ISEF Categories and Subcategories

The following 21 categories and subcategories are those that will be used at ISEF 2020.

Animal Sciences (ANIM)

Behavioral and Social Sciences (BEHA)
Biochemistry (BCHM)
Biomedical and Health Sciences (BMED)
Biomedical Engineering (ENBM)
Cellular and Molecular Biology (CELL)
Chemistry (CHEM)
Computational Biology and Bioinformatics (CBIO)
Earth and Environmental Sciences (EAEV)
Embedded Systems (EBED)
Energy: Sustainable Materials and Design (EGSD)
Engineering Mechanics (ENMC)
Environmental Engineering (ENEV)
Materials Science (MATS)
Mathematics (MATH)
Microbiology (MCRO)
Physics and Astronomy (PHYS)
Plant Sciences (PLNT)
Robotics and Intelligent Machines (ROBO)
Systems Software (SOFT)
Translational Medical Science (TMED)

Category Selection

Many projects could easily fit into more than one ISEF category. We highly recommend that
you review the entire listing of the categories and sub-categories before choosing the
category that most accurately describes your project.

At ISEF, you don’t need to compete in the same category as in your regional or state
competition. Furthermore, most regional and state competitions do not use subcategories.
You should carefully consider which subcategory best describes your project because your
judges will be assigned based on their expertise in your chosen subcategory. If the project
could be in multiple subcategories (or categories), it is best to select the primary
subcategory of your project rather than “Other.”

Ask yourself the following questions to help in the selection of a category:

1. Who will be the most qualified to judge my project? What area of expertise is the
most important for the judge to have? (For example, a medical background or an
engineering background?)
 2. What is the emphasis of my project? What characteristic of my project is the most
innovative, unique or important? (For example, is it the application in medicine or
the engineering of the machine? Is it inserting the proper gene or the method of
computer mapping to demonstrate the results?)
Please note: Each Society-affiliated fair determines the categories for their competition.
Local, regional, state and country fairs may or may not choose to use these new categories,
dependent on the needs of their area. Please check with your affiliated fair(s) for the
appropriate category listings at that level of competition.

ANIMAL SCIENCES (Code: ANIM)

This category includes all aspects of animals and animal life, animal life cycles, and animal
interactions with one another or with their environment. Examples of investigations
included in this category would involve the study of the structure, physiology,
development, and classification of animals, animal ecology, animal husbandry, entomology,
ichthyology, ornithology, and herpetology, as well as the study of animals at the cellular
and molecular level which would include cytology, histology, and cellular physiology.

Subcategories:

Animal Behavior
Cellular Studies
Development
Ecology
Genetics
Nutrition and Growth
Physiology
Systematics and Evolution
Other

Animal Behavior (BEH): The study of animal activities which includes investigating
animal interactions within and between species or an animal’s response to environmental
factors. Examples are animal communication, learning, and intelligence, rhythmic
functions, sensory preferences, pheromones, and environmental effects on behaviors, both
naturally and experimentally induced.

Cellular Studies (CEL): The study of animal cells involving the use of microscopy to study
cell structure and studies investigating activity within cells such as enzyme pathways,
cellular biochemistry, and synthesis pathways for DNA, RNA, and protein.

Development (DEV): The study of an organism from the time of fertilization through birth
or hatching and into later life. This includes cellular and molecular aspects of fertilization,
development, regeneration, and environmental effects on development.
Ecology (ECO): The study of interactions and behavioral relationships among animals, and
animals and plants, with their environment and with one another.

Genetics (GEN): The study of genes, genetic variation, and heredity in living organisms.
These projects include studies of heredity, dealing with resemblances and differences of
related organisms resulting from the interaction of their genes and the
environment. Studies may include projects relating to gene expression, gene regulation,
genomics, and model organisms.

Nutrition and Growth (NTR): The study of natural, artificial, or maternal nutrients on
animal growth, development, and reproduction including the use and effects of biological
and chemical control agents to control reproduction and population numbers.

Physiology (PHY): The study of one of the 11 animal systems. This includes structural and
functional studies, system mechanics, and the effect of environmental factors or natural
variations on the structure or function of a system. Similar studies conducted specifically at
the cellular level should select the cellular studies subcategory.

Systematics and Evolution (SYS): The study of animal classification and phylogenetic
methods including the evolutionary relationships between species and populations. This
includes morphological, biochemical, genetic, and modeled systems to describe the
relationship of animals to one another.

Other (OTH): Studies that cannot be assigned to one of the above subcategories. If the
project involves multiple subcategories, the principal subcategory should be chosen
instead of Other.

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BEHAVIORAL AND SOCIAL SCIENCES (Code: BEHA)

The science or study of the thought processes and behavior of humans and other animals in
their interactions with the environment studied through observational and experimental
methods.

