Regeneron Science Talent Search: A Complete Guide

In 2025, the Regeneron Science Talent Search (STS) awarded over $1.8 million to high school seniors whose research tackled everything from mapping objects in space to discovering new ways to treat rare diseases. With a top prize of $250,000, it’s easy to see why the Regeneron Science Talent Search is considered the most prestigious science competition for high school students in the U.S.

If you’re a passionate STEM student ready to share your research with the nation’s brightest young scientists, you’re in the right place. This guide breaks down everything you need to know—from eligibility and application steps to winning strategies and inspiring success stories from past finalists.

• What Is Regeneron Science Talent Search?
• Regeneron Science Talent Search Awards and Prizes
• How to Qualify for Regeneron Science Talent Search
• How to Get into Regeneron Science Talent Search
• How to Win Regeneron Science Talent Search
• Regeneron Science Talent Search Previous Winners
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Takeaways

What Is the Regeneron Science Talent Search?

The Regeneron Science Talent Search (STS) is the nation’s oldest and most prestigious science and math competition for high school seniors. Organized by Society for Science in partnership with Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, it shines a spotlight on exceptional young innovators whose independent research has the power to change the way we see and understand the world.

Students submit a detailed Regeneron Science Talent Search application that includes their original research report, an overview of their methods and results, and recommendations from mentors or teachers.

Each entry is carefully reviewed by a panel of professional scientists who evaluate projects for originality, creativity, and scientific rigor. Judges also look for qualities that define future leaders in STEM—curiosity, problem-solving, and a deep passion for discovery.

The competition covers a wide range of STEM fields, from biomedical science and computer engineering to environmental research, physics, and mathematics. Each year, finalists travel to Washington, D.C. for a week of interviews, presentations, and networking with top scientists, government leaders, and fellow student researchers.

The week culminates in an awards gala at the National Building Museum, where the country’s next generation of scientific leaders is celebrated.

In 2025, the Regeneron Science Talent Search saw an incredible 2,500 high school seniors submit original research projects from 48 states, U.S. territories, and international schools. From this talented group, 300 students were named Regeneron Science Talent Search scholars, each earning $2,000, and their schools received the same amount.

Looking ahead, the Regeneron Science Talent Search 2026 will open its application on June 1, 2025, and close on November 6, 2025, at 8:00 PM ET. After an extensive review, the top 300 scholars will be announced, followed by 40 finalists who will advance to Washington, D.C., in March 2026.

There, they’ll compete for $3.1 million in total awards, continuing a legacy of excellence that has lasted for more than 80 years.

Regeneron Science Talent Search Awards and Prizes

The Regeneron Science Talent Search (STS) is your chance to be recognized as one of the brightest young scientists in the country. Each year, it celebrates high school seniors who take their curiosity beyond the classroom through original, independent research that could make a real impact on the world.

If you love discovery, data, and creativity, here’s what you could earn through the Regeneron Science Talent Search scholarship program:

Aside from winning prize money, the top 40 finalists get an all-expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C. for Finals Week! This ends with a black-tie awards gala at the National Building Museum, where the top 10 winners are announced.

Even if you don’t advance to the scholar round, every eligible entrant receives cool Regeneron STS gear, including a T-shirt, laptop stickers, and a free one-year subscription to Science News—so you can stay inspired and connected to the world of science.

Your school benefits, too! Each Regeneron STS scholar’s school earns $2,000 to strengthen its science, math, or engineering programs. It’s a way of recognizing the teachers and mentors who support student researchers like you.

If you’re homeschooled, the award can be directed to a local school district or nonprofit science organization in your home state.

How to Qualify for the Regeneron Science Talent Search

If you’re a high school senior passionate about research and ready to share your discoveries, the Regeneron Science Talent Search (STS) could be your chance to shine.

Here’s everything you need to know to get started:

Eligibility

To enter the Regeneron Science Talent Search program, you must:

• Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident currently in your final year of high school. Students attending U.S.-accredited schools abroad are also eligible.
• Have completed an original, independent research project in science, math, or engineering. You can have a mentor or lab advisor, but the core research and writing must be your own.
• Still be enrolled in high school by the Regeneron Science Talent Search deadline on November 6, 2025.
• Have not applied to STS before. Students can only participate once.
• Follow ethical and safety standards if your project involves human participants, vertebrate animals, or hazardous materials.

