Nation’s Most Talented Young Scientists Present Original Research at the 80th Regeneron Science Talent Search

Forty High School Students Gather Online to Showcase Science Projects and Compete for More Than $1.8 Million in Awards

From March 10-17, 2021, 40 high school seniors from across the country will come together virtually to compete for more than $1.8 million in awards and be recognized as the nation’s most promising young scientists. The students are finalists in the Regeneron Science Talent Search 2021, a program founded and produced by the Society for Science, and the nation’s oldest and most prestigious science and math competition for high school seniors.

Historically held in person in Washington, D.C., this year marks the second time in its 80-year-history that the competition will take place virtually to keep the finalists and their families safe during the ongoing pandemic.

What: Media and the general public are invited to attend a public exhibition of the Regeneron Science Talent Search 2021 finalists’ research projects and discoveries; Connect with the next generation of scientific leaders who are bringing a fresh perspective to solving significant global challenges; Watch the winners award ceremony live via streaming video.

When & Where: Public Exhibition of Projects
Sunday, March 14, 2-4 p.m. ET
Register to attend here: https://ssp.6connex.com/event/virtual/vsts/login

Winners Award Ceremony
Wednesday, March 17, 8-9 p.m. ET
Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JTPS2Dd54Fk

Who: The top 40 Regeneron Science Talent Search 2021 finalists; representing 37 high schools and one homeschool across 15 U.S. states.

Finalists’ research projects include:

  • A surgical suture that changes color in the presence of infection, opening a potential path to early detection and treatment, especially in developing countries where surgical wound site follow-up may be substandard.
  • The use of copper nanoparticles as a coffee plant fungicide, showing how infection occurs and confirming that copper both prevents and halts the spread of fungus, all while enhancing plant growth.
  • A potential diagnostic tool for identification of metastatic cancer cells by measuring their adhesion force or “stickiness.”
  • Research identifying two drugs that could dramatically reduce the levels of an inflammation marker implicated in both Alzheimer’s disease and COVID-19. The model could help make discovery of new drugs faster and less expensive.

For a full list of the 2021 finalists, visit https://www.societyforscience.org/regeneron-sts/2021-finalists/

Next Steps: While participating in the virtual competition, finalists will undergo a rigorous virtual judging process and interact with leading scientists. Winners will be announced during a live-streamed, virtual awards ceremony, which will be open for media and public viewing.

Quotes: “Amidst the turmoil of the COVID-19 pandemic, these students have shown incredible resilience and perseverance,” said Maya Ajmera, President and CEO of Society for Science and publisher of Science News. “While schools, laboratories, and research centers closed, each finalist went above and beyond to conduct groundbreaking research in the spirit of pure intellectual curiosity and a desire to make the world a better place. We are incredibly proud to celebrate their achievements and hope the exhibition of their projects and interaction with them will inspire students, teachers, parents, scientists, and others.”

“I encourage everyone who shares an enthusiasm for science research to join us for this virtual exhibition,” said Hala Mirza, Senior Vice President of Corporate Communications and Citizenship at Regeneron. “Scientific advancement is not only possible during a pandemic, but more essential than ever. These STS finalists show us what it means to persevere, to care for a community beyond your own, and to use the power of science to help make the world a better place.”

More Info: The Regeneron Science Talent Search, founded and produced by Society for Science, is the nation’s oldest and most prestigious science and math competition for high school seniors.

Alumni of the Science Talent Search have gone on to have world-changing careers in science and earn more than 100 of the most esteemed science and math honors, including 13 Nobel Prizes, 13 National Medals of Science, six Breakthrough Prizes, 22 MacArthur Foundation Fellowships and two Fields Medals.

Founded in 1942 by the belief that advances in science are key to solving global challenges, the Science Talent Search works to support and invest in young scientists who are generating ideas and acting as catalysts for the change needed to improve the well-being of all people and the planet.

Society for Science and Regeneron engage young people as active change agents and support the hard work and cutting-edge discoveries of promising young leaders who are motivated by curiosity and inspired to improve the world with STEM. The Regeneron Science Talent Search reinforces this potential and invests in the best and brightest young minds by continuing to nurture all fields of scientific research to foster transformative innovations.

For Regeneron Science Talent Search news, visit https://www.societyforscience.org/regeneron-sts/, and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Snapchat (Society4Science).

Media Contacts: To RSVP and receive live-streaming links to the public exhibition of projects or the award ceremony, please visit this link: https://ssp.6connex.com/event/virtual/vsts/login

For more information on the Public Exhibition of Projects, please contact Gayle Kansagor, 703-489-1131, gkansagor@societyforscience.org.