The Alabama Academy of Science (AAS)  sponsors the AJAS and Gorgas scholarship competitions. 

Alabama Junior Academy of Science (AJAS)
AJAS is a research-based scholarship competition.  It is a high school outreach program (grades 9–12) sponsored by the Alabama Academy of Science. It includes Alabama high schools that participate.
This is a scholarship competition.  There are local competitions organized around Alabama’s AMSTI sites and a state competition at the AAS annual conference location.  8th graders are encouraged to participate for experience but are not eligible for awards.

The Gorgas scholarship competition
The Gorgas is for 12th graders only, and is a multifaceted scholarship competition that looks at a student’s achievements, research experience and interests to provide scholarships and varying academic support at Alabama colleges and Universities.  The application entry is due in December and the competition continues into the AAS annual conference location.

Interregional research forum
For regionals that functioned in the academic year 2025-26, a virtual research competition between regionals will occur on April 25 from 9:30 – 1:30 central time.  Regionals directors should fill out the information form provided as should all participants, once regionals have identified themselves.  Participants will pick 2 of 6 categories and we will spread participants out based on numbers and title/abstract information.

Plans and overview for AJAS Gorgas 2026

• Registration Steps:

1. Initial Interest Form: Register here to join the email list and express interest.

2. Local competitions:

   • You should submit a recorded presentation in January of 2026.

   • A Virtual meeting will occur through AMSTI sites, where the recording will be scored and the meeting will consist of you introducing your research and defending it to local judges.

   • Accepted students announced: February 13, 2026 (60 students total)

Contact:

For questions, email Dr. Mark T. Jones, State Director: jonesmt@troup.org