Subcategories:

Clinical & Developmental Psychology

Cognitive Psychology
Neuroscience
Physiological Psychology
Sociology and Social Psychology
Other
Clinical and Developmental Psychology (CLN): The study and treatment of emotional or
behavioral disorders. Developmental psychology is concerned with the study of
progressive behavioral changes in an individual from birth until death.

Cognitive Psychology (COG): The study of cognition, the mental processes that underlie
behavior, including thinking, deciding, reasoning, and to some extent motivation and
emotion.

Neuroscience (NEU): Studies of the neural basis of cognitive processes, including learning
and memory, language and thought, perception, attention, and affect. It investigates the
human brain, from the functional organization of large-scale cerebral systems to
microscopic neurochemical processes.

Physiological Psychology (PHY): The study of the biological and physiological basis of
behavior. This field studies the neural mechanisms of perception and behavior through
direct manipulation of the brain in controlled experiments.

Sociology and Social Psychology (SOC): The study of human social behavior, especially
the study of the origins, organization, institutions, and development of human society.
Sociology is concerned with all group activities-economic, social, political, and religious.

Other (OTH): Studies that cannot be assigned to one of the above subcategories. If the
project involves multiple subcategories, the principal subcategory should be chosen
instead of Other.

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BIOCHEMISTRY (Code: BCHM)

The study of the chemical basis of processes occurring in living organisms, including the
processes by which these substances enter into, or are formed in, the organisms and react
with each other and the environment.

Subcategories:

Analytical Biochemistry
General Biochemistry
Medicinal Biochemistry
Structural Biochemistry
Other

Analytical Biochemistry (ANB): The study of biochemical components found in a cell or

other biological sample. The study of the separation, identification, and quantification of
chemical components relevant to living organisms.
General Biochemistry (GNR): The study of chemical and physiochemical processes,
including interactions and reactions, relevant to living organisms.

Medicinal Biochemistry (MED) : The study of biochemical processes within the human
body, with special reference to health and disease.

Structural Biochemistry (STR): The study of components, functions, and structures of

molecules of cells within living organisms. Projects in this subcategory can address various
variables of cells through the theories of Chemistry and the laws of Physics.

Other (OTH): Studies that cannot be assigned to one of the above subcategories. If the
project involves multiple subcategories, the principal subcategory should be chosen
instead of Other.

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BIOMEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES (Code: BMED)

This category focuses on studies specifically designed to address issues of human health
and disease. It includes studies on the diagnosis, treatment, prevention or epidemiology of
disease and other damage to the human body or mental systems. Includes studies of
normal functioning and may investigate internal as well as external factors such as
feedback mechanisms, stress or environmental impact on human health and disease.

Subcategories:

Cell, Organ, and Systems Physiology

Genetics and Molecular Biology of Disease
Immunology
Nutrition and Natural Products
Pathophysiology
Other

Cell, Organ, and Systems Physiology (PHY): These studies investigate mechanisms that
are involved in maintaining health or when disrupted, cause disease. They could involve
investigating such things as the role of cell signaling pathways both within the cell
(intracellular) and/or between cells (extracellular). Alternatively, studies in this
subcategory could investigate the maintenance of homeostasis at the organ or whole body
level (e.g., hormonal control and regulation). These studies may also be in areas such as
disease-related, stress-related, biochemical, mechanical, or physical changes at the tissue,
organ, and /or cellular level.

Genetics and Molecular Biology of Disease (GEN): These studies investigate the genetic
and molecular mechanisms involved in the regulatory pathways that maintain normal body
and cellular function or if disturbed can lead to disease. Studies could include examining
the activation and deactivation of genes (e.g., transcription factors or epigenetic regulation)
or involve more classical genetic identification studies.

Immunology (IMM): These studies will investigate any aspects of the immune system that
are involved in maintaining health or when altered lead to pathology. These studies can
include new investigations of normal immune function (e.g., immune cell interactions and
signaling), or they may study diseases caused by disorders in regulation of the immune
system (e.g., immunodeficiency or autoimmunity). Alternatively the studies could
investigate problems such as graft vs host or host versus graft disease that arise during the
treatment of other diseases or conditions.

Nutrition and Natural Products (NTR): The study of food, nutrients and dietary need in
humans, and the effects of food and nourishment on the body. These studies may include
the effects of natural or supplemental nutrients and nutrition.

Pathophysiology (PAT): These studies will be focused on determining specific causes of

disease and on physiological mechanisms responsible for disease development.
Investigations in this category will examine changes in the normal physiological balance, or
homeostasis that cause a reaction(s) within the body leading to disease.

Other (OTH): Studies that cannot be assigned to one of the above subcategories. If the
project involves multiple subcategories, the principal subcategory should be chosen
instead of Other.

