Key facts
- Type
- Competition
- Deadline
- 11/1/2026
In short
The Regeneron Science Talent Search is the nation's most prestigious science research competition for high school students, offering $3.1 million in awards, including a $250,000 top prize, for original scientific research.
Regeneron Science Talent Search
CompetitionAccepting applications nowApply by 11/1/202693 days left
$3.1 million
Total annual awards
$250,000
First place prize
2,600+
Annual applicants
40
Finalists selected annually
High school students
Eligible participants
Overview
The Regeneron Science Talent Search (STS) is a unique competition designed to identify, inspire, and engage the nation's most promising future leaders in STEM. Each year, thousands of high school students submit original research projects in critical scientific fields alongside a comprehensive application for holistic review. The competition, which originated in 1942 as the Westinghouse Science Talent Search, empowers young scientists who are developing ideas to solve society's most urgent challenges. The Regeneron STS distributes $3.1 million in awards annually, with substantial prizes for finalists and scholars. The competition provides a platform for students to showcase groundbreaking research, demonstrate exceptional analytical rigor, and exhibit strong problem-solving skills. Forty finalists are selected from a pool of 300 scholars, who are in turn chosen from thousands of applicants. These finalists are honored at the National Building Museum in Washington, D.C., where they present their work and compete for top awards, further solidifying their potential to shape the future of STEM. The program emphasizes both the scientific merit and the personal story behind each project, fostering a community of dedicated and passionate young scientists.
What to build
Participants must submit original research in a scientific field of study. The research should demonstrate analytical rigor and problem-solving skills, and address critically important scientific challenges.
Prizes
1st Place
$250,000
Top 40 Finalists
Awards recognizing groundbreaking research, exceptional analytical rigor, exceptional problem-solving skills and potential to shape the future of STEM.
More than $1.8 million total
Top 300 Scholars
Undisclosed
Key dates
- STS Application PeriodJune 1 – November 5, 2026
- Application DeadlineNovember 5, 2026 at 8pm ET
- Top 300 Scholars AnnouncedJanuary 7, 2027
- Top 40 Finalists AnnouncedJanuary 21, 2027
- Regeneron STS Finals WeekMarch 11 – 17, 2027
- Public Exhibition of ProjectsSunday, March 14, 2027
- Winners Announced at Awards CeremonyTuesday, March 16, 2027
Eligibility
The Regeneron Science Talent Search is open to high school students.
How to enter
- Open your application via the official application portal.
- Submit original research in a scientific field of study.
- Complete the full application for holistic review by November 5, 2026, at 8pm ET.
Submission requirements
- Original research project in a scientific field of study.
- Full application for holistic review.
Judging criteria
- Groundbreaking research
- Exceptional analytical rigor
- Exceptional problem-solving skills
- Potential to shape the future of STEM
- The story of a project, not just the outcome
- Curiosity and persistence in research process
- Clarity on why the question mattered to the applicant personally
Sponsors & partners
Regeneron
Resources
- Application Portal
- Official Rules
- FAQ
- Application Requirements
- Awards Information
- For Educators and Mentors
- Scientific Integrity
- Regeneron STS Official Rules (PDF)
- Am I Eligible? Official Rules Overview (with Tips and Tricks) Webinar
- Advice from Experienced Educators Webinar
- What Makes a Regeneron STS Top 40 Finalist? Application Advice for Entrants Webinar
- Advice from Alumni: Reasons to Apply! Webinar
- Sign Up for STS Updates
- Sign Up for Webinar Series