KY-SEF’s mission is to expand educational opportunities for all middle and high school students, and to enhance the visibility and importance of science and engineering in Kentucky by providing an annual statewide competition that supports, encourages, and recognizes student excellence in science and engineering research.

KY-SEF is affiliated with and its top winners attend the Regeneron® International Science and Engineering Fair® (Regeneron ISEF), the world’s largest international pre-college science competition, which annually provides a forum for more than 1,600 high school students from over 70 countries, regions, and territories to showcase their independent research and compete for more than $4 million in awards.