The 53rd Annual Intergalactic Mad Science Fair (IMSF) will make its inaugural appearance on Earth this fall, marking the first time in its five-decade history that the renowned event has been hosted by humanity. The competition invites mad scientists of all species to showcase their most unorthodox inventions and personas at the Cosmic Realms convention.
Founded 52 years ago by the enigmatic entity known as The Grand Maelstrom, the IMSF has previously been held at locations including the Null-Gravity Ballroom orbiting Black Hole GX-1138 and the Quantum Superposition Pavilion in Reality Fracture Zone 7. Earth was selected for its "demonstrated potential in applied absurdity" and flexible regulatory environment, according to event organizers.
Contestants must submit applications and project summaries by September 25 to qualify. Entries will be judged equally on two criteria: the completeness and originality of the mad scientist persona, and the presentation of a fictional or theoretical project. Physical projects may occupy no more than 25 square feet (5'x5'), while digital entries must be self-contained on the participant's device. Though concepts may draw inspiration from established franchises like Star Trek or Star Wars, direct replicas are prohibited.
All participants must adhere to Cosmic Realms' standard cosplay competition rules, including prop safety protocols and mobility requirements. While competition entry is free, contestants must possess either a Saturday or Weekend pass to the convention. Judging will be conducted by a panel including Dr. Ignatia Flux (Temporal Mechanics specialist), Gloop the Uncontained (sentient protoplasmic amoeboid), and Professor Quasar Von Bolt (retired villain-turned-ethics advocate).
"Earth represents a frontier of untested chaos," said Dr. Flux, the event's human liaison. "We anticipate unprecedented levels of innovation from both extraterrestrial visitors and humanity's own practitioners of questionable science."
The winning entry will receive the Golden Beaker trophy and join legendary past champions like Anya Petrova (Fair #50, Chaotic Resonance Dampening Ukulele) and Zorblax the Many-Limbed (Fair #7, Infinite Improbability Improver).
About the Intergalactic Mad Science Fair:Established in 1972, the IMSF celebrates radical scientific inquiry unconstrained by conventional ethics or physics. Previous host locations include the Bioluminescent Gardens of Sentient World-Pod Floros and the Zero-Kelvin Crucible on Absolute Cold Research Station K.
To enter your submission, or view the judging criteria, visit the IMSF main page at:
intergalacticmadsciencefair.neocities.org
