How To Win Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovation Challenge

Introduction

The Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovation Challenge (JIC) is one of the top science competitions for middle school students in the United States. Hosted by Society for Science, the competition gives students a platform to explore real-world problems through research and innovation. Why does it matter? Because it’s more than just a contest, it’s a chance to test your curiosity, strengthen your scientific thinking, and share your ideas on a national stage.

Whether you’re passionate about climate change, medical technology, or coding solutions, the JIC pushes you to think critically, work independently, and showcase your creativity. Winning isn’t only about having the “best” idea—it’s about how you frame, test, and communicate that idea.

How JIC Works

Here are the key details you need to know before diving in:

• Eligibility: Students in grades 6–8 (U.S. only).

• Application process: Submit an original science or engineering project through the Society for Science platform.

• Awards: Finalists earn cash prizes, recognition, and opportunities to present their work.

• Focus: Innovation and clarity - your project should both address a real-world problem and show strong scientific reasoning.

The funnel is competitive, but what’s exciting is that it’s not just about what you create—it’s about how you approach it.

Tips for Standing Out in the JIC

1. Pick a Problem You Actually Care About

Judges can tell when your project comes from genuine curiosity. Instead of chasing trendy topics, focus on something you’ve always wondered about. For example, if you’re into sports, you might study hydration or injury prevention. If you care about the environment, maybe you’ll explore new ways to reduce plastic waste.

Quick Tip: Make a list of problems in your daily life, school, or community. A meaningful starting point is often close to home.

2. Mix Different Fields

Some of the strongest projects combine ideas from multiple subjects. Maybe you design an app that uses biology data, or create a physics experiment with coding. Interdisciplinary thinking not only makes your project unique but also shows that you can connect the dots across different areas of science.

Pro Tip: Ask yourself, “What would happen if I combined my two favorite classes?” That mash-up might spark your project idea.

3. Analyze and Visualize Your Data

Collecting data is only half the job. The real test is how you make sense of it. Create graphs, charts, or even simple simulations that show trends clearly. Judges appreciate when you don’t just state results but also explain what they mean.

Quick Tip: Free tools like Google Sheets or Python libraries can help you make visuals that look professional without needing advanced software.

4. Present with Clarity and Story

A brilliant project can lose impact if it’s explained in a confusing way. Structure your presentation like a story: What was the problem? How did you test it? What did you learn? Use visuals, examples, and clear language to keep your audience engaged.

Pro Tip: Practice explaining your project to a younger sibling or a friend outside of science. If they get it, your judges will too.

5. Seek Mentors and Support

You don’t have to do it all alone. Teachers, parents, or local science professionals can give you feedback and help refine your ideas. A mentor doesn’t need to be an expert in your exact topic—they just need to push you to think deeper.

Quick Tip: Even emailing a local university professor or joining a community science club can connect you with people who want to help.

6. Learn from Past Winners. But Add Your Spin

Looking at past projects is helpful for inspiration, but copying won’t get you far. Instead, pay attention to how those students explained their work, then think about how you can bring your own perspective. Judges want fresh takes, not repeats.

Pro Tip: Notice how past winners tied their projects to a bigger impact, like helping communities or solving health issues. Then ask: how can my project make a difference?

Why This Challenge Matters

Even if you don’t take home a top award, participating in JIC builds skills you’ll use for years: critical thinking, problem-solving, and communicating ideas clearly. It’s less about a one-time competition and more about starting your journey as a young scientist or innovator.

Practice These Skills With Lumiere’s Junior Explorer Program

If you’re looking for a way to prepare for competitions like the Thermo Fisher Scientific JIC, check out the Junior Explorer Program (JEP) by Lumiere. It’s an 8-week mentorship program where middle school students work one-on-one with a mentor to explore interests and build a project. Many participants use their projects as a springboard to competitions like JIC.

By joining JEP, you’ll get hands-on practice with:

• Developing research questions.

• Designing and testing ideas.

• Presenting your findings clearly.

So if you’re excited to take on the JIC, this program can help you sharpen the exact skills that matter most.

Bottom line: To win the Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovation Challenge, choose a problem that matters to you, think across disciplines, back up your ideas with solid data, and present with clarity. With practice—and maybe some mentorship—you’ll be ready to put your best project forward.

Lydia is an alum from Harvard University and studied Molecular and Cellular Biology & Economics. In high school, she was the captain of her high school’s Academic Decathlon team and attended the Governor's School of Engineering and Technology. She is working as a life sciences consultant after graduation. 

Image Source - Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovation Challenge logo