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BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING (Code: ENBM)

Projects that involve the application of engineering principles and design concepts to
medicine and biology for healthcare purposes including diagnosis, monitoring and
therapy. Prominent biomedical engineering applications include the development of
biocompatible prostheses, various diagnostic and therapeutic medical devices ranging from
clinical equipment to micro-implants, common imaging equipment such as MRIs and EEGs,
regenerative tissue growth, pharmaceutical drugs and therapeutic biologicals.

Subcategories:

Biomaterials and Regenerative Medicine

Biomechanics
Biomedical Devices
Biomedical Sensors and Imaging
Cell and Tissue Engineering
Synthetic Biology
Other
Biomaterials and Regenerative Medicine (BMR): These studies involve the creation or
use of biomaterials or biocompatible materials to construct a whole or a part of a living
structure. These studies can include scaffolds for recruiting or supporting regenerative
cells or tissues or the engineering designs for creating the correct environment for
regenerative growth.

Biomechanics (BIE): Studies that apply classical mechanics (statics, dynamics, fluids,
solids, thermodynamics, and continuum mechanics) to understand the function of
biological tissues, organs, and systems and solve biological or medical problems. It includes
the study of motion, material deformation, flow within the body and in devices, and
transport of chemical constituents across biological and synthetic media and membranes.

Biomedical Devices (BDV): The study and/or construction of an apparatus that use
electronics and other measurement techniques to prevent and/or treat diseases or other
conditions within or on the body.

Biomedical Sensors and Imaging (IMG): The study and/or construction of an apparatus
or technique that obtains data to measure a condition of the body using physical
phenomenon (sound, radiation, magnetism, etc) with high speed electronic data
processing, analysis and display to support biomedical advances and procedures.

Cell and Tissue Engineering (CTE): Studies that utilize the anatomy, biochemistry and
mechanics of cellular and sub-cellular structures in order to understand disease processes
and to be able to intervene at very specific sites.

Synthetic Biology (SYN): Studies that involve the design and construction of new
biological parts, devices and systems. Such studies include biological circuit design, genetic
circuits, protein engineering, nucleic acid engineering, rational design, directed evolution
and metabolic engineering.

OTH Other (OTH): Studies that cannot be assigned to one of the above subcategories. If
the project involves multiple subcategories, the principal subcategory should be chosen
instead of Other.

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CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY (Code:

CELL)
This is an interdisciplinary field that studies the structure, function, intracellular pathways,
and formation of cells. Studies involve understanding life and cellular processes specifically
at the molecular level.

Subcategories:
Cell Physiology
Cellular Immunology
Genetics
Molecular Biology
Neurobiology
Other

Cell Physiology (PHY): The study of the cell cycle, cell function, and interactions between
cells or between cells and their environment. In general, projects could address physiology
of membrane transport, neuron transmission, muscle contraction, the digestion of food,
circulation of blood, contraction of muscles, or movement and production of nutrients in
plant cells.In general, projects could address physiology of membrane transport, neuron
transmission, muscle contraction, the digestion of food, circulation of blood, contraction of
muscles, or movement and production of nutrients in plant cells.

Cellular Immunology (IMM): The study of the structure and function of the immune
system at the cellular level. This includes investigations of innate and acquired (adaptive)
immunity, the cellular communication pathways involved in immunity, cellular recognition
and interactions between antigens and antibodies.

Genetics (GEN): The study of molecular genetics focusing on the structure and function of
genes at a molecular level.genes, genetic variation, and heredity in living cells. These
projects explore the consequences of genome variation on human cell biology, and thus
gene function in health and disease. Furthermore, projects may study the impact of
naturally-occurring and engineered genome mutations in human iPS cells, their
differentiated derivatives, and other cell types.

Molecular Biology (MOL): The study of biology at the molecular level. Chiefly concerns
itself with understanding the interactions between the various systems of a cell, including
the interrelationships of DNA, RNA and protein synthesis and learning how these
interactions are regulated, such as during transcription and translation, the significance of
introns and exons or coding issues.

Neurobiology (NEU) : The study of the structure and function of the nervous system at the
cellular or molecular level. This area focuses on the study of cells of the nervous system and
the organization of these cells into functional circuits that process information and mediate
behavior. Some neurobiology focuses on the molecular structures of the brain and nervous
system. Larger complete systems, like the function and structure of the cerebral cortex,
may be studied. Projects can look at biological factors that impact learning or mood, or how
early genetic material develops into various areas of the brain.

OTH Other (OTH): Studies that cannot be assigned to one of the above subcategories. If
the project involves multiple subcategories, the principal subcategory should be chosen
instead of Other.

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CHEMISTRY (Code: CHEM)
Studies exploring the science of the composition, structure, properties, and reactions of
matter not involving biochemical systems.

Subcategories:

Analytical Chemistry
Computational Chemistry
Environmental Chemistry
Inorganic Chemistry
Materials Chemistry
Organic Chemistry
Physical Chemistry
Other

Analytical Chemistry (ANC): The study of the separation, identification, and

quantification of the chemical components of materials.

