TÜBİTAK 4006 Science Fairs Support Program

TÜBİTAK 4006 Science Fairs Support Program, is a program designed to encourage students in grades 5 through 12 to develop an interest in science, cultivate a research culture, and transform their ideas into project-based work. Through this program, students are aimed to grow into individuals who question information, analyze it critically, and act in accordance with the principles of scientific ethics. At its core, the program seeks to establish an interdisciplinary project culture focused on developing sustainable and innovative solutions to problems encountered in everyday life.

Projects under the program are classified into two main categories: "Main Areas" and "Thematic Areas."

• Main Areas: Biology, physics, geography, sociology, chemistry, values education, history, mathematics, language and literature, and psychology form the core disciplines of the program.
• Thematic Areas: The program offers a broad thematic spectrum that includes contemporary and technological topics such as intelligent transportation systems, artificial intelligence, robotics and coding, cybersecurity, renewable energy, and climate change, as well as social domains like values education and cultural heritage.

The primary objectives of the program are defined as follows:

• Encouraging students to carry out original scientific work.
• Teaching scientific research methods and ethical principles.
• Developing the ability to generate innovative solutions to everyday problems.
• Fostering a culture of teamwork and interdisciplinary project development.
• Promoting awareness of career opportunities in various scientific fields.

The program offers two distinct support models based on implementation scope:

• 4006-A: A fixed payment of 7,000 TL is provided as science fair preparation support, with an additional 750 TL per sub-project to be exhibited.^【1】
• 4006-B: A fixed payment of 7,000 TL is provided as science fair preparation support, with an additional 1,150 TL per sub-project to be exhibited.^【2】

Expenses for consumables, equipment purchases, service acquisitions, and maintenance and repair costs necessary for conducting science fairs are covered under the support. Additionally, project leaders without an electronic signature may cover the cost of a one-year electronic signature from the project budget.

Purchases of general-purpose devices such as computers, printers, projectors, and cameras are not supported as a rule. Only t-shirts and caps may be given to participating students as mementos; distribution of medals, plaques, or similar materials is prohibited. All expenditures must be carried out within the contract period, and supporting documentation must be uploaded to the Fair Results System, which is the responsibility of the project leader.

The 4006-TÜBİTAK Science Fairs Support Program is linked to various other programs and platforms implemented by TÜBİTAK in the fields of scientific awareness, project culture, technology education, and science communication. Within this framework, entities such as the TÜBİTAK Science Festival (TÜBİFEST), TÜBİTAK Store, National Technology Clubs Union, National Technology Workshops, and Deneyap Türkiye serve as complementary stakeholders that support student participation in scientific and technological production processes.

For the purpose of expanding the program and strengthening the culture of science, TÜBİTAK Science Young, TÜBİTAK Science Talks, TÜBİTAK Science Centers, and TÜBİTAK Support Programs also play a vital role. Furthermore, publications and content platforms such as TÜBİTAK Curious Little Ones, TÜBİTAK Science for Children Magazine, TÜBİTAK Popular Science Publications, and TÜBİTAK Science and Technology Magazine serve as supportive elements that facilitate students’ access to scientific knowledge across different age groups.

These stakeholders and associated platforms ensure that the 4006-TÜBİTAK Science Fairs Support Program extends beyond school-based project production, enabling students to engage more broadly with science, technology, research, publishing, and societal awareness.