Notable Alumni

Innovators. Explorers. Scientists.

From Nobel laureates to entrepreneurs and inventors, the Society for Science has an extraordinary community of alumni who embody the principles of science and engineering research, leadership, innovation and global impact in their careers long after competing in our storied science research competitions.

These alumni underscore the critical importance of the Society’s programs — which encourage and celebrate young scientific talent and its potential — and tell the story of our history.

In celebration of the Society’s centennial, these impressive changemakers were selected based on their professional accomplishments and lasting contributions to advancing science and improving the world in which we live. We look forward to adding alumni in the years that follow.

We hope you explore this list, draw inspiration from their journeys and share your story as a past competitor.

If you would like to nominate yourself or another alumna/us to be considered for the website, please email alumni@societyforscience.org with the subject line “Notable Alumni Nomination”.

Please visit our Regeneron ISEFRegeneron Science Talent Search, Thermo Fisher Scientific JIC and suite of Outreach and Equity programs pages to discover the next generation of innovators.

Meet the Changemakers

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Martin Karplus

Science Talent Search
1940's
Nobel Prize
Notable Alumni headshot Susan Kayser

Susan Kayser

Science Talent Search
1950's
Notable alumni headshot Jon Kleinberg

Jon Kleinberg

Science Talent Search
1980's
MacArthur Fellowship
Notable alumni headshot

Thomas Knight

Science Talent Search
1960's
Notable alumni Donald Knuth headshot

Donald Knuth

Science Talent Search
1950's
National Medal of Science
Notable alumni headshot

Alice Koniges

International Science and Engineering Fair Science Talent Search
1970's
Notable alumni headshot

Mary Jeanne Kreek

International Science and Engineering Fair Science Talent Search
1950's
Notalble Alumni Saul Kripke

Saul Kripke

Science Talent Search
1950's
Raymond Kurzweil Notable Alumni headshot

Raymond Kurzweil

International Science and Engineering Fair Science Talent Search
1960's
National Medal of Technology and Innovation
Notable alumni headshot

Susan Landau

Science Talent Search
1970's
Notable alumni headshot Tom Leighton

Tom Leighton

International Science and Engineering Fair Science Talent Search
1970's
Notable Alumni Headshot David Ruchien Liu

David Ruchien Liu

Science Talent Search
1990's
Breakthrough Prize

Connect on the Society Alumni Network

Meet fellow alumni, volunteer, share or apply for job and research opportunities, RSVP for events and get the latest updates on Society programs and initiatives.

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A woman posing in front of a blue Society for Science sign is wearing a green shirt with a black blazer.
Chris RoDee and Rob Reis
2025 STEM Research Grants

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