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Now is the best time to be thinking about your JSHS project for next year!

​Get involved today in something STEMtacular!

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What is DoDEA-EUROPE JSHS?
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IMPORTANT DATES

Project Submission Date
08 JAN 2026
​(Paper, Abstract, SOA)

​JSHS Regional Event
25-27 FEB 2026
Groß Gerau, DE

JSHS National Event
TBD APR 2026
​TBD

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A big thank you
to our
USACE partners!

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The Junior Science and Humanities Symposia (JSHS) Program invites high school students to submit a paper on an original research investigation in STEM fields. By connecting talented students, their teachers, and research professionals at affiliated symposia and by rewarding research excellence, JSHS aims to widen the pool of trained talent prepared to conduct research and development vital to our nation.
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All DoDEA-Europe 9-12 students are eligible to participate.

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TESTIMONIALS from our 2025 JSHS Nationals attendees

I’ll admit, a huge part of me participating and enrolling for JSHS was the extra-credit…What I got in exchange was arguably one of the most enjoyable experiences I’ve had during my time in high school. My research began with what I considered to be mundane tasks, literature review, question drafting, all the works. What I was left with? A complete and utter infatuation with research, my eyes opened to everything the world offers for those interested in a life of discovery and data. Oh, and a research paper-- I guess. At regionals, this was my second year so I knew what to expect… insanely intelligent judges, tons of opportunities to learn, and a jam-packed schedule. After attending nationals, I have to say-- I think DoDEA Europe has it best. While in the U.S. regionals is often a one-day, tedious event filled with presentations and the like, Europe takes it to a whole new level with everything from lab experiments to invaluable lessons learnt from the COPIOUS amounts of talented researchers present. If you’re going to attend, attend at JSHS-DoDEA Europe. You might even get a chance to attend JSHS nationals-- one of the most incredible opportunities afforded to us overseas kids. I know I’m sounding like a broken record, but I seriously believe JSHS nationals gave me an INVALUABLE, not to mention FUN experience. The people you meet at nationals, they’re insane. For a week you’re immersed in a little bubble filled with extremely talented, enthusiastic, and excited people who have researched topics that could entertain you for days. The speakers, judges, and staff have SO many lessons to offer, from jobs to just general everyday advice. Please please please enroll in JSHS! It is SUCH an incredible opportunity, I cannot recommend it more.
Raegan, Sigonella HS
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My research began in my physics class, where we were encouraged to explore independent topics. With a strong interest in aerospace engineering, I focused my project on airfoil design. After completing my research, I submitted it to the Junior Science and Humanities Symposium (JSHS) and was selected to present at the regional competition. Regionals were an incredible learning opportunity. I had the chance to meet with judges from all over the world, who offered thoughtful feedback and asked challenging questions that pushed me to think more critically about my work. These conversations not only helped improve my project but also gave me valuable connections that I hope to carry into my future career. Going to nationals was even more inspiring. I met students from across the country with a wide range of interests, and every project was impressive and thought-provoking. One of the highlights for me was meeting a test pilot — my dream career. Hearing directly from someone in that field gave me a better understanding of what it takes and made the path ahead feel even more real and exciting. JSHS has played a major role in shaping my goals. I’ve always wanted to pursue engineering, but this experience helped me see the value of research, mentorship, and networking in a whole new way. The hands-on labs and professional interactions at nationals were unforgettable, and I walked away with new skills, connections, and motivation. For anyone interested in science, research, or just exploring their passions, I’d say JSHS is an opportunity worth taking.
Nicholas, Sigonella HS

I started JSHS 3 years ago when my teacher suggested we submit our research papers for a symposium in Germany. My research for my first two years was on Rubrik’s Cubes and algorithms; although I didn’t win, seeing my personal growth through research and getting feedback from the judges to improve made my time worthwhile. It’s not all just about presenting, you get to hear stories and research from some of the most interesting and passionate judges. Their feedback especially challenges you to see your research from new perspectives. I was lucky enough to attend the National JSHS at Virginia my third year, where the experience is completely different. There are hundreds of other students from all over the world presenting their own research. There are also labs, networking and trips that keep the event interesting and make it such a great opportunity for STEM focused students. Overall, I’d recommend JSHS to anyone interested in research, as it’s such a unique chance to present something you care about to other people who care about it just as much. 
Alex, Sigonella HS
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I was first introduced to JSHS by my friend, who had been a previous National Competition attendee, and I can safely say that the experiences I had during that Sophomore year at the regional event changed my trajectory and plans for life. To start, the research I conducted during that first year opened my eyes to the possibilities of academia, giving me a wealth of knowledge and experience for the next year. I met some of the most interesting people of my life at that event, and instantly knew that I wanted to participate again the next year with a significantly refined project. And so, with the support of my mentor Dr. Michelle Harrington, I quickly set out on the path to my next experiment, which would be significantly larger in scope and deeper in experimental procedure than the previous. Along this path, I managed to gain contact with Dr. Michelangelo Anastassiades, who served as another mentor figure in conducting my experiment. Through countless hours of research, testing, and obsessing over the policy implications of a 1 ppm difference in pesticide concentration, I quickly became enamored with the scientific process behind my findings, as well as the people involved in making this opportunity possible.  Even after completing my research, however, JSHS proved to me that its impact on my life was only starting. The guest speakers and judges, for instance, proved to me that the often misunderstood world of doctorates was just as human and gratifying as any other career path, and I began to set my sights on a further future in academics than I would’ve otherwise considered. Winning at the regional levels, I proceeded on to the National Competition, where my perspective on academics would again be completely transformed. The sheer volume of impressive and unique projects present at the event was enough to instantly overwhelm me, and I was instantly of the impression that I was among the next generation of Teslas at work. Despite the massive scale of some of the projects present, I also immediately felt at home in the national environment as well, and enjoyed each of the unique challenges and lab spaces the event demonstrated. The friends I made at both symposiums are still active parts of my life months later, and I strongly believe that the inspiration such experiences have provided me with will shape my attitude towards the sciences for years to come. To anyone who is considering applying to the event but is still unsure, I highly recommend the experience as a whole. Every aspect of the competition was thoroughly enlightening and enjoyable, and it acts as a wonderful introduction to the depth of academics beyond schooling.
Trent, Ramstein HS

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GET INVOLVED TODAY! 
​CONTACT:

Galen Tate
Phone: (DSN) 368-9937
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.jshseurope.org

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