Regeneron Science Talent Search

The Regeneron Science Talent Search (Regeneron STS) is the nation’s oldest and most prestigious science competition for high school seniors, providing an important forum for original research that is recognized and reviewed by a national jury of professional scientists. Alumni have made extraordinary contributions to science and have earned many of the world’s most distinguished science and math honors, including thirteen Nobel Prizes. Annually, nearly 2,500 high school seniors from around the country accept the challenge of conducting independent science, math or engineering research and completing an entry for the Regeneron Science Talent Search. The competition recognizes 300 student scholars and their schools each year and invites 40 student finalists to Washington, D.C. to participate in final judging, display their work to the public, and meet with notable scientists and government leaders. Each year, Regeneron STS scholars and finalists compete for $3.1 million in awards.

Eligibility

Who can enter the Regeneron Science Talent Search (Regeneron STS)?

Any student who is living in and attending their last year of secondary school in the US and its territories may apply, regardless of citizenship. Students who are US citizens living abroad may also qualify. Students attending American schools abroad, but who are not US citizens, are not eligible. Please read the Regeneron STS Rules and Entry Instructions document for more information.

Can students who have completed team research enter Regeneron STS?

No; only independent, individual research is eligible. Even if students performed different parts of the experiment with another high school student, or if one student was the primary investigator, this is still considered team research. Students may not “split” a team project and enter it in Regeneron STS as individuals. For the 2026 application cycle, students also may not “split” a team project and enter it in Regeneron STS as individuals. Students also may not within the time between submission to the Regeneron STS in November 2025 and June 2026 combine individual research submitted to Regeneron STS and present it as team research in competition, publications, or any forum.

Research conducted alongside adult researchers in a research institution is permitted, but clarity and adequate acknowledgment of an individual’s role and independence versus work being done by the collective laboratory throughout the application is vital. Consideration should be given to the extent to which the research qualifies as independent research, given the student and adult responsibilities.

Can students who have worked with scientist mentors or college students enter Regeneron STS?

Yes; these students are eligible to enter Regeneron STS, but in terms of judging, students should consider if the work is substantially their own. Judges understand that sometimes scientists cannot allow students to choose their own topic or sometimes the main part of a procedure is already 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. Student researchers will also need to obtain permission from their mentors before submitting their research to Regeneron STS.

Can homeschooled students enter Regeneron STS?

Yes. Homeschooled students should contact the Society to have their school added to the high school lookup function, just as other new schools are added. They will also need to provide a document indicating what courses they have completed and their success in those courses, and submit that as a school transcript. Homeschool programs are not eligible to receive school awards, but may designate a non-profit or local school district to receive the award funds.

Can parents/guardians/other close relatives mentor students?

Yes; 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, both students and recommenders must disclose any prior familial or personal relationship within the application. All known or perceived conflicts of interest should be reported in the application. This includes (but is not limited to) the following scenarios: mentors are, or have been, colleagues in the same department as the entrant’s parents/guardians/other relative; mentor is supervised by the entrant’s relative; mentor is a relative/neighbor/family friend of the entrant; etc.

Are entrants allowed to submit research that was completed through a paid program?

Entrants may perform their STS research in any sort of environment, including paid and unpaid research programs. However, entrants AND mentors must disclose participation in paid programs. This is a safeguard 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 email sts@societyforscience.org.

Can you recommend a research program?

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

• A legitimate program will include the names and credentials of their staff and mentors on their website.
• A legitimate program shares transparent pricing on their website.
• Programs should not promise results. In addition, reciprocal payment based on student payment in competition is against Regeneron STS rules and grounds for disqualification.
• Programs should not ask students for secrecy; this is inappropriate behavior when working with minors, and disclosure of additional support is a requirement for Regeneron STS.

I have an idea for a project. Can I submit my idea to Regeneron STS?

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