Computational Chemistry (COM): A study that applies the discipline and techniques of
computer science and mathematics to solve large and complex problems in Chemistry.

Environmental Chemistry (ENV): The study of chemical species in the natural

environment, including the effects of human activities, such as the design of products and
processes that reduce or eliminate the use or generation of hazardous substances.

Inorganic Chemistry (INO): The study of the properties and reactions of inorganic and
organometallic compounds.

Materials Chemistry (MAT): The chemical study of the design, synthesis and properties of
substances, including condensed phases (solids, liquids, polymers) and interfaces, with a
useful or potentially useful function, such as catalysis or solar energy.

Organic Chemistry (ORG): The study of carbon-containing compounds, including

hydrocarbons and their derivatives.

Physical Chemistry (PHC): The study of the fundamental physical basis of chemical
systems and processes, including chemical kinetics, chemical thermodynamics,
electrochemistry, photochemistry, spectroscopy, statistical mechanics and astro-chemistry.

Other (OTH): Studies that cannot be assigned to one of the above subcategories. If the
project involves multiple subcategories, the principal subcategory should be chosen
instead of Other.

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COMPUTATIONAL BIOLOGY AND BIOINFORMATICS
(Code: CBIO)
Studies that primarily focus on the discipline and techniques of computer science and
mathematics as they relate to biological systems. This includes the development and
application of data-analytical and theoretical methods, mathematical modeling and
computational simulation techniques to the study of biological, behavior, and social
systems.

Subcategories:

Computational Biomodeling
Computational Epidemiology
Computational Evolutionary Biology
Computational Neuroscience
Computational Pharmacology
Genomics
Other

Computational Biomodeling (MOD): Studies that involve computer simulations of

biological systems most commonly with a goal of understanding how cells or organism
develop, work collectively and survive.

Computational Epidemiology (EPD): The study of disease frequency and distribution,

and risk factors and socioeconomic determinants of health within populations. Such studies
may include gathering information to confirm existence of disease outbreaks, developing
case definitions and analyzing epidemic data, establishing disease surveillance, and
implementing methods of disease prevention and control.

Computational Evolutionary Biology (EVO): A study that applies the discipline and
techniques of computer science and mathematics to explore the processes of change in
populations of organisms, especially taxonomy, paleontology, ethology, population genetics
and ecology.

Computational Neuroscience (NEU): A study that applies the discipline and techniques of
computer science and mathematics to understand brain function in terms of the
information processing properties of the structures that make up the nervous system.

Computational Pharmacology (PHA): A study that applies the discipline and techniques
of computer science and mathematics to predict and analyze the responses to drugs.

Genomics (GEN): The study of the function and structure of genomes using recombinant
DNA, sequencing, and bioinformatics.
Other (OTH): Studies that cannot be assigned to one of the above subcategories. If the
project involves multiple subcategories, the principal subcategory should be chosen
instead of Other.

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EARTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES (Code:

EAEV)
Studies of the environment and its effect on organisms/systems, including investigations of
biological processes such as growth and life span, as well as studies of Earth systems and
their evolution.

Subcategories:

Atmospheric Science
Climate Science
Environmental Effects on Ecosystems
Geosciences
Water Science
Other

Atmospheric Science (AIR): The study of the Earth’s atmosphere, its processes, the effects
other systems have on the atmosphere, and the effects of the atmosphere on these other
systems as well as meteorological investigations. Further investigation in this field relates
to atmospheric chemistry, atmospheric physics, atmospheric changes (both long and short-
term) that define average climates and their change over time, and upper layers of the
atmosphere, where dissociation and ionization are important.

Climate Science (CLI): Studies of Earth’s climate, particularly evidential study of climate
change over a period of time. This field studies long-term trends in average meteorological
conditions and changes in these averaged conditions from season to season, year to year,
decade to decade.

Environmental Effects on Ecosystems (ECS): Studies of the impact of environmental

changes (natural or as a result of human interaction) on ecosystems, including empirical
pollution studies.

Geosciences (GES): Studies of Earth’s land processes, including mineralogy, plate

tectonics, volcanism, and sedimentology.

Water Science (WAT): Studies of Earth’s water systems, including water resources,
movement, distribution, and water quality. This field includes the occurrence, movement,
abundance, distribution, and quality of subsurface waters and related geologic aspects of
surface waters. Furthermore, it projects may also address water from the moment of
precipitation until it evaporates into the atmosphere or is discharged into the ocean; for
example, river systems and the impacts of flooding.

Other (OTH): Studies that cannot be assigned to one of the above subcategories. If the
project involves multiple subcategories, the principal subcategory should be chosen
instead of Other.

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EMBEDDED SYSTEMS (Code: EBED)

Studies involving electrical systems in which information is conveyed via signals and
waveforms for purposes of enhancing communications, control and/or sensing.

