Unique among high school competitions, the Regeneron STS focuses on identifying, inspiring, and engaging the nation’s most promising future leaders in STEM. Each year, around 2,600 students enter Regeneron STS, submitting original research in critically important scientific fields of study and full application for holistic review. $3.1 million in awards are distributed annually, including the first place prize of $250,000.

Application Deadline is November 5, 2026 at 8pm ET. Open Your Application Today!

Forty finalists were honored at the National Building Museum in Washington, D.C., receiving more than $1.8 million in awards recognizing groundbreaking research, exceptional analytical rigor, exceptional problem-solving skills and potential to shape the future of STEM.

Read the Press Release

Learn about all the finalists and their projects at the Virtual Public Exhibition of Projects

The top 40 STS finalists were selected from 300 scholars and more than 2,600 applicants and will be competing for more than $1.8 million, with a top prize of $250,000 to further their scientific education.

Meet the finalists

View the press release

These future leaders in STEM represent 206 American and international high schools in 35 states, Washington D.C. and China. Learn more here!

“The network of scholars that Regeneron STS provides for emerging student researchers was the most important reason why I was inspired to apply. I felt very supported by the resources that the program provided to applicants, and I would encourage all prospective applicants to take advantage of them!”

“I was inspired to apply to Regeneron STS because it values the story of a project, not just the outcome. My research didn’t follow a straight path, in fact, some of the most important insights came from results that initially didn’t make sense. STS felt like a space where that kind of curiosity and persistence would be appreciated. My advice to future applicants is to lean into your process. Don’t hide the confusion, pivots, or failed ideas: those moments often reveal the most about how you think. Be clear about why your question mattered to you personally, because that motivation is what sustains you when the research gets hard.”

“Regeneron STS validated my place in research and science as a whole and allowed me to realize that I have potential and a future in the field. Although I had an idea of what I wanted my future career to be, STS, and Finals Week in particular, allowed me to see that my path does not have to be linear. It boosted my passion for science and intensified my curious mindset. I am incredibly grateful for Regeneron STS!”

“Regeneron STS is life-changing. There is no better program, and there are no better people to do it with. The people are the real prize. Showing that your humanity is as strong as your research is the key to success in STS.”

“I believe students should apply to STS because STS is such a great opportunity to showcase your scientific research and meet like-minded, passionate students who love science!”

“Students should apply to the Regeneron STS because it is an amazing opportunity to build community with some of the hardest-working student scientists. I encourage those to apply to the Regeneron STS while keeping in mind that you do not need to be the smartest in the room to apply, but instead the dedicated and passionate about science.”

“Not only did I gain incredible connections to cutting-edge researchers and the opportunity to meet with some of the most impactful scientists of our time, but I also made lifelong friendships with other like-minded students passionate about their work. Though STS is at its core a competition, nothing about our camaraderie felt competitive because we all felt so motivated by each other’s accomplishments and passions! I feel a renewed invigoration to follow my love for research to make a positive impact on the world, specifically in the curing of rare diseases.”

“At the time, majoring in engineering was a daring choice. My experience with the Westinghouse Science Talent Search gave me the confidence to make this decision.”

“The Science Talent Search is arguably the most reputable science competition for high schoolers in the entire world.”