Molecules & Models – A Virtual Science Fair

As part of Educator’s Week, Schrödinger will host its second annual Virtual Science Fair on May 1st, 2026. This free event invites both undergraduate and graduate students from across the U.S. to showcase their research, engage in discussions with Schrödinger judges, and compete for awards recognizing their creativity, effort, and commitment.

Schrödinger’s Virtual Science Fair is open to undergraduate and graduate student participants across a wide range of disciplines, including, but not limited to, biomedical, biological, and chemical sciences; ecology and environmental sciences; computer science; mathematics; physical sciences; and engineering. While all projects must incorporate a computational component, the use of Schrödinger software is not required.

Computational components may be through: artificial intelligence, experimental design, and molecular modeling in the fields of drug discovery, agrochemicals, materials science, medicinal and organic chemistry, pharmaceuticals, polymers, catalysis, computational biology, biophysics or theoretical chemistry.

Winners will receive a cash prize and access to Schrödinger online courses, supporting their continued exploration of computational science.

Presentation recordings will be posted online following the science fair.

Key Dates:

• Abstract applications: Open now
• Abstract applications close: Monday, March 30th
• Finalists are notified: Friday, April 10th
• Top applicants present their work: Friday, May 1st

Application Details:

Applications are open until Monday, March 30th and require a brief abstract (300-word maximum) summarizing key aspects of the project:

• Title – Clear and informative, reflecting the study’s focus.
• Background & Research Question – Briefly introduce the topic, its importance, and your hypothesis.
• Methods – Summarize key techniques, materials, or computational approaches.
• Results – Highlight main findings, trends, or discoveries (even if preliminary).
• Conclusion & Implications – Explain the broader impact, applications, and/or future directions.

Applicants may also attach an optional statement of support from a research advisor (1-page maximum).

Finalists will be invited to present their work to a Schrödinger judging panel in a 10-minute presentation on Friday, May 1st, 2026.