Regeneron Science Talent Search

Scholarship Sponsored by Society for Science

The Regeneron Science Talent Search (Regeneron STS) stands as the oldest and most esteemed science competition in the nation for high school seniors. It serves as a significant platform for original research, which is evaluated and acknowledged by a national panel of professional scientists. The competition's alumni have made remarkable contributions to the field of science and have been awarded some of the most prestigious science and math accolades, including thirteen Nobel Prizes. Each year, approximately 2,500 high school seniors nationwide take on the challenge of conducting independent research in science, math, or engineering and submit an entry for the Regeneron Science Talent Search. The competition annually acknowledges 300 student scholars and their schools, and invites 40 student finalists to Washington, D.C. for final judging, public display of their work, and meetings with renowned scientists and government leaders. Regeneron STS scholars and finalists vie for $3.1 million in awards each year.

Eligibility Criteria

Who is eligible to participate in the Regeneron Science Talent Search (Regeneron STS)?

Students in their final year of secondary school in the US and its territories, irrespective of their citizenship, are eligible to apply. US citizens studying abroad may also be eligible. However, students who are not US citizens but are studying in American schools abroad are not eligible. For more details, please refer to the Regeneron STS Rules and Entry Instructions document.

Can students who have conducted research as a team participate in Regeneron STS?

No, only independent, individual research is eligible for entry. Even if different parts of the experiment were conducted by different high school students, or if one student was the primary investigator, it is still considered team research. Students cannot “split” a team project and enter it as individuals in Regeneron STS. This rule applies to the 2026 application cycle as well. Students are also prohibited from combining individual research submitted to Regeneron STS and presenting it as team research in any competition, publication, or forum between November 2025 and June 2026.

Research conducted in collaboration with adult researchers at a research institution is allowed, but it is crucial to clearly acknowledge the individual’s role and independence versus the collective work of the laboratory throughout the application. The extent to which the research qualifies as independent research, considering the responsibilities of the student and adults, should be taken into account.

Can students who have been mentored by scientists or college students participate in Regeneron STS?

Yes, these students are eligible to participate in Regeneron STS. However, when it comes to judging, students should consider whether the work is predominantly their own. Judges understand that sometimes students may not be allowed to choose their own topic or that the main part of a procedure may already be known. Students should consider which parts of the research they can claim credit for and whether they believe it demonstrates their potential as a scientist. Student researchers must also obtain permission from their mentors before submitting their research to Regeneron STS.

Can homeschooled students participate in Regeneron STS?

Yes. Homeschooled students should reach out to the Society to have their school added to the high school lookup function, similar to other new schools. They will also need to provide a document detailing the courses they have completed and their performance in those courses, which will be submitted as a school transcript. While homeschool programs are not eligible for school awards, they may designate a non-profit or local school district to receive the award funds.

Can parents/guardians/other close relatives mentor students?

Yes, students can be mentored by their parent(s)/guardian(s) or individuals who are employed by or have previously mentored family, close friends, neighbors, or other known individuals. However, any prior familial or personal relationship must be disclosed by both students and recommenders within the application. All known or perceived conflicts of interest should be reported in the application. This includes scenarios such as mentors being colleagues in the same department as the student’s parents/guardians/other relatives, mentors being supervised by the student’s relative, mentors being a relative/neighbor/family friend of the student, and so on.

Can students submit research that was completed through a paid program?

Students can conduct their STS research in any environment, including paid and unpaid research programs. However, both students and mentors must disclose participation in paid programs. This is a precautionary measure for the protection of students. No research program should guarantee placement in the Regeneron Science Talent Search. Any individual who is aware of fraudulent or suspicious research programs should report it to sts@societyforscience.org.

Can you recommend a research program?

Regeneron STS and Society for Science do not endorse any specific research programs. In fact, we believe that a student does not need to participate in a research program to be successful as a scientist or in our programs. There are numerous success stories on our website that support this claim! While we understand the value of mentorship and learning research skills, and why some students may seek paid or unpaid options, we urge students and parents/guardians to be diligent in their selection of these types of programs. For those seeking legitimate research programs, here are a few tips:

• A legitimate program will list the names and credentials of their staff and mentors on their website.
• A legitimate program will transparently disclose pricing on their website.
• Programs should not guarantee results. Moreover, reciprocal payment based on student payment in competition is against Regeneron STS rules and grounds for disqualification.
• Programs should not demand secrecy from students; this is inappropriate behavior when working with minors, and disclosure of additional support is a requirement for Regeneron STS.

I have a project idea. Can I submit it to Regeneron STS?

A project must have data and results to draft a research paper. You are required to discuss your results both in the paper and in the application essays. If you have not yet built your device and/or collected data, then this project is not eligible for Regeneron STS. Please note that literature reviews are also not permitted for entry to Regeneron STS.