By Dr. Harman Brah, MD · Judge, California Science & Engineering Fair
The Junior Science & Humanities Symposium (JSHS) is a research paper competition, not a poster fair. Students submit a written paper, and regional finalists present their research. SF State has hosted the Northern California regional, open to all Northern California high school students.
The 2027 Northern California dates are not yet posted. Nationally, regional paper deadlines fall between October and December 2026, with regional symposia from January to March 2027, so check jshs.org now rather than later.
How JSHS differs from a science fair
At the Synopsys Championship or the Alameda County fair, judges read your board and talk with you. At JSHS, the paper comes first. That rewards students who can write clearly about their research: the question, the methods, the results and their limits.
A project that is going to a county fair can often go to JSHS too, and writing the paper usually makes the board stronger.
The AI rule
JSHS rules forbid using ChatGPT or any other generative AI tool to write the report. Any AI use must be disclosed on the Statement of Outside Assistance.
Take this seriously. A student who used AI to polish a paragraph needs to disclose it. A paper that reads like it was written by a chatbot is also easy for reviewers to spot.
What makes a strong JSHS paper
- A clear question in the first paragraph.
- Methods someone else could repeat.
- Honest results, including what did not work.
- Limits stated plainly. Overclaiming hurts more than modest results.
- The student’s own voice. Reviewers can tell when an adult wrote it.
What to do now
- Check jshs.org for the Northern California regional deadline.
- If your project needs SRC/IRB approval, make sure it was approved before data collection.
- Start the paper early. Drafting reveals gaps in the research while there is still time to fix them.
Our students have placed 1st at JSHS. Our mentors include Dr. Harman Brah, a physician who judges at the California Science & Engineering Fair, and Wesley Hatcher, PhD, who has directed research mentorship for more than 100 UCSD undergraduates. See our research mentorship, or read how to qualify for ISEF from the Bay Area.
FAQ
What is JSHS?
The Junior Science & Humanities Symposium is a research paper competition. Students submit a written paper, and regional finalists present their research.
When is the JSHS Northern California deadline for 2027?
It is not yet posted. Regional paper deadlines nationally fall between October and December 2026. Check jshs.org.
Can I use ChatGPT for my JSHS paper?
No. JSHS rules forbid using generative AI tools to write the report, and any AI use must be disclosed.
Can I submit my science fair project to JSHS?
Often yes. The same research can go to a county fair and to JSHS, with a written paper for JSHS.
More guides on this topic
- My Child Does Research in a University Lab, Do They Need Outside Help for Regeneron STS?
- Can Research Done in a Professor's Lab Be Submitted to Regeneron STS?
- How STS Judges Tell Whether Lab Research Is the Student's Own Work
- How to Turn Summer Lab Research Into a Regeneron STS Research Report
- Who Should Write the STS Project Recommendation When Research Was Done in a Lab
Planning a Science Fair or STS Project?
This guide is the general version. Work one on one with a physician who judges at the California state fair and a PhD chemist, on a project your student owns from the first question to the final poster.