February 28 and 29, 2024
Click here to view the 2024 JSHS Program
Click here to view the Art & Science Competition Winners and Runners Up
Each spring in Albany, NY, young scientists representing high schools across New York present the results of original scientific research before 600+ fellow students, teachers, mentors and judges at the Upstate New York Junior Science and Humanities Symposium (Upstate NY JSHS).
We welcome you to join us for the 39th Annual Upstate NY JSHS!
Contact Us
Upstate New York Junior Science and Humanities Symposium
UAlbany in the High School
University at Albany
1400 Washington Avenue
Management Services Center 312
Albany, NY 12222
Phone: 518-442-4148
Fax: 518-442-4135
[email protected]
Len Behr, Co-Director of JSHS, [email protected]
Each spring in Albany, NY, young scientists representing high schools across New York present the results of original scientific research before 600+ fellow students, teachers, mentors and judges at the Upstate New York Junior Science and Humanities Symposium (Upstate NY JSHS).
For most students, these presentations represent the culmination of a three year Science Research in the High School program that unites students, teachers and mentors in a common research experience. This program has cultivated future scientists from schools in every region of the state.
The high school students chosen to present at the Upstate NY JSHS are finalists from sub-regional forums. Of the hundreds of students who present their papers at these sub-regional forums, only forty-three are chosen statewide to present at the Upstate NY JSHS in Albany.
On the first day of the Upstate NY JSHS, one finalist is chosen from each of five concurrent sessions. On the second day of the symposium, all of the first round winners present before a new team of judges and are ranked from one to five. Scholarships are awarded to first, second, and third place winners. All finalists are given an expense paid trip to compete in the National JSHS.
Over the past twenty years, the Upstate NY JSHS has produced more than five first or second place winners at the National JSHS.
In addition to student presentations and awards, the symposium features a keynote address by a current scientist, and workshops for students and teachers by scientists and scholars working in a variety of fields.
Major funding and support for the Upstate NY JSHS comes from the University at Albany, the National Science Teaching Association, and the U.S. Office of the Secretary of Defense, and the U.S. Departments of the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
Department of Defense sponsored awards for JSHS regional symposia include the following (based upon the availability and release of funding):
For 10 teachers (between all 48 regionals):
- A $1,000 award. Each region will submit one teacher for nomination of this award. Upon receipt of all the regional nominations, 10 total winners will be selected. Teachers should not be informed of their nomination.
For the regional student finalists:
- An expense-paid trip to the National JSHS awarded to five student finalists at each regional symposium and one adult (Regional Director or their official substitute). The National JSHS event brings together 245 student finalists as well as educators, judges, and DoD professionals in a program of educational and scientific exchange.
- An invitation to present their original research investigation at the National JSHS, in either oral or poster competitions.
- A $2,000, $1,500, and $1,000 undergraduate tuition scholarship is awarded to each of the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place finalists of the regional symposium respectively. (Note: The scholarship is payable upon matriculation and upon meeting the JSHS scholarship conditions.)
For the national student finalists:
- A $12,000 undergraduate tuition scholarship is awarded to each of the 1st place finalists in the eight National oral competition categories.
- An $8,000 undergraduate tuition scholarship is awarded to each of the 2nd place finalists in the eight National oral competition categories.
- A $4,000 undergraduate tuition scholarship is awarded to each of the 3rd place finalists in the eight National oral competition categories.
- Each of the eight National poster competition categories awards: 1st place $550, 2nd place $450, and 3rd place $350.
At both the sub-regional and regional levels, the decisions of the judges are final, irrevocable, and may not be questioned by anyone. In the rare event that the directors find a judge to be unsuitable, that judge is simply not asked to return for future symposia.
Student presenters who want feedback on their performance may speak with room moderators who sit in on the judging and are able to comment on the students' strengths and weaknesses. The JSHS sub-regional and regional judges are not to be contacted for comment by presenters. The room moderators provide verbal comment only and that comment is open only to the student presenter and teachers. It is not open to classmates, friends, or others. It is also not to be recorded other than as that student's notes.
Teachers, parents, and students please note: Attendance at the Upstate NY JSHS or either of the sub-regional symposia implies understanding and acceptance of the above.