Forty accomplished young scientists named Finalists in the 2022 Regeneron Science Talent Search - Society for Science Skip to content

Forty accomplished young scientists named Finalists in the 2022 Regeneron Science Talent Search

Congratulations to the 2022 STS Finalists!
Congratulations to the 2022 STS Finalists! Society for Science

Over $3 Million to be Awarded in Oldest and Most Prestigious U.S. STEM Competition for High School Seniors.

Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ: REGN) and Society for Science (the Society) today named 40 finalists in this year’s Regeneron Science Talent Search, the nation’s oldest and most prestigious science and math competition for high school seniors. Program alumni include recipients of the world’s most coveted science and math honors, including 13 Nobel Prizes and 22 MacArthur Foundation Fellowships, as well as the founders of many important science-based companies, including Regeneron.

The 2022 finalists’ research projects span a diverse range of STEM-related subjects, showcasing a breadth of knowledge and depth of passion for science. Multiple students chose to explore the wide-ranging impact of COVID-19; for instance, one studied the effect of pandemic-related economic hardship on marital functioning, and another evaluated SARS-CoV-2 respiratory droplet spread to better inform public safety measures. Some students invented novel therapeutic tools, like a mind-controlled prosthetic limb and a device for rehabilitating stroke victims, while others explored topics related to climate change, including a new method for sustainable biofuels production. Still others dove into social and political issues, including an examination of voting behavior in the United States and influencer advertising on Instagram.

“We are excited to welcome an exceptional group of Regeneron Science Talent Search 2022 finalists and continue our tradition of supporting the next generation of scientific leaders,” said George D. Yancopoulos, M.D., Ph.D., Co-founder, President and Chief Scientific Officer of Regeneron, and a 1976 Science Talent Search finalist and winner. “Competing in the Science Talent Search was life-changing for me, and helped give me the inspiration and confidence to devote myself to a life of using science to help fight disease.  We look forward to seeing how this year’s finalists, with their demonstrated perseverance and creativity, continue to harness the power of science to address the many challenges facing society, and improve the lives of people around the world.”

The finalists were chosen based on their projects’ scientific rigor and their potential to become world-changing scientists and leaders. They were selected from 300 scholars, named earlier this month by Regeneron and the Society for Science. The scholars were chosen from a pool of over 1,800 highly qualified entrants, all of whom completed an original research project and extensive application process.

“Congratulations to the Regeneron Science Talent Search 2022 finalists,” said Maya Ajmera, President and CEO of Society for Science, Publisher of Science News and 1985 Science Talent Search alum. “This year’s finalists have shown resilience and dedication in the face of so many obstacles in their educational pursuits. From the COVID pandemic to the harsh realities of climate change, these students have demonstrated their leadership and commitment to STEM innovation. As our world continues to heal and find ways forward, these students will be the key to solving global challenges not only today, but in the future.”

Finalists will participate in a week-long competition from March 9-16, 2022, where they will undergo a rigorous judging process and compete for more than $1.8 million in awards. They will also have an opportunity to interact with leading scientists and share their research during a virtual “Public Day” event on March 13.

The finalists are each awarded at least $25,000, and the top 10 awards range from $40,000 to $250,000. The top 10 Regeneron Science Talent Search 2022 winners will be announced during a live-streamed awards ceremony on March 15. In total, more than $3 million in awards will be distributed throughout the Regeneron Science Talent Search, which includes awards to finalists as well as $2,000 provided to each of the top 300 scholars and their schools. Award winners use the prize money to advance their education and scientific research – a critical investment toward their future in STEM, and our country’s future as a hub of innovation and progress.

Regeneron Science Talent Search 2022 Fast Facts

  • The Regeneron Science Talent Search 2022 finalists represent 37 schools across 19 states. They are competing for more than $1.8 million, with a top prize of $250,000.
  • Forty finalists were selected from 300 scholars and 1,804 entrants based on the originality and creativity of their scientific research, as well as their achievement and leadership both inside and outside of the classroom.
  • Finalist projects cover disciplines of science including animal science, behavioral and social sciences, bioengineering, cellular and molecular biology, chemistry, computational biology and bioinformatics, computer science, engineering, environmental science, genomics, materials science, mathematics, medicine and health, physics, plant sciences and space science.

Rachel Myers