Regeneron Science Talent Search
The Regeneron Science Talent Search is the nation’s oldest and most prestigious science research competition for high school seniors. Representing the most promising young scientists in the country, each working to address society’s most pressing challenges, the 300 scholars and 40 finalists were selected from 1,949 applications from 627 high schools across 48 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico and four other countries.
Neel Moudgal of Saline, Michigan, won the $250,000 top award. Second place and $175,000 went to Emily Ocasio of Fairfax, Virginia, and third place and $150,000 went to Ellen Xu of San Diego, California.
Siddhu Pachipala of The Woodlands, Texas, was named the Seaborg Award winner and given the opportunity to speak on behalf of the Regeneron STS Class of 2023 during the awards ceremony, which was emceed by journalist and author Soledad O’Brien.
The 2023 Regeneron Science Talent Search
Press Release
Awards Ceremony Video
Scholars Book
Visit the Virtual Public Exhibition of Projects
TOP WINNERS
Neel Moudgal, 1st-Place Winner of the 2023 Regeneron STS
Neel Moudgal won first place and $250,000 for his project, in which he created a computer model that can rapidly and reliably predict the structure of RNA molecules using only easily accessible data. He believes this will make it easier to diagnose and treat certain diseases.
Emily Ocasio, 2nd-Place Winner of the 2023 Regeneron STS
Emily Ocasio won second place and $175,000 for using artificial intelligence to determine whether humanizing language was used by the Boston Globe in the years spanning 1976–1984 when describing homicide victims. She found that Black victims received less humanizing coverage than white victims.
Ellen Xu, 3rd-Place Winner of the 2023 Regeneron STS
Ellen Xu won third place and $150,000 for developing an algorithm that uses a smartphone photo of a patient to aid in the diagnosis of Kawasaki disease, the leading cause of acquired heart disease in children between ages one and five.
TOP MOMENTS
Regeneron STS 2023 Highlights
Take a look back at the top moments from Regeneron STS 2023 in our highlights video.
Sights and Scenes
In addition to presenting their projects and competing before the judges, the 2023 Regeneron STS finalists enjoyed a week of making friends; meeting STEM experts at Janelia Research Campus, including STS alumnus and Alumni Dinner speaker Dr. Ron Vale; and visiting the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy. At the awards gala, the finalists spent time with Regeneron’s Scientific Founder, President and Chief Scientific Officer, George Yancopoulos (STS 1976), as well as the evening’s emcee, Soledad O’Brien.
FROM THE FINALISTS
Ariella Blackman
“Regeneron STS has helped me realize that I am not a future scientist who hopes to change the world, but rather a current one who is already making an impact. This realization has helped me understand the importance of my passions and goals as I continue work in STEM fields, and I know my goals are within my reach if I continue working hard for them.”
Ethan Zhou
“The best part of finals week really is the people. Everyone has interesting projects and somehow does incredible things beyond their project, and getting to know them was so rewarding.”
SOCIETY BLOG
Meet 9 Regeneron STS finalists with an entrepreneurial spirit
Several of the 2023 Regeneron STS finalists have founded organizations dedicated to sharing their passion for STEM, advancing social justice and giving back to their communities.
Regeneron STS finalists share their knowledge during the Virtual Public Exhibition of Projects
During the exhibition, finalists learned about each other’s projects and answered questions about their research during panel interviews, which were hosted by 2022 Regeneron STS Winner Christine Ye.
Discussing the importance of STEM ambassadorship with the Regeneron STS scholars
The top 300 Regeneron STS scholars gathered at a virtual event to learn more about the competition, discuss their research projects and hear from Maya Ajmera, President & CEO, Society for Science and Executive Publisher, Science News and George Yancopoulos, Regeneron’s Scientific Founder, President and Chief Scientific Officer. Here is a summary of their conversation, from finding success in STEM to inspiring the next generation.