You can check the Documentation and Paperwork checklist for the complete details of ethical and safety standards.

Required documents

Your Regeneron Science Talent Search application includes several key materials, so plan ahead to make sure everything is ready before the deadline:

• Research Report. Your full paper describing your question, process, data, and findings, written entirely by you.
• Ethics Statement. Confirms that your work is original and not AI-generated.
• Recommendations. An Educator Recommendation from a teacher who knows your academic and personal strengths, and a Project Recommendation from your research mentor or lab supervisor who guided your project.
• Research approvals (if needed). IRB, IACUC, or PHBA paperwork for studies involving humans, animals, or hazardous materials.
• Official transcripts and school report. Submitted by your school to verify your coursework and academic record.

Contest fees

There’s no fee to apply for the Regeneron Science Talent Search. The competition is completely free, so every qualified student can participate regardless of  their background.

Registration deadline

All parts of your application, including recommendations and paperwork, must be submitted by November 6, 2025, at 8:00 PM Eastern Time.

Late or incomplete submissions aren’t accepted, so upload early to avoid last-minute issues!

For the complete rules and entry instructions, visit their Regeneron STS Official Rules 2026.

How to Get into the Regeneron Science Talent Search

Getting into the Regeneron Science Talent Search (STS) is a rewarding challenge that tests your creativity, independence, and dedication to scientific discovery. Here’s a simple guide to help you through every step:

Step 1: Develop independent research.

Start with a self-directed project that produces real data and conclusions—it can’t just be a proposal or literature review. You can work on research in biology, physics, computer science, or other branches of science.

Here are some tips for success:

• Start early. Begin exploring research topics at least six months before the application opens. This gives you enough time to collect data and refine your methods.
• Find a mentor. Work with a teacher, lab supervisor, or local researcher who can help guide your project design and ensure your methods are sound.
• Stay original. Focus on a question that genuinely interests you and hasn’t been widely studied before. Judges love creativity and independent thought.
• Document everything. Keep a detailed lab notebook or digital journal since it can make writing your research report much easier later.

Step 2: Write a strong research report.

Your research report is the centerpiece of your application. Make sure to explain your process and showcase your scientific thinking, as well as follow the official guidelines.

• Length and format. Maximum of 20 pages, 1.5-line spacing, 1-inch margins, Times New Roman 11 pt font.
• Structure. Include a title page, abstract, introduction, methods, results, discussion, conclusion, and bibliography.
• Citations. Credit all sources, including graphs, tables, and images, even if you created them yourself.

Read a few published research abstracts in your field to see how professionals summarize methods and results.

For more help, Regeneron’s Resource page has a list of help videos, webinars, and paperwork from previous years.

Step 3: Secure your recommenders.

You’ll need two recommenders:

• Project Recommender. Usually your mentor, research advisor, or lab supervisor who knows your project best.
• Educator Recommender. A high school teacher—preferably in science or math—who can describe your academic strengths and character.

Both must also submit by November 6, 2025, at 8:00 PM ET.

Step 4: Submit your application.

Upload all your materials, sign the Ethics Statement, and double-check that every form and attachment is complete before you hit submit.

Here is an example checklist before submitting:

• Upload your research report, transcripts, and required forms.
• Make sure all recommenders have submitted their parts.
• Sign the Ethics Statement to confirm authenticity.
• Double-check every section for typos or missing details.

Submit at least a few days early to avoid last-minute technical issues and ensure your application is received on time.

Step 5: Wait for the announcement.

In January 2026, the top 300 scholars will be announced. Each scholar receives $2,000, and their school gets an additional $2,000. In March 2026, the top 40 finalists are invited to Washington, D.C. for Finals Week at the National Building Museum—a once-in-a-lifetime experience filled with interviews, exhibits, and the black-tie awards gala.

