates

All registrations must be completed online (RocketJudge platform) for each project. Register using the link provided below. All registrations MUST BE finalized by 9 p.m. on Friday, March 4, 2026. Late entries will not be accepted.
 

Location (Exhibit Hall): 

Harmony Public Schools Houston South District Office

9321 W. Sam Houston Pkwy S. 

Houston TX, 77099

 

Hotel: (non-Houston participants only)

Hotel information will be shared later.

Important Notes for Hotel Guests:

  • Harmony will reserve the rooms for the finalists. You do not need to make a reservation. 
  • Hotel check-in starts at 4 p.m. Friday. All guests must check-out by noon Saturday. 
  • Breakfast is included in your hotel stay.

Important Notes for All Finalists, Mentors, and Parents:

  • Students must report to the exhibit hall by 8:45 a.m. Saturday, you must be by your project when judging begins. 
  • Parents and teachers will not be allowed inside the exhibit hall while judging is taking place. The multipurpose room will be available as a waiting area. 

SPONSORS:

Harmony Education Foundation logo

Harmony Education Foundation sponsors H-SEF and is providing gift cards to the winners:

  • First Place - $100
  • Second Place - $50
  • Third Place - $20

For more information about Harmony Education Foundation, click here.

  • STEM