The Central New Mexico STEM Research Challenge is an affiliate of the International Science & Engineering Fair (ISEF).
The Research Challenges uses the ISEF forms that are available in the Document Library of the Society for Science & the Public website: International Science & Engineering Fair.
Each year these forms change slightly. In order to provide New Mexico Research Challenge teachers and sponsors with the correct forms, we provide links below that go directly to the ISEF website. This page is designed to help you download the forms that are mandatory for all student exhibitors, and the protocol forms that are required for research projects that involve humans, animals or hazardous substances/devices/activities. Protocol forms are for projects that will require a review by an SRC/IRB board or committee because the projects involve human subjects, animals, or hazardous substances/devices/activities.
A printout of the flowcharts will help. Describing these protocols appears more difficult that it actually is. If you have questions about the forms, many times the Rules & Guidelines will have the answers, because the forms are explained in detail.
Not all projects will require additional forms and review for prior approval by a Scientific Review Committee (SRC) or an Institutional Review Board (IRB).
PDF IMPORTANT NOTE: The individual ISEF forms are in Adobe Acrobat PDF (Portable Document Format). They are "fill-in-the blank" PDF forms. However, you cannot save the filled-in PDF forms – you must print a hard copy of your work (we recommend printing at least two sets). If you have the complete Adobe Acrobat Professional application, you can save the filled-in forms. But for most of us, who have only the Acrobat Reader, the downloaded form that you filled in cannot be saved. You can also print the blank forms, and fill them in by hand or use a typewriter.
You can choose to download, fill in, and print the individual forms OR download the 48-page Rules & Guidelines booklet, and print the appropriate plain PDF pages (starting at Page 30) from within the booklet. It is strongly advised that the teacher/sponsor print this out in its entirety. It should be shared with parents and students.
Note that for projects done in a Regulated Research Institution (i.e. UNM) may require a different form than for projects done at home, at school, or out in the field. Also be aware that an SRC/IRB may require the services of a Qualified Scientist (Form 2) if the project is of sufficient complexity or is exceptionally hazardous – this underscores the importance of getting early approvals from the SRC/IRB committees.
ISEF International Rules & Guidelines 2025 (PDF) All-important Rules & Guidelines booklet. The first 29 pages define the human, animal and hazardous materials protocols. Pages 30-48 contain the mandatory and protocol forms in standard PDF format. The single forms below are identical to the forms in this booklet, except the single forms are fill-in-the-blanks PDFs.
ISEF RULES WIZARD ISEF Wizard that helps you determine what forms and approvals are necessary depending upon the topic of your research project. Simple question-and-answer to help you determine what forms and/or protocols you will need.
Signature Page (PDF) We are now required to collect medical information on all student participants. Mandatory SIGNATURE PAGE and Media and Liability Release. This is now a TWO page form as we are required to collect medical information from all student participants. Please be sure to fill out ALL information.
Research PlanDetailed Research Plan Includes Hypothesis, Materials, Procedures, Safety Considerations, Bibliography, and data analysis processes.See Research Plan Guide in Form 1A below for more information. This will give you the sections that are required. This is not a specific form. It is written from scratch using the guide from ISEF.
Form 1 (PDF) Checklist for Adult Sponsor / Safety Assessment Form (1)One-page form to be filled out by the student's teacher or sponsor.
Form 1A (PDF) Student Checklist / Research Plan (1A)Two-page form: a) checklist and b) research plan instructions. Contains Research Plan Guide.
Form 1B (PDF) Approval Form (1B)One-page approval form signed by SRC/IRB for the project.
Form 1C (PDF) Regulated Research Institutional/Industrial Setting Form (1C)IF the student research will be conducted in a Regulated Research Institution, industrial setting or a work site other than home, school or out in the field. If research was done at home, at the school, or perhaps in a stream or back yard, this form is not necessary. If you do need Form 1C, please note that this form is completed by your Qualified Scientist at the institution where you did your research AFTER your project is completed.
Form 7 (PDF) Continuation Projects Form (7)IF the project is a continuation from the previous year: Required for projects that are a continuation in the same field of study as a previous project. This form must be accompanied by the previous year's abstract and Research Plan. Not necessary if the project is new.
