USEF Ethics Statement

Participating at the University of Utah Science and Engineering Fair (USEF) competition carries moral and ethical responsibilities for every young person. USEF expects students to act with honor and integrity when conducting scientific research and in interacting within their peer community.

  • Scientific fraud and misconduct are prohibited at all levels of research and competition.
  • Student scientists must not fabricate data or images, plagiarize or present someone else’s work as their own. 
  • Any use of AI to generate data, images, or text must be explicitly indicated and the AI program used to generate it should be cited appropriately.
  • Student scientists must differentiate their own work from the work of others and cite sources.
  • Student scientists must respect confidentiality and intellectual property.

While pre-collegiate scientific research is an educational process that includes the potential for errors and omissions, it is essential that students’ intentions remain honest and free from deceit.

USEF Code of Conduct

While attending the University of Utah Science and Engineering Fair students are expected to follow these basic rules, procedures, and expectations. Students found to be violating either the ethics or code of conduct may be subject to disciplinary action up to and including disqualification at the discretion of the Fair Director, Program Manager and USEF staff.

  • Keep hands, feet, and objects to yourself and never intentionally harm another student.
  • Use school-appropriate language and behavior at all times while maintaining friendly and courteous behavior.
  • Be polite and respectful to everyone, including students, teachers, administrators, support staff, and visitors.
  • Do not become a distraction for others. Give every other student the opportunity to maximize their potential. Encourage your fellow students. Never tear them down.
  • Do not vape, smoke or use any tobacco product on University of Utah campus.
  • Do not be a bully. If you see someone being bullied, intervene by telling them to stop or immediately report it to USEF staff. 

How to report concerns 

Submitting a scientific integrity allegation is a serious action that should be done only with credible evidence and when you are willing to come forward as an identifiable source of that information. No adverse action or retaliation will be taken against a person who reports a violation or who participates in an investigation in good faith.

Please submit your concerns to jody.oostema@utah.edu or find a USEF staff member wearing a black vest during the fair.