The South Central/Southwest Minnesota Regional Science & Engineering Fair Program is affiliated with the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (Intel ISEF) Program. Rules are set-forth by Intel ISEF apply to the Junior/Senior High School Division.
Minnesota State University has a Scientific Review Committee/Institutional Review Board (SRC/IRB). The purpose of this committee is to check student projects for compliance with the Intel ISEF and regional fair rules. The committee for the 2008-2009 year is Mr. Bix Baker, Dr. Roger Nelson, Mr. Gary Klimmek, Dr. Bill Bessler and Dr. Penny Knoblich.
GENERAL: Changes and modifications for 2008-2009 are as follows:
Human Subjects: Ingestion, tasting, smelling, application of a substance or exposure to any potentially hazardous materials is an example of an activity containing more than minimal risk for studies involving human subjects.
Vertebrate Animals: Certain studies involving behavioral observation of animals are exempt from prior SRC review. Research conducted at a regulated research institution involving nutritional deficiency, ingestion, inoculation or exposure to unknown or potentially hazardous materials or drugs is permitted to proceed only to the point where the first sign of the deficiency or effect appear.
Potentially Hazardous Biological Agents: Frozen tissue is to be treated the same as fresh tissue. Form 3 is no longer required for studies involving certain microorganisms. (Refer to #12 under Intel ISEF rules for Potentially Hazardous Biological Agents.)
Hazardous Chemicals, Activities or Devices: Clarification of rules regarding firearms and explosives. See #1 under Firearms and Explosives.
Form and Other Changes: The name of Form 6A has been expanded to include the term "Risk Assessment." "Science educator" replaces "science teacher" for membership on IRB's and SRC's.