Subcategories:

Circuits
Internet of Things
Microcontrollers
Networking and Data Communications
Optics
Sensors
Signal Processing
Other

Circuits (CIR): The study, analysis, and design of electronic circuits and their components,
including testing.

Internet of Things (IOT): The inter-networking of physical devices embedded with

electronics, software, sensors, actuators, and network connectivity to enable objects to
collect/exhcange data and/or rovide control. Such devices are to be connected with the
internet and/or the cloud.

Microcontrollers (MIC): The study and engineering of microcontrollers and their use to
control other devices.

Networking and Data Communications (NET): The study of systems that transmit any
combination of voice, video, and/or data among users.

Optics (OPT): The use of visible or infrared light instead of signals sent over wires. The
study and development of optical devices and systems devoted to practical applications
such as computation.

Sensors (SEN): The study and design of devices that transmit an electrical response to an
external device.
Signal Processing (SIG): The extraction of signals from noise and their conversion into a
representation for modeling and analysis.

Other (OTH): Studies that cannot be assigned to one of the above subcategories. If the
project involves multiple subcategories, the principal subcategory should be chosen
instead of Other.

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ENERGY: SUSTAINABLE MATERIALS &

DESIGN (EGSD)
Studies/processes involving the production and/or storage of energy.

Subcategories:

Biological Process and Design

Solar Process, Materials, and Design
Energy Storage
Wind and Water Movement Power Generation
Hydrogen Generation and Storage
Thermal Generation and Design
Triboelectricity and Electrolysis
Other

Biological Process and Design (BIO): Studies involving using biological processes to
produce sources of energy such as in microbial fuel cells, algae, biomass, fossil fuels and
waste.

Solar Process, Materials, and Design (SOL): The study and design of photovoltaics,
including components such as collectors, concentrators, photoconductor composition and
spectral sensitizers.

Energy Storage (EST): The study of battery and storage cell composition and design.

Wind and Water Movement Power Generation (FLD): The application of engineering
principles and design concepts involving processes to generate power from fluid flow,
including turbines design, angle of attack and surface optimization.

Hydrogen Generation and Storage (HYD): The application of engineering principles and
design concepts involving hydrogen production, optimization, and storage for energy
production.

Thermal Generation and Design (THR): Studies of generation of power from geothermal
and other thermal sources, design, and processes.
Triboelectricity and Electrolysis (ELC): Studies involving the generation of
electricity from a static charge, electrolysis reaction and charged particles.

Other (OTH): Studies that cannot be assigned to one of the above subcategories. If the
project involves multiple subcategories, the principal subcategory should be chosen
instead of Other.

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ENGINEERING MECHANICS (Code: ENMC)

Studies that focus on the science and engineering that involve movement or structure. The
movement can be by the apparatus or the movement can affect the apparatus.

Subcategories:

Aerospace and Aeronautical Engineering

Civil Engineering
Computational Mechanics
Control Theory
Ground Vehicle Systems
Industrial Engineering-Processing
Mechanical Engineering
Naval Systems
Other

Aerospace and Aeronautical Engineering (AER): Studies involving the design of aircraft
and space vehicles and the direction of the technical phases of their manufacture and
operation.

Civil Engineering (CIV): Studies that involve the planning, designing, construction, and
maintenance of structures and public works, such as bridges or dams, roads, water supply,
sewer, flood control and, traffic.

Computational Mechanics (COM): A study that applies the discipline and techniques of
computer science and mathematics to solve large and complex problems in Engineering
Mechanics.

Control Theory (CON): The study of dynamical systems, including controllers, systems,
and sensors that are influenced by inputs.

Ground Vehicle Systems (VEH): The design of ground vehicles and the direction of the
technical phases of their manufacture and operation.
Industrial Engineering-Processing (IND): Studies of efficient production of industrial
goods as affected by elements such as plant and procedural design, the management of
materials and energy, and the integration of workers within the overall system. The
industrial engineer designs methods, not machinery.

Mechanical Engineering (MEC): Studies that involve the generation and application of
heat and mechanical power and the design, production, and use of machines and tools.

Naval Systems (NAV): Studies of the design of ships and the direction of the technical
phases of their manufacture and operation.

Other (OTH): Studies that cannot be assigned to one of the above subcategories. If the
project involves multiple subcategories, the principal subcategory should be chosen
instead of Other.

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ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING (Code: ENEV)

Studies that engineer or develop processes and infrastructure to solve environmental
problems in the supply of water, the disposal of waste, or the control of pollution.

Subcategories:

Bioremediation
Land Reclamation
Pollution Control
Recycling and Waste Management
Water Resources Management
Other

Bioremediation (BIR): The use of biological agents, such as bacteria or plants, to remove
or neutralize contaminants. This includes phytoremediation, constructed wetlands for
wastewater treatment, biodegradation, etc.

