BioGENEius Challenge

An original independent science research competition.

Through their preparation for a science competition, high schoolers gain an intimate knowledge of the scientific research process, from hypothesis generation and data analysis to paper writing and poster presentation. These skills are immensely valuable not only in STEM competitions but also in general scholarly pursuits.

How to Participate

What is the Georgia BioGENEius Challenge?

An original independent science research competition. Through their preparation for a science competition, high schoolers gain an intimate knowledge of the scientific research process, from hypothesis generation and data analysis to paper writing and poster presentation. These skills are immensely valuable not only in STEM competitions but also in general scholarly pursuits.

Who can apply?

High School students (grades 9 – 12) enrolled in biology or science related courses in any public, private, or home school within the state of Georgia. The Georgia BioGENEius Challenge will take place Friday, April 4, 2025, during the statewide Georgia Science and Engineering Fair (GSEF) to be held at the Classic Center in Athens, GA.

Challenge Categories:

Healthcare

Projects for consideration for the Global Healthcare Challenge focus on the intended or anticipated outcomes of novel work in healthcare-related sciences, not the process or processes used to achieve them. Example projects could include but are not limited to:

Basic and translational systems knowledge (mapping genome elements, new molecular pathways, cell-cell interactions, etc.); druggable targets; novel proteins or small molecule therapeutics, vaccines: drug delivery; bioproduction of therapeutics/vaccines; nanobiotechnologies; medical devices; diagnostics; data analytics (AI/computational bioinformatics modeling/convoluted neural networks/health data IT application) all must be related to human health.

Sustainability

Projects for consideration for the Global Sustainability Challenge focus on the intended or anticipated outcomes of agricultural applications' work, not the process or processes used to achieve them. Example projects could include but are not limited to:

Genetic or other manipulations to crop plants to allow for optimal growth under adverse conditions (temperature, soil depletion, drought, insects, etc.); beneficial symbiotic relationships to enhance yield; soil improvements; disease control; value-added foods for human and animal benefit; improvements in animal health and reproduction; food security; data analytics (AI/computational bioinformatics modeling/convoluted neural networks all related to agricultural biotechnology.

Environment

Projects for consideration for the Global Environment Challenge focus on the intended or anticipated outcomes of the work impacting industrial and environmental issues, not the process or processes used to achieve them. Example projects could include (but are not limited to):

Bio-based degradable materials; bioremediation and other waste reduction/conversion efficiencies; marine-based products (not human health-related); new or improved biofuels production; biological processes for materials production (resource or waste conservation); reducing toxic emissions and greenhouse gases; data analytics (AI/computational bioinformatics modeling/convoluted neural networks all related to industrial and environmental biotechnology.

How do I apply?

Please visit www.galifesciences.org/biogeneius access the application. The application deadline is Friday, March 28th.

What do I win?

If you are selected as the winner of a BioGENEius competition you will be invited to attend the Georgia Life Sciences Summit taking place August 26-27 in Atlanta.  In addition, you could receive the opportunity to attend the International BioGENEius Challenge, co-located with another industry conference to be announced. 

Past Winners