The Ohio Academy of Science

What The Ohio Academy of Science does

The Ohio Academy of Science is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization founded in 1891 and headquartered in Dublin, Ohio, that operates as the statewide membership society for STEM research and education in Ohio. Its primary constituents are STEM researchers, K-12 STEM teachers, science fair students, and institutional members (34+ listed), with annual programming reaching 5,000+ students across the state.

The Academy's core products are programmatic rather than commercial: it runs Ohio Science Days and the Buckeye Science and Engineering Fair (BSEF) as the ISEF-qualifying pathway for Ohio; it recently launched the Ohio STEP teacher professional development program; it co-hosts its Annual Meeting with Ohio State University; it recognizes top students and teachers through the Governor's Thomas Edison Awards, AJAS Melvin Scholars program, and Ohio EPA Scholarship Program; and it publishes The Ohio Journal of Science, a peer-reviewed scientific journal in continuous publication since 1900. The Academy also conducts the National Youth Science Camp delegate selection in partnership with Society for Science and the U.S. Army.

The business model is a classic scientific society non-profit: individual and institutional membership dues, event registration fees, corporate sponsorship (notably the Amgen Foundation as Title Sponsor of the Annual Meeting, alongside Ohio 529 and other institutional partners), grants, and program-specific fees. Operating scale is small, with a professional staff of approximately four and significant reliance on volunteer academic reviewers and teacher-judges. Technology usage is modest, centered on membership/event administration and the ProjectBoard platform for student and teacher STEM project management across regional fairs and STEP cohorts.

Name

The Ohio Academy of Science

Legal name

The Ohio Academy of Science

Website

https://ohiosci.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1891

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

The Ohio Academy of Science, founded 1891 and based in Dublin, Ohio, is a statewide 501(c)(3) membership society that runs K-12 STEM competitions, teacher development, and scientific publishing, serving Ohio students, teachers, researchers, and 34+ institutional members.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

STEM Education and Research Services

akta.pro primary industry

STEM Research & Inquiry Programs (Research Mentorship, Science Fair Prep) (EDAMABAC)

akta.pro secondary industry

Hands-on Science Exploration & Experiments (Lab Kits, Science Clubs) (EDAMABAA)

Keywords

• STEM education programs
• Science competitions
• Academic journal publishing
• Scholarship programs
• Membership nonprofit

Headquarters

HQ city

Dublin

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Membership Dues: Individual and institutional memberships providing access to Academy programs, reduced fees for publications and events, and free membership for individuals at institutional member organizations
2. Event Registration Fees: Annual Meeting registration fees: $90 for members, $190 for non-members as first author presenters; $45 per day for additional attendees
3. Program Participation Fees: BSEF submission fee of $50 per student; Ohio STEP competition fee of $30 per student
4. Institutional Memberships: Universities, colleges, and businesses join as institutional members, providing revenue and enabling their students/faculty/employees to join at no cost
5. Corporate Sponsorships: Title sponsors (Amgen Foundation, OSU, Ohio 529), Gold sponsors (Ohio EPA, CAS, AEP Foundation, Battelle, Kent State, Kokosing, Broadcom Foundation, Charles River Laboratories) support Science Days programs

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

The Ohio Academy of Science operates a portfolio of interconnected STEM education and research programs for Ohio pre-college students, educators, and professionals. Core offerings include The Ohio Journal of Science (a peer-reviewed academic journal since 1900), State Science Day and Buckeye Science & Engineering Fair (science competitions), Ohio STEP (STEM entrepreneurship), the Annual Meeting, AJAS/Melvin Scholars recognition, Governor's Thomas Edison Awards, the Ohio EPA Scholarship Program, and the National Youth Science Camp.