Land Reclamation (ENG): Studies that apply engineering principles and design
techniques to restore land from wetlands, seas, lakes, deserts or mines, through drainage
or irrigation to a more productive use or its previous undisturbed state. This subcategory
also includes studies involving the restoration of land that is damaged by natural
phenomena, such as erosion, or impaired by industrial and urban processes.

Pollution Control (PLL): Studies that use engineering principles and design to prevent or
control air, water and solid waste pollution.
Recycling and Waste Management (REC): Studies involving the extraction and reuse of
useful substances from discarded items, garbage, or waste. The process of managing, and
disposing of, wastes and hazardous substances through methodologies such as landfills,
sewage treatment, composting, waste reduction, etc.

Water Resources Management (WAT): Studies that apply engineering principles and
design to the planning, developing, distributing and managing the optimum use of water
resources. Studies in this subcategory might include applied surface and groundwater
hydrology, forecasting and control of quantity and quality of water or simulation and
modeling of water resource systems.

Other (OTH): Studies that cannot be assigned to one of the above subcategories. If the
project involves multiple subcategories, the principal subcategory should be chosen
instead of Other.

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MATERIALS SCIENCE (Code: MATS)

The study of the integration of various materials forms in systems, devices, and
components that rely on their unique and specific properties. It involves their synthesis
and processing in the form of nanoparticles, nanofibers, and nanolayered structures, to
coatings and laminates, to bulk monolithic, single-/poly-crystalline, glassy, soft/hard solid,
composite, and cellular structures. It also involves measurements of various properties and
characterization of the structure across length scales, in addition to multi-scale modeling
and computations for process-structure and structure-property correlations.

Subcategories:

Biomaterials
Ceramic and Glasses
Composite Materials
Computation and Theory
Electronic, Optical, and Magnetic Materials
Nanomaterials
Polymers
Other

Biomaterials (BIM): Studies involving any matter, surface, or construct that interacts with
biological systems. Such materials are often used and/or adapted for a medical application,
and thus comprise whole or part of a living structure or biomedical device which performs,
augments, or replaces a natural function.
Ceramic and Glasses (CER): Studies involving materials composed of ceramic and glass –
often defined as all solid materials except metals and their alloys that are made by the high-
temperature processing of inorganic raw materials.

Composite Materials (CMP): Studies that integrate multiple materials such as ceramics,
fiber, metals or polymers to create a superior and unique material.

Computation and Theory (COM): Studies that develop and apply theoretical methods
and/or use computer modeling to design new materials, predict material behavior under
differing environmental conditions, understand energy transfer, etc.

Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials (ELE): The study and development of
materials used to form highly complex systems, such as integrated electronic circuits,
optoelectronic devices, and magnetic and optical mass storage media. The various
materials, with precisely controlled properties, perform numerous functions, including the
acquisition, processing, transmission, storage, and display of information.

Nanomaterials (NAN): The study and development of nanoscale materials; materials with
structural features (particle size or grain size, for example) of at least one dimension in the
range 1-100 nm.

Polymers (POL): The study and development of polymers; materials that have a molecular
structure consisting chiefly or entirely of a large number of similar units bonded together,
e.g., many synthetic organic materials used as plastics and resins.

Other (OTH): Studies that cannot be assigned to one of the above subcategories. If the
project involves multiple subcategories, the principal subcategory should be chosen
instead of Other.

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MATHEMATICS (Code: MATH)

The study of the measurement, properties, and relationships of quantities and sets, using
numbers and symbols. The deductive study of numbers, geometry, and various abstract
constructs, or structures.

Subcategories:

Algebra
Analysis
Combinatorics, Graph Theory, and Game Theory
Geometry and Topology
Number Theory
Probability and Statistics
Other

Algebra (ALB): The study of algebraic operations and/or relations and the structures
which arise from them. An example is given by (systems of) equations which involve
polynomial functions of one or more variables.

Analysis (ANL): The study of infinitesimal processes in mathematics, typically involving

the concept of a limit. This begins with differential and integral calculus, for functions of
one or several variables, and includes differential equations.

Combinatorics, Graph Theory, and Game Theory (CGG): The study of combinatorial
structures in mathematics, such as finite sets, graphs, and games, often with a view toward
classification and/or enumeration.

Geometry and Topology (GEO): The study of the shape, size, and other properties of
figures and spaces. Includes such subjects as Euclidean geometry, non-Euclidean
geometries (spherical, hyperbolic, Riemannian, Lorentzian), and knot theory (classification
of knots in 3-space).

Number Theory (NUM): The study of the arithmetic properties of integers and related
topics such as cryptography.

Probability and Statistics (PRO): Mathematical study of random phenomena and the
study of statistical tools used to analyze and interpret data.

Other (OTH): Studies that cannot be assigned to one of the above subcategories. If the
project involves multiple subcategories, the principal subcategory should be chosen
instead of Other.

