Register for the Fume Hood Challenge

I2SL is now accepting applications to participate in the 2027 International Fume Hood Challenge! Participation is free, but space is limited in Year 1 of the competition, so you must register and be accepted to compete. To register, complete this form.

Why Register?

The Fume Hood Challenge is friendly competition that pits your lab building against others across the world to see who does the best job encouraging fume hood (or fume cupboard) users to shut the sash, along with finding other ways to improve building systems. Shutting fume hood sashes when not in use enhances lab safety and can save energy.

Who Can Participate?

Any organization that operates labs with fume hoods can apply. Only one building per site may compete in the Challenge, and that building must have at least 10 active fume hoods. However, participants can register their organization before identifying the specific building that will compete in 2027.

How Can Your Organization Compete?

Enhance your chances of participating by registering early for Year 1! Early registration ends December 15, 2026.

The Fume Hood Challenge contest is conducted at the lab building level (not individual labs). Each participating building will conduct a shut-the-sash competition among their labs, researchers, or other divisions and report the results to I2SL.

Participating organizations should choose one individual to serve as Challenge coordinator and assemble a team, including facilities staff, sustainability staff, hood user stakeholders, and lab health and safety personnel. The shut-the-sash competition in the building you choose can be conducted between January and June 2027; Challenge forms must be completed by July 1, 2027.

Important Year 1 Dates:

Early Registration: November 16-December 15, 2026
Regular Registration: January 11-February 28, 2027
Challenge Activities: January-June 2027
Challenge Closes and Forms Due: July 1, 2027
Winners Notified: August 2027
Awards Ceremony: September 27, 2027

Read more about the International Fume Hood Challenge, the Challenge instructions for participants, and how to prepare for success in the 2027 competition.

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