Form 2 Qualified Scientist Form (2)IF determined necessary by the SRC/IRB Review Committee based upon the identified risk level of the project. NOTE: It is not known if this form and protocol is necessary until the local board/committee has reviewed this project – a good reason to get the paperwork in ahead of time. May be required for research involving human participants, vertebrate animals, potentially hazardous biological agents, and DEA-controlled substances. Must be completed and signed before the start of student experimentation.
Form 4 (PDF) Human Participants Form (4)
Human Informed Consent Form Two single page forms: a) required for all research involving human participants and b) a form for every human to fill out who is involved in the project
ISEF provides a Human Subjects Risk Assessment Guide to evaluate risks in using humans. In addition to physical or psychological risks, students and teachers/sponsors should also be aware of invasion of privacy and breach of confidentiality risks that also exist.
ISEF also provides guidance for Online Survey Consent Procedures to ensure appropriate informed consent is obtained from subject completing an online survey during a student-led research project.
Form 2 (PDF) Qualified Scientist Form (2)IF determined necessary by the SRC/IRB Review Committee based upon the identified risk level of the project. NOTE: It is not known if this form and protocol is necessary until the local board/committee has reviewed this project – a good reason to get the paperwork in ahead of time. May be required for research involving human subjects, vertebrate animals, potentially hazardous biological agents, and DEA-controlled substances. Must be completed and signed before the start of student experimentation.
Form 5 (PDF) Vertebrate Animal Form (5A and 5B)Use (5A) if vertebrate animals research is conducted in a school, a home out in the field (like a back yard or a stream). Use (5B) if vertebrate animals research is done at a Regulated Research Institution, (i.e. UNM).
Form 1C (PDF) Regulated Research Institutional/Industrial Setting Form (1C)IF the student research will be conducted in a Regulated Research Institution, industrial setting or a work site other than home, school or out in the field. If research was done at home, at the school, or perhaps in a stream or back yard, this form is not necessary. Therefore, form 5B and 1C will both be required if the research is done at an Regulated Research Institution.
Form 2 (PDF) Qualified Scientist Form (2)IF determined necessary by the SRC/IRB Review Committee based upon the identified risk level of the project. NOTE: It is not known if this form and protocol is necessary until the local board/committee has reviewed this project – a good reason to get the paperwork in ahead of time. May be required for research involving human participants, vertebrate animals, potentially hazardous biological agents, and DEA-controlled substances. Must be completed and signed before the start of student experimentation.
Form 6A (PDF) Potentially Hazardous Biological Agents FormRequired for research involving microorganisms, rDNA, fresh/frozen tissue (including primary cell lines, human and other primate established cell lines and tissue cultures), blood, blood products and body fluids. Prior approval required before experimentation.
Form 6B (PDF) Human and Vertebrate Animal Tissue FormRequired for research involving fresh/frozen tissue (including primary cell lines, human and other primate established cell lines and tissue cultures), blood, blood products and body fluids. IF the research involves living organisms, please ensure that the proper human or animal forms are completed. All projects using any tissue listed above must also complete Form 6A.
Form 2 (PDF) Qualified Scientist Form (2)IF determined necessary by the SRC/IRB Review Committee based upon the identified risk level of the project. NOTE: It is not known if this form and protocol is necessary until the local board/committee has reviewed this project – a good reason to get the paperwork in ahead of time. May be required for research involving human participants, vertebrate animals, potentially hazardous biological agents, and DEA-controlled substances. Must be completed and signed before the start of student experimentation.
Form 3 (PDF) Risk Assessment Form (3)Required for projects using hazardous chemicals, activities or devices and microorganisms exempt from pre-approval (see Page 14 of the Rules & Guidelines). Must be completed before experimentation.
The ISEF maintains a listing of forms and informational documents at their site at: ISEF DOCUMENTS
Do you want to interact with, encourage and support future scientists and engineers? If you are looking for fun volunteer opportunities with an impact on today’s youth, look no further! Volunteer with the STEM-H Center! We need enthusiastic individuals to help out with all three of our STEM Competitions.