Regeneron Science Talent Search

Scholarship Sponsored by Society for Science

Regeneron Science Talent Search

Regeneron Science Talent Search is the nation’s oldest and most prestigious science research competition for high school students, founded in 1942. It identifies and supports promising future leaders in STEM by recognizing original, independent research that addresses important scientific problems. Each year roughly 2,600 students enter, the program recognizes 300 scholars, and 40 finalists are invited to Washington, D.C. to present their work. The program distributes $3.1 million in awards annually, including a top prize of $250,000.

Description: A national competition that evaluates original high school research through a holistic review of applications and recommendations.

Eligibility: Primarily high school students who have conducted independent research; research conducted during any year of high school is eligible for submission.

Award Value: Total awards of $3.1 million annually, with a first-place prize of $250,000 and additional prizes and school awards for scholars and finalists.

Application Timeline: Applications are accepted only through the online system and must be properly submitted by the published deadline each year.

History of the Award: Established in 1942 as the Westinghouse Science Talent Search, the program’s alumni include recipients of major international and national honors.

• Recognizes original high school STEM research on a national scale.
• Annual pool of ~2,600 applicants; 300 scholars; 40 finalists.
• $3.1M in awards annually; top prize $250,000.
• Founded in 1942; alumni have earned major scientific honors.

Requirements of the Application

The application evaluates the student and their research through multiple components that together support a holistic review. Key elements include a detailed research report, specific recommendations, application sections about the applicant and their projects, short essays, optional test scores, and mandatory disclosures of research support. Research must be original and independent; guidelines define format and content expectations. All materials must be submitted through the online application system by the stated deadline.

Research Report: A detailed report describing an original, independent research project that meets eligibility requirements; research performed during any year of high school is eligible. Follow the published guidelines for structure and content.

Recommendations: Three required recommendations: an educator recommendation, a project recommendation, and a high school report or transcript that provides context on the student’s academic record.

Application Sections: Sections capture personal background, description of the current research project, prior research experience, extracurricular activities, and how the applicant spends their time.

Short Essays: Short written responses are required as part of the holistic review to provide insight into motivations, challenges, and impact of the work.

Test Scores: Submission of test scores is optional and not required for a complete application.

Disclosures: Applicants must disclose all support received in connection with the research project and the application; full transparency about funding and resources is required.

• Primary submission component is an original research report with strict guidelines.
• Three distinct recommendations are required to evaluate the student and project.
• Essays and application sections provide personal and contextual information.
• Test scores are optional; disclosures of research support are mandatory.