Product overview

The Ohio Academy of Science is a membership-based nonprofit organization (501(c)(3)) founded in 1891 that serves as Ohio's leading organization fostering curiosity, discovery, and innovation in STEM. Rather than offering a single unified product, the Academy operates a portfolio of interconnected STEM education programs: The Ohio Journal of Science (a peer-reviewed academic journal), State Science Day and Buckeye Science & Engineering Fair (competitive science fair programs), Ohio STEP (STEM entrepreneurship education), an Annual Meeting for scientific collaboration, AJAS/Melvin Scholars recognition, Governor's Thomas Edison Awards, Ohio EPA Scholarships, and support for National Youth Science Camp. These programs serve pre-college and college students as well as professionals from academia and industry, creating pathways from youth STEM research through undergraduate and graduate education to professional development.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• The Ohio Journal of Science (OJS) An international, multidisciplinary peer-reviewed scientific journal published open access online since 1900, hosting original contributions to science, education, engineering, and technology. Targeted at researchers, academics, and STEM professionals worldwide.
• State Science Day Ohio's premier annual science competition where thousands of students compete yearly at Local, Regional, and State levels to qualify for State Science Day and win scholarships. State Science Day 2026 hosted by The Ohio State University at Covelli Center. Targeted at Ohio pre-college students in grades 5-12.
• Buckeye Science & Engineering Fair (BSEF) An annual science fair for grades 9-12 providing Ohio students the opportunity to qualify for the Regeneron International Science & Engineering Fair (ISEF), the world's largest science fair with over $4 million in scholarships. Hybrid format with online and in-person judging. Targeted at Ohio high school students.
• Ohio STEP A STEM innovation and entrepreneurship program that promotes critical thinking and entrepreneurial mindset development through experiential and project-based learning. Virtual competition with online submission via ProjectBoard. Targeted at middle and high school students in Ohio.
• Annual Meeting An annual gathering bringing together Ohio's scientists, engineers, educators, and students to discuss recent developments in science and technology, featuring scientific sessions, keynote speakers, career fair, design challenge, poster sessions, and oral presentations. Targeted at STEM professionals, researchers, and graduate/undergraduate students.
• American Junior Academy of Science (AJAS) / Melvin Scholars A recognition program identifying pre-college student researchers as Melvin Scholars who represent Ohio at the national AJAS meeting held in conjunction with the AAAS annual meeting. The 2026 cohort includes 37 students. Targeted at top pre-college student researchers in Ohio.
• Governor's Thomas Edison Awards for Excellence in STEM Education Awards recognizing schools and teachers who stimulate student-originated, inquiry-based science education and extend STEM education beyond traditional classroom activities, including School Awards and Student Scholarships. Targeted at Ohio K-12 schools and teachers.
• Ohio EPA Scholarship Program Merit-based scholarships for undergraduate students in environmental sciences or environmental engineering, offering up to $5,000 for four-year programs and up to $2,500 for two-year degree programs, funded by Ohio EPA. Targeted at Ohio undergraduate students pursuing environmental studies.
• National Youth Science Camp A fully in-person, residential STEAM program hosted in West Virginia's Monongahela National Forest, providing delegates with daily lectures, directed studies, and engaging activities at no cost. OAS selects and sponsors Ohio delegates annually. Targeted at top Ohio high school student researchers.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 5,000 students participate annually in Academy programming
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature1 record

Partnerships

39 partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, core and minor.