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MICROBIOLOGY (Code: MCRO)

The study of micro-organisms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, prokaryotes, and simple
eukaryotes as well as antimicrobial and antibiotic substances.

Subcategories:

Antimicrobial and Antibiotics

Applied Microbiology
Bacteriology
Environmental Microbiology
Microbial Genetics
Virology
Other

Antimicrobials and Antibiotics (ANT): Studies involving substances that kill or inhibit
the growth of a microorganism.

Applied Microbiology (APL): The study of microorganisms having potential applications

in human, animal or plant health.

Bacteriology (BAC): The study of bacteria and bacterial diseases and the microorganisms
responsible for causing a disease. This field focuses on ideas spanning a wide range of
topics, from identification and characterization of bacteria, all the way to the development
of effective vacancies to combat various types of bacteria.

Environmental Microbiology (ENV): Studies involving microbial interactions and

processes within the environment. Air microbiology, soil microbiology and water
microbiology as well as the study of biofilms would be included in this subcategory.

Microbial Genetics (GEN): The study of the genetics of microorganisms such as bacteria,
archaea and some protozoa and fungi and their chromosomes, plasmids, transposons and
phages. Studies can also include gene transfer systems such as transformation,
conjugation and transduction.

Virology (VIR): The study of viruses – submicroscopic, parasitic particles of genetic

material contained in a protein coat – and virus-like agents. Research in this subcategory
may focus on the development and effectiveness of treatments for viruses, the
development and life cycle of a particular virus, or how the immune system recognizes a
virus and what stimulates immune responses.

Other (OTH): Studies that cannot be assigned to one of the above subcategories. If the
project involves multiple subcategories, the principal subcategory should be chosen
instead of Other.

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PHYSICS AND ASTRONOMY (Code: PHYS)

Physics is the science of matter and energy and of interactions between the two.
Astronomy is the study of anything in the universe beyond the Earth.

Subcategories:

Atomic, Molecular, and Optical Physics

Astronomy and Cosmology
Biological Physics
Condensed Matter and Materials
Mechanics
Nuclear and Particle Physics
Theoretical, Computational, and Quantum Physics
Other

Atomic, Molecular, and Optical Physics (AMO): The study of atoms, simple molecules,
electrons, light, and their interactions. Projects studying non-solid state lasers and masers
also belong in this subcategory.

Astronomy and Cosmology (AST): The study of space, the universe as a whole, including
its origins and evolution, the physical properties of objects in space and computational
astronomy.

Biological Physics (BIP): The study of the physics of biological processes and systems.

Condensed Matter and Materials (MAT): The study of the properties of solids and
liquids. Topics such as superconductivity, semi-conductors, complex fluids, and thin films
are studied.

Mechanics (MEC): Classical physics and mechanics, including the macroscopic study of
forces, vibrations and flows; on solid, liquid and gaseous materials. Projects studying
aerodynamics or hydrodynamics also belong in this subcategory.

Nuclear and Particle Physics (NUC): The study of the physical properties of the atomic
nucleus and of fundamental particles and the forces of their interaction. Projects
developing particle detectors also belong in this subcategory.

Theoretical, Computational, and Quantum Physics (THE): The study of nature,

phenomena and the laws of physics employing mathematical or computational
methods rather than experimental processes.

Other (OTH): Studies that cannot be assigned to one of the above subcategories. If the
project involves multiple subcategories, the principal subcategory should be chosen
instead of Other.

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PLANT SCIENCES (Code: PLNT)

Studies of plants and how they live, including structure, physiology, development, and
classification. Includes plant cultivation, development, ecology, genetics and plant breeding,
pathology, physiology, systematics and evolution.

Subcategories:
Agriculture and Agronomy
Ecology
Genetics and Breeding
Growth and Development
Pathology
Plant Physiology
Systematics and Evolution
Other

Agriculture and Agronomy (AGR): Application of the various soil and plant sciences to
soil management and agricultural and horticultural crop production. Includes biological
and chemical controls of pests, hydroponics, fertilizers and supplements.

Ecology (ECO): The study of interactions and relationships among plants, and plants and
animals, with their environment.

Genetics and Breeding (GEN): The study of organismic and population genetics of plants.
The application of plant genetics and biotechnology to crop improvement. This includes
genetically modified crops.

Growth and Development (DEV): The study of a plant from earliest stages through
germination and into later life. This includes cellular and molecular aspects of development
and environmental effects, natural or manmade, on development and growth.

Pathology (PAT): The study of plant disease states, and their causes, processes, and
consequences. This includes effects of parasites or disease-causing microbes.

Plant Physiology (PHY): The study of functions in plants and plant cells. This includes
cellular mechanisms such as photosynthesis and transpiration, and how plant processes
are affected by environmental factors or natural variations.

Systematics and Evolution (SYS): The study of classification of organisms and their
evolutionary relationships. This includes morphological, biochemical, genetic, and modeled
systems.

