UM-Flint to host Flint Regional Science & Engineering Fair, March 13-14

In an era of huge challenges and monumental opportunities, a look at the winning projects from the 2025 Flint Regional Science & Engineering Fair offers a hopeful glimpse of the future. From applying augmented reality tools in pancreatic surgery, optimizing oil spill clean-up procedures and utilizing deep learning models to detect deepfake content, Southeast Michigan's K-12 students are not afraid to tackle complex scientific and societal problems in hopes of creating a safer, smarter, more sustainable world. 

FRSEF returns to the University of Michigan-Flint campus, March 13-14, with hundreds of contestants and life-changing prizes for the winning entries. The middle and high school portion of the event, featuring competitors in grades 6-12, is open to the public from 2-6 p.m., March 14, at UM-Flint's Riverfront Conference Center. 

UM-Flint will provide full scholarships to those who place in the top three, covering full tuition and mandatory fees for four consecutive years. The fourth-place winner will receive a one-time, $5,000 scholarship.

"We are proud to continue supporting FRSEF and consider it a privilege to be part of this enduring tradition at UM-Flint," said Steven Foster, director of financial aid. "The dedication of FRSEF and the students from the greater Flint area inspires us. By awarding scholarships to outstanding high school competitors, we are helping reduce barriers to higher education and empowering the region's brightest students to pursue their innovative goals right here at UM-Flint."

Jordan Krell, FRSEF co-director, said that the fair's ongoing collaboration with UM-Flint has been invaluable in creating a modern, relevant and community-focused event for the competitors. 

"The partnership with UM-Flint has enabled our team to reinvent what a science and engineering fair looks like and create an event that provides transformational experiences for students," Krell said. "The Riverfront Center is an amazing venue and we love having our fair in downtown Flint — putting the 'Flint' in the 'Flint Regional Science & Engineering Fair.' Last year, we had more than 30 UM-Flint students as judges; it was amazing to have them working directly with the science fair participants. Their sharing of knowledge and enthusiasm makes an impression on students."

UM-Flint's annual participation in FRSEF is indicative of the university's commitment to STEM education. Construction began in June 2024 on phase one of the Innovation & Technology Complex, creating a 14,000 sq. ft. space comprised of state-of-the-art instructional laboratories designed to encourage collaboration and interdisciplinary research. The first phase of the project was funded through a mix of federal and philanthropic support, including grants from the U.S. Economic Development Administration and the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation. Following completion of the first phase, currently slated for fall 2026, a $40 million phase two will create a new 40,000‑square‑foot building to support programs in clean energy, emerging mobility, additive manufacturing, robotics, AI, immersive experiences and data visualization.

For more information on FRSEF, volunteer opportunities and more, visit its website.