Campus and Community Involvement

Members of the SIU campus and the Carbondale community are invited to help welcome the Illinois Junior Academy of Science state competitors. There are many ways to be involved on Friday, April 24, and Saturday, April 25. Whether you are a student, faculty or staff member, or a proud member of the extended Saluki family, we welcome your help during this exciting event.

Be a Judge

SIU is seeking undergraduate/graduate students, faculty, staff, or community members to serve as judges. Judges will go through an orientation session and then be asked to evaluate student projects using a standardized rubric. With the rubric, judges will score based on scientific or design method, display, oral presentation, and written report.

Orientation for Poster Session 1 Judges will begin at 9:45 a.m., FRIDAY, APRIL 24 in the SIU Banterra Center. Competition will follow from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Orientation for Poster Session 2 Judges will begin at 2:45 p.m. in the SIU Banterra Center. Competition will follow from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Orientation for Poster Session 3 Judges will begin at 8:45 a.m. SATURDAY, APRIL 25 in the SIU Banterra Center. Poster Session 3 Competition will follow from 9 am to noon. 

Paper Session Judges and Participants will meet at 9:05 a.m. SATURDAY, APRIL 25 in the Banterra Center. Paper Session Competition will follow from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the SIU Student Center.

Please complete the form below to apply to be a judge. Forms must be submitted by Friday, April 17. Selected judges will receive notification of their assignment, along with further instructions.

Apply to serve as a judge for the IJAS State Science Fair. More information coming soon.

Host an Activity

On Friday, April 24, from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., competing students will be in the SIU Student Center for a social event. Colleges and schools, Registered Student Organizations, and other groups are invited to provide hands-on activities for the participating students. Dinner (pizza) will be provided to students and staff facilitating activities.

Please complete the form below to request space for an activity. Space must be staffed for the entire time frame (5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.).

SIU Department / Organization Involvement Request form.

Volunteer

SIU is seeking volunteers to assist with the Science Fair. Volunteers are needed for a variety of tasks, primarily welcoming students and their family/supporters, answering questions, and providing assistance. Volunteer opportunities are open to anyone: students, faculty/staff, alumni, or community members.

Please wear a maroon SIU/Saluki shirt when volunteering. You are welcome to wear apparel representing your college, school, or organization.

Volunteer at the 2026 IJAS State Science Fair. More information coming soon.