Other (OTH): Studies that cannot be assigned to one of the above subcategories. If the
project involves multiple subcategories, the principal subcategory should be chosen
instead of Other.

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ROBOTICS AND INTELLIGENT MACHINES (Code:

ROBO)
Studies in which the use of machine intelligence is paramount to reducing the reliance on
human intervention.

Subcategories:

Biomechanics
Cognitive Systems
Control Theory
Machine Learning
Robot Kinematics
Other

Biomechanics (BIE): Studies and apparatus which mimic the role of mechanics in
biological systems.

Cognitive Systems (COG): Studies/apparatus that operate similarly to the ways humans
think and process information. Systems that provide for increased interaction of people
and machines to more naturally extend and magnify human expertise, activity, and
cognition.

Control Theory (CON): Studies that explore the behavior of dynamical systems with
inputs, and how their behavior is modified by feedback. This includes new theoretical
results and the applications of new and established control methods, system modelling,
identification and simulation, the analysis and design of control systems (including
computer-aided design), and practical implementation.

Machine Learning (MAC): Construction and/or study of algorithms that can learn from
data.

Robot Kinematics (KIN): The study of movement in robotic systems.

Other (OTH): Studies that cannot be assigned to one of the above subcategories. If the
project involves multiple subcategories, the principal subcategory should be chosen
instead of Other.

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SYSTEMS SOFTWARE (Code: SOFT)

The study or development of software, information processes or methodologies to
demonstrate, analyze, or control a process/solution.

Subcategories:
Algorithms
Cybersecurity
Databases
Human/Machine Interface
Languages and Operating Systems
Mobile Apps
Online Learning
Other

Algorithms (ALG): The study or creation of algorithms – step-by-step procedure of

calculations to complete a specific task in data processing, automated reasoning and
computing.

Cybersecurity (CYB): Studies involving the protection of a computer or computer system

against unauthorized access or attacks. This can include studies involving hardware,
network, software, host or multimedia security.

Databases (DAT): Studies that create or analyze data organization for ease of access,
management and update.

Human/Machine Interface (HMC): Software application that presents information to a

user about the state of a process and to accept and implement the operator’s control
instructions.

Languages and Operating Systems (LNG): Studies that involve the development or
analysis of artificial languages used to write instructions that can be translated into
machine language and then executed by a computer or system software responsible for the
direct control and management of hardware and basic system operations of a computer or
mobile device.

Mobile Apps (APP): A study involving a software application developed specifically for
use on small, wireless computing devices. These studies may include front-end
development techniques, such as user interface design and cross-platform support, and/or
back-end development techniques, such as data services and business logic.

Online Learning (LRN): Studies that focus on utilizing electronic technologies to access
educational curriculum outside of a traditional means. Studies explore the design of
learning activities and programs with online technologies, as well as the effective use of e-
learning systems.

Other (OTH): Studies that cannot be assigned to one of the above subcategories. If the
project involves multiple subcategories, the principal subcategory should be chosen
instead of Other.

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Translational Medical Science (Code: TMED)
Projects that aim to improve human health and longevity by translating novel discoveries
in the biomedical sciences into effective activities and tools for clinical and public health
use. Bi-directional in concept, projects can be those developed through basic research
moving toward clinical testing (bench-to-bedside) or projects that provide feedback about
the applications of new treatments and how they can be improved (beside-to-bench).

Subcategories:

Disease Detection and Diagnosis

Disease Prevention
Disease Treatment and Therapies
Drug Identification and Testing
Pre-Clinical Studies
Other

Disease Detection and Diagnosis (DIS): Studies in this category encompass a variety of
novel assay methods to promote the identification, detection and determination of
disorders and disease. They may involve studies at the system, organ, or cellular levels.

Disease Prevention (PRE): The study of health promotion and disease prevention
activities and research to improve public health. These studies might involve research to
protect individuals from actual or potential health threats and their harmful consequences,
or they may address novel approaches to aid in compliance for avoiding known health risks
(e.g., smoking, drug use, obesity).

Disease Treatment and Therapies (TRE): The use of pharmaceuticals and other
therapies, including natural and holistic remedies, intended to improve symptoms and
treat or cure disorders or disease.

Drug Identification and Testing (DRU): These studies would be conducted to identify
potential drugs or extracts that could be used to treat or cure disorders or disease. Studies
in this category would involve initial testing of the compounds against an intended target.
This category could also include testing a range of different compounds or extracts to
determine relative potency and efficacy.

Pre-Clinical Studies (PCS): These studies of potential drugs or therapies would include
testing the intervention in platforms such as cultured cells or animal models of disease. The
investigations could be directed toward determining factors such as potential drug
permeability, efficacy and/or toxicity. These studies could also investigate the best route of
drug administration.
Other (OTH): Studies that cannot be assigned to one of the above subcategories. If the
project involves multiple subcategories, the principal subcategory should be chosen
instead of Other.

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