Regeneron Science Talent Search

Scholarship Sponsored by Society for Science

The Regeneron Science Talent Search (Regeneron STS) is a distinguished science competition for high school seniors, with a rich history as the oldest of its kind in the nation. This competition provides a platform for original research, which is evaluated by a national jury of professional scientists. The alumni of this competition have made significant contributions to the field of science and have been awarded some of the most prestigious science and math honors, including thirteen Nobel Prizes.

Each year, approximately 2,500 high school seniors from across the country undertake the challenge of conducting independent research in science, math, or engineering and submit an entry for the Regeneron Science Talent Search. The competition acknowledges 300 student scholars and their schools annually, and invites 40 student finalists to Washington, D.C. for final judging. These finalists have the opportunity to display their work to the public, interact with notable scientists and government leaders, and compete for $3.1 million in awards.

Eligibility Criteria

The Regeneron STS is open to any student in their final year of secondary school in the US and its territories, regardless of their citizenship status. US citizens studying abroad are also eligible. However, students attending American schools abroad who are not US citizens are not eligible. For more detailed information, please refer to the Regeneron STS Rules and Entry Instructions document.

It's important to note that only independent, individual research is eligible for the competition. Team research, even if different parts of the experiment were conducted by different high school students, is not eligible. Research conducted alongside adult researchers in a research institution is permitted, provided the student's role and independence are clearly acknowledged in the application.

Students who have worked with scientist mentors or college students are eligible to enter the competition, provided the work is substantially their own. Judges understand that sometimes students may not have the freedom to choose their own topic or that the main part of a procedure may already be known. Students should consider what portions of the research they can take credit for and if they believe it shows their potential as a scientist.

Homeschooled students are also eligible to participate in the Regeneron STS. They will need to provide a document indicating what courses they have completed and their success in those courses, and submit that as a school transcript.

Entrants may be mentored by their parent(s)/guardian(s) or individuals employed by or previously mentored by family, close friends, neighbors or other known individuals. However, any prior familial or personal relationship must be disclosed within the application.

Entrants may perform their STS research in any sort of environment, including paid and unpaid research programs. However, participation in paid programs must be disclosed by both entrants and mentors.

Regeneron STS and Society for Science do not endorse any particular research programs. However, for those seeking legitimate research programs, a few tips include checking for transparent pricing, credentials of staff and mentors, and ensuring the program does not promise results or ask for secrecy.

Finally, a project must have data and results in order to draft a research paper. If you have not yet built your device and/or collected data, then this project is not eligible for Regeneron STS. Literature reviews are also not permitted for entry to Regeneron STS.

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