No matter the outcome, celebrate your effort since completing a project at this level is already a huge accomplishment and a great foundation for future research. The Regeneron Science Talent Search is just the start of your scientific journey.

How to Win the Regeneron Science Talent Search

Winning the Regeneron Science Talent Search takes curiosity, creativity, and independence as a young scientist. The judges want to see how you think, solve problems, and communicate your discoveries.

Here’s how to give your entry the best chance to shine:

1. Show independence and originality.

The most successful Regeneron Science Talent Search projects are student-driven. Judges can tell when you’ve taken ownership—from designing the experiment to analyzing the data. Even if you worked in a lab, your unique idea and initiative should take center stage.

Make sure your project reflects your own questions and discoveries, not just your mentor’s larger research goals.

2. Demonstrate scientific rigor.

Great science starts with accuracy and honesty. Document your process carefully, use proper methods, and follow all ethical standards—especially if your project involves human or animal subjects (you’ll need IRB or IACUC approval).

Keep a detailed research notebook to help prove authenticity and make your report writing much easier later.

3. Tell your story clearly.

Your research report should be professional but easy to read. Judges come from many scientific fields, so focus on clarity. Explain your process, highlight your results, and use visuals to make your data easy to understand.

Ask a friend or teacher outside your field to read your report. If they understand it, you’ve written it clearly.

4. Highlight real-world impact.

The strongest Regeneron Science Talent Search entries connect their discoveries to the bigger picture. How does your research help solve a problem, improve lives, or expand what we know about the world?

In your conclusion, show why your work matters—whether it’s advancing medical research, sustainability, or technology.

5. Seek guidance, not ghostwriting.

It’s perfectly fine to ask mentors for feedback, but your writing, analysis, and conclusions must be 100% your own. The competition values authentic student voices above all else.

Use your mentor’s advice to refine your ideas—not to rewrite your report. Judges appreciate genuine student work.

Regeneron Science Talent Search Previous Winners

The Regeneron Science Talent Search (STS) honors the nation’s brightest young minds who use science to tackle real-world challenges. Here’s a look at the 2025 top winners and their remarkable projects:

Among the finalists, Akilan Sankaran, 17, from Albuquerque, NM, received special recognition as the Seaborg Award winner. Chosen by his peers, Akilan represented the Regeneron Science Talent Search Class of 2025 as the student who best embodies the spirit of collaboration, curiosity, and leadership.

This prestigious honor pays tribute to Dr. Glenn T. Seaborg, the Nobel Prize–winning chemist who discovered plutonium and served on the Society for Science’s Board of Trustees for three decades.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the Regeneron Science Talent Search?

The Regeneron Science Talent Search (STS) is the nation’s top science and math competition for high school seniors—often called the “Junior Nobel Prize” for its prestige and impact.

2. Who can apply to the Regeneron Science Talent Search program?

Any high school senior who has completed an independent, original research project in STEM can apply.

3. What is the Regeneron Science Talent Search 2025 deadline?

All applications and recommendations must be submitted by November 6, 2025, at 8:00 PM ET. No late entries are accepted.

4. What are the Regeneron Science Talent Search awards?

The competition awards over $3.1 million in total prizes, including a $250,000 top award for the first-place winner and $25,000 for each finalist.

5. Is there a fee to enter the Regeneron Science Talent Search scholarship competition?

Nope! The Regeneron STS is completely free to enter—there’s no application or participation fee at any stage.

Takeaways

• The Regeneron Science Talent Search is a platform for high school scientists to share original research and gain national recognition for their discoveries.
• Applying to STS is a huge step toward your future in STEM, but with the right preparation, it’s achievable.
• With over $3.1 million in total awards and an unforgettable week in Washington, D.C., finalists connect with leading scientists, present their work, and celebrate their achievements at a black-tie gala.
• Every participant is acknowledged—top scholars earn $2,000 (and the same for their schools), while all entrants receive STS gear and a Science News subscription to keep their curiosity growing.
• Need help preparing your research project or essays? Strengthen your research and application with our Private Consulting Program to stand out in the next Regeneron Science Talent Search.