Regeneron Science Talent Search

Scholarship Sponsored by Society for Science

Regeneron Science Talent Search — Overview

Regeneron Science Talent Search (Regeneron STS) is the nation’s oldest and most prestigious science research competition for high school students, focused on identifying and inspiring future leaders in STEM. Each year roughly 2,600 students submit original research and a full application for holistic review. The program recognizes approximately 300 scholars and invites 40 finalists to Washington, D.C. for final judging and public presentation of their work.

Description: Regeneron STS emphasizes independent, original research in science, mathematics, or engineering and evaluates applicants through a holistic review process.

Participants: High school students across the United States participate; submissions are most commonly from high school seniors, and research completed during any year of high school is eligible.

• Mission: identify and support promising young scientists.
• Annual applicants: about 2,600 nationwide.
• Recognition: 300 scholars and 40 finalists each year.
• Selection: holistic review of research and supporting materials.

Awards and Recognition

Regeneron STS distributes $3.1 million in awards annually, including a top prize of $250,000. The competition also provides awards to scholars’ schools and public visibility for finalists. Alumni of the program have gone on to receive major honors and to make significant contributions in science and mathematics.

Award Value: Total annual awards equal $3.1 million, with the first-place prize set at $250,000.

Recognition: Alumni have earned many of the field’s highest honors, including Nobel Prizes, National Medals of Science, and Fields Medals.

• Annual prize pool: $3.1 million.
• First-place award: $250,000.
• Institutional awards: schools of scholars receive recognition.
• Notable alumni achievements underline the program’s prestige.

History of the Award

The competition began in 1942 as the Westinghouse Science Talent Search and has evolved into the Regeneron Science Talent Search. Over decades the program has maintained a reputation for identifying young innovators whose work addresses pressing societal challenges. Its long history connects current participants to a broad alumni network with distinguished scientific accomplishments.

History of the Award: Founded in 1942, the competition was later renamed and continues to highlight independent high school research nationwide.

• Established in 1942 as the Westinghouse Science Talent Search.
• Longstanding legacy of supporting young scientific talent.
• Alumni include recipients of major international awards.

Application Requirements

All applications must be submitted through the online system and completed by the stated application deadline. Regeneron STS conducts a holistic review that considers research quality, recommendations, essays, and other supporting materials. Applicants must disclose all support received for their research and for the application itself.

Eligibility: Research conducted during any year of high school is eligible; applicants are typically high school seniors from across the United States.

Submission: Applications are accepted only via the official online submission portal and must be finalized by the deadline.

• Online-only submission is required.
• Holistic review evaluates multiple components of each application.
• Mandatory disclosure of research and funding support.
• Eligibility includes research from any year of high school.

Required Application Components

The application portfolio centers on an original, independent research report and a set of recommendations that contextualize the applicant’s work. Required components also include application sections describing activities and prior research, short essays, optional standardized test scores, and disclosures. The program specifies three recommendation types and provides guidelines for each.

Research Report: A detailed report describing an original, independent research project that meets Regeneron STS eligibility requirements; research from any high school year is permitted. View the guidelines for Research Reports.

Recommendations and Other Materials: Three recommendation types are required: an educator recommendation, a project recommendation, and a high school report (transcript). Additional elements include short essays, optional test scores, and mandatory disclosures of support.

• Core deliverable: original research report with established guidelines.
• Three recommendations: educator, project, and high school report (transcript).
• Supplemental materials: essays, activity descriptions, and optional test scores.
• All research support must be disclosed within the application.