Today was the big day – Judging Day at ISEF.
The AUSSEF team would like to thank everyone for their messages of encouragement and support. The team greatly appreciated hearing well wishes over breakfast before heading into what would be an intense and exciting day.
With the Arizona heat already rising early in the morning, we transported the finalists to the convention centre in their formal uniforms by Uber to help keep everyone comfortable, calm, and focused. Arriving early gave us the opportunity to secure a prime position as students entered the exhibition hall, sending them off with cheers and words of encouragement. The Puerto Rican team made a most impressive display singing their national anthem as they entered the Judging Hall. Upon arriving at their booths, finalists received their judging schedules, which included between six and nine official Grand Award judges, while Special Awards judges moved throughout the hall during the day. By lunchtime, students were enthusiastically sharing stories about the diverse range of Special Awards representatives who had visited their booths, including representatives connected to scholarships, patent offices, systems engineering organisations, military-affiliated programs, and industry sponsors.
Much of the lunchtime discussion, however, centred around their experiences with the Grand Award judges. Some judges asked highly specialised and challenging questions, while others openly expressed how impressed they were by the quality of the finalists’ research, communication skills, and depth of understanding.
Following a much-needed opportunity to rehydrate and refuel over lunch, finalists returned for their remaining judging sessions, continuing to refine their responses and adapt to the differing styles and approaches of each judge throughout the afternoon. A special highlight of the day was Michael receiving an “Alumni Special Awards Finalist” pin from a Special Awards judge – something we are all hoping may be a positive sign ahead of tomorrow evening’s Special Awards Ceremony.
After seven and a half hours of judging, the finalists emerged together to the cheers and applause of a large crowd of supporters, relieved, proud, and exhilarated after months of hard work and preparation. To celebrate the tremendous effort of all participants, ISEF hosted an evening event at Chase Field Baseball Stadium. Finalists enjoyed full access to the stadium and participated in a wide variety of activities, including batting practice, behind-the-scenes stadium tours, on-field activities, and opportunities to meet mascots Baxter the Bobcat and the Legend Racers.
Positively exhausted but incredibly happy, the team is now looking forward to a well-earned night’s sleep before tomorrow’s events begin.