Frequently Asked Questions
If something is not covered here, write to us. We read every message and update this page when a good question arrives more than once.
Eligibility
I’m 11 — can I still apply?
The Junior Division opens at 12. If you turn 12 before 1 September 2026, you are eligible for the 2026 season.
I’m 19 — can I still apply?
The Senior Division closes at 18. If you are 18 on 1 September 2026 and turn 19 during the season, you remain eligible.
Do I need to be in school?
No. Home-schooled students, gap-year students and students between schools are welcome. Age is the only hard rule.
Does my school need to approve my entry?
No. Tell them if you can — teachers are often the best mentors you already know — but LBX does not require school endorsement.
Projects
Do I need an idea before I apply?
No. A rough interest is enough. Orientation and the first weeks with a mentor are designed to help you choose a question. Many strong projects start as “I’m interested in X but I don’t know what to do about it.”
Can I submit work I’ve already started?
Yes, if the project is still in progress and the substantial work of the season happens inside the season. Be honest about what was already done; mentors will help you draw the line.
Can I use AI tools?
Yes, with disclosure. Code assistants, writing assistants, model APIs and image generators are part of how research happens now. Say what you used and how. Using a tool well is fine; passing off its output as unaided work is not.
What if my experiment fails?
Submit the negative result. The rubric rewards depth of exploration. Honest failure outranks polished success that hides what went wrong. See Prepare.
Mentors and judging
Who are the mentors?
Postgraduate students and early-career professionals — researchers, engineers, founders and educators — who complete LBX training before being matched. They volunteer; students do not pay them.
Can I bring my own mentor?
Yes. If a teacher or family friend is already working with you, say so on the form. We will pair you with an LBX mentor as a secondary reviewer rather than a primary advisor.
How often do I meet my mentor?
Typically every two to three weeks for 30–45 minutes, plus written feedback at the two checkpoints. Many pairs talk more often as showcase day approaches.
How are projects judged?
Against a published rubric: originality of the question, quality of the build, depth of exploration, and communication. Details are on the competition page. Awards are comparative within a track and division, but judges score the rubric first; a track may have no winner.
Do I get feedback if I don’t win?
Yes. Every regional showcase participant receives written feedback from the panel within four weeks, addressed to the student.
Cost, travel, certificates
How much does it cost?
USD 90 for an individual; USD 150 for a team of two to four. Fee waivers are available and routinely granted. See Apply.
Do I have to travel to my regional showcase?
Yes — the showcase is in person. Most people travel only within their region. Travel and lodging are the participant’s responsibility; need-based grants are available. Recorded defences are exceptional (visa or medical), not a parallel track.
What about the Global Final?
Finalists are invited to New York on 10–12 July 2027. Travel grants are available; no finalist should miss the Global Final because of cost. The host city rotates each season.
Will my project be made public?
Regional and Global presenters receive a public showcase page if they opt in. You keep copyright. LBX takes a non-exclusive licence to display and archive the showcase materials. Photography follows the consent box on the form.
Is LBX an ISEF affiliate?
No. LBX is not affiliated with Regeneron ISEF, Society for Science, FIRST, the Conrad Foundation or the other programmes described on The Field. You may enter those programmes separately under their own rules.
How do I verify a certificate?
Start at verify. Award certificates from the season are in the public registry. Digitally signed files with a checksum are checked at cert/verify.html. The verify page explains which door to use.
What does guardian consent involve?
Anyone under 18 needs a parent or legal guardian to complete the consent section: contact details, permission for mentor sessions and the showcase, photo permission, and confirmation they have read the privacy notice and terms. Under-16s also need a named adult on site at the showcase.