Reno families will have the opportunity to explore the world of science firsthand this weekend as the Sci-Venture Community Science Fair makes its return to The Discovery Museum. The event, scheduled for Saturday, March 14th, from 10:00 a.m. To 1:00 p.m., will showcase the innovative operate of local students and professionals in the STEM fields.
This year’s fair builds on the success of its debut in May 2025, which hosted 25 exhibits and attracted over 150 attendees, according to organizers. The Sci-Venture fair aims to revive a long-standing Reno tradition of encouraging student exploration in science, technology, engineering and mathematics – a tradition that was disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The event is expanding its reach this year to include students from surrounding areas and reserves.
A key highlight of the Sci-Venture Community Science Fair will be a keynote address from Taylor Wilson, a Reno native and internationally recognized nuclear physicist. Wilson gained prominence at a young age, becoming the youngest person to achieve nuclear fusion using a homemade reactor at just 14 years old, as reported by Science Distilled. He is similarly a science policy advocate and has hosted science documentaries, including an award-winning series on HBO.
The fair provides a platform for students to share their projects with the community and compete for monetary prizes in several categories, including a People’s Choice award. This year, organizers report approximately 39 projects have been registered, representing a 50% increase from the previous year, according to the University of Nevada, Reno.
Reviving a Reno Tradition
SciVenture was founded to address a gap in STEM opportunities for local students following the suspension of the University of Nevada, Reno’s long-running science fair. Organizers envision creating a lasting tradition, with leadership passing from one generation of student organizers to the next, as detailed on the SciVenture Google Site. The fair is a fiscally sponsored program of AHA Projects, a 501c3 nonprofit organization, meaning donations are tax-deductible.
What to Expect at The Discovery
Attendees can expect to notice a diverse range of projects and experiments from students, as well as interact with professionals in the STEM field. Exhibitors and student participants will receive a free SciVenture T-shirt. The event will seize place at The Discovery, located at 490 S. Center Street in Downtown Reno.
SciVenture cofounder Vera van der Linden noted the positive feedback received from last year’s event, stating, “That response made it clear there was real momentum to build on, and we were excited to bring the fair back even stronger this year.”
The Sci-Venture STEM Fair is organized by local high school students, demonstrating a commitment to peer-led STEM education. The event is supported by sponsors including Alexander van der Linden and Steve Metzger.
Looking ahead, organizers are focused on sustaining the momentum of the Sci-Venture Community Science Fair and continuing to provide opportunities for students to engage with STEM. Further information about SciVenture can be found by emailing [email protected] or [email protected].
What are your thoughts on the importance of STEM education for young people? Share your comments below and help spread the word about this exciting event!