• The Ohio State UniversityflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerLand-grant institution (founded 1870) hosting OAS Annual Meeting 2026 at Fawcett Center. Publishing partner for The Ohio Journal of Science through OSU Libraries. Institutional member and title sponsor of Science Days. Ranked top 15 national public university.
• Miami UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHosted OAS Annual Meeting 2025. Institutional member. Dr. Ted Clark, Professor of Teaching at OSU, served as keynote speaker at 2025 meeting discussing AI and Generative Learning Practices.
• Kent State UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerInstitutional member and Gold sponsor of Science Days. Dr. Greg Smith serves as Associate Editor of The Ohio Journal of Science.
• Otterbein UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerInstitutional member and home of Ohio PKAL (Project Kaleidoscope) programming. Hosts spring conference for STEM pedagogy improvement.
• University of CincinnaticoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerInstitutional member. Partner with Ohio Life Sciences Foundation. Dr. Endia Crabtree (Boston Scientific) and Dr. Liqun Ning (Cleveland State) serve as OJS Associate Editors.
• Columbus State Community CollegecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerInstitutional member. Dr. Naava Schottenstein serves as Associate Editor of The Ohio Journal of Science.
• University of AkroncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerInstitutional member. Dr. Buket Barkana serves as Associate Editor of The Ohio Journal of Science.
• University of FindlaycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerInstitutional member. Dr. Shantanu Rao serves as Associate Editor of The Ohio Journal of Science.
• Central State UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerInstitutional member. Dr. Ramanitharan Kandiah serves as Associate Editor of The Ohio Journal of Science.
• Tiffin UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerInstitutional member. Dr. Andy Savage serves as Associate Editor of The Ohio Journal of Science.
• Cleveland State UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerInstitutional member. Dr. Liqun Ning serves as Associate Editor of The Ohio Journal of Science.
• Ohio Northern UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerInstitutional member. Dr. Stacey Lowery Bretz serves on Board of Trustees (Academia At-Large, term 2028).
• University of Rio GrandecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerInstitutional member. Dr. John Means serves as Director, Junior Academy Council on Board of Trustees.
• Wright State UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerInstitutional member. Former employer of Sheila Cubick (Program Coordinator) who worked at Wright State's Center for Urban and Public Affairs.
• Edison State Community CollegecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerInstitutional member. Hosts networking and social event for OAS Annual Meeting at The Point.
• Defiance CollegecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerInstitutional member.
• Wilmington CollegecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerInstitutional member.
• Ursuline CollegecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerInstitutional member.
• Bowling Green State UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerInstitutional member. Alma mater of Melissa Kowalski (U.S. EPA award recipient).
• Belmont CollegecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerInstitutional member.
• Lorain County Community CollegecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerInstitutional member.
• Amgen FoundationflagshipGTM or Marketing PartnerTitle sponsor of State Science Days. Part of Amgen's commitment to science education and community investment.
• Ohio EPAflagshipGTM or Marketing PartnerGold sponsor of Science Days and funding body for Ohio EPA Scholarship Program (up to $5,000 for four-year programs, $2,500 for two-year programs).
• CAS (American Chemical Society)flagshipGTM or Marketing PartnerGold sponsor of Science Days. Host venue for Buckeye Science & Engineering Fair at 2540 Olentangy River Road, Columbus, OH.
• AEP FoundationcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerGold sponsor supporting Science Days programs.
• BattellecoreGTM or Marketing PartnerGold sponsor supporting Science Days. Major science and technology research organization.
• KokosingminorGTM or Marketing PartnerGold sponsor supporting Science Days.
• Broadcom FoundationcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerGold sponsor. Foundation supporting STEM education and MASTERS program.
• Charles River LaboratoriesminorGTM or Marketing PartnerGold sponsor supporting Science Days.
• Ohio 529 College AdvantageflagshipGTM or Marketing PartnerTitle sponsor of State Science Days. State-sponsored college savings program.
• University of DaytoncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerInstitutional member through Office of Academic Research.
• St. Francis UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerInstitutional member.
• Ohio Mid-Western School DistrictminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerInstitutional member representing K-12 district.
• American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)flagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerAJAS meeting held in conjunction with AAAS annual meeting. Melvin Scholars represent Ohio at this national scientific gathering.
• American Junior Academy of Science (AJAS)flagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational organization selecting Melvin Scholars from BSEF and ISEF qualifiers. OAS is the Ohio affiliate.
• Regeneron ISEF (International Science & Engineering Fair)flagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerWorld's largest science fair (over $4 million in scholarships). BSEF advances 6 Ohio students annually. OAS helps students qualify.
• Society for ScienceflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerAdministering body of Regeneron ISEF. BSEF is an affiliated fair following ISEF rules and form requirements.
• National Youth Science AcademycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAdministers National Youth Science Camp in West Virginia since 1963. OAS selects and sponsors Ohio delegates (Benjamin Bartyzel and Samarth Khandelwal for 2026).
• The Ohio State University LibrariesflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerPublish The Ohio Journal of Science open access online. Handle all program abstract and article publications throughout the year.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves5 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Broad incumbents

• American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS): National umbrella organization that hosts the AAAS Annual Meeting (where OAS's Melvin Scholars present) and runs Science journal. Comparable in mission and audience, but operates at a national scale rather than state-level.
• Society for Science: Administers Regeneron ISEF, the world's largest pre-college science competition that OAS's BSEF feeds into. Direct pipeline partner and adjacent in serving student science researchers through competition and recognition.
• National Science Teaching Association (NSTA): National professional organization for STEM educators, serving teachers through resources, awards, and conferences. Overlaps with OAS's teacher-recognition work (Governor's Thomas Edison Awards) and STEM educator professional development.

Direct peers

• California Academy of Sciences: A peer state-level science organization operating a museum, research programs, and youth/young adult STEM engagement initiatives in California. Comparable in mission (fostering science curiosity and innovation) and audience (students, educators, scientific community), though larger in scope.
• New York Academy of Sciences: A peer state/regional science academy offering programming, publications, and member-driven STEM engagement. Comparable in being a membership-based, mission-driven STEM organization with a journal and member programs.
• Junior Academy of Science (various state affiliates): American Junior Academy of Science (AJAS) and its state-level Junior Academies operate programs analogous to OAS's Melvin Scholars and Junior Academy Council. Comparable in pre-college student researcher recognition and AAAS meeting integration.
• Sigma Xi, The Scientific Research Honor Society: Honor society supporting scientific research and STEM engagement, including student research recognition. Comparable as a member-based organization serving researchers, educators, and students across the STEM pipeline.
• National Youth Science Academy: Administers the National Youth Science Camp that OAS selects and sponsors Ohio delegates for. Direct partner and comparable as a STEM talent-pipeline organization serving pre-college students through residential programming.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/OASSCI
• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/OhioAcademyofScience
• Facebookfacebook.com/OhioAcademyOfScience
• Instagraminstagram.com/ohioacademyofscience
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/the-ohio-academy-of-science

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles11 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors1 record

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about The Ohio Academy of Science