Regeneron Science Talent Search to Announce 300 U.S. High School Scholars

When:  9 a.m. EST, Jan. 4, 2017

What:  Three hundred high school seniors will be named scholars in the Regeneron Science Talent Search, a program founded and produced by Society for Science & the Public. Visit https://student.societyforscience.org/regeneronsts-scholars-2017 at 9 a.m. EST to see the list of scholars hailing from 182 high schools in 36 states and three American and international high schools overseas.

Regeneron, a leading science and technology company delivering life-transforming medicines for serious diseases, is the new sponsor of the Science Talent Search, following previous sponsors Westinghouse and Intel. Founded by Science Talent Search alumni and deeply committed to STEM education, Regeneron recognizes and prioritizes the need to support young scientists who are generating ideas and solutions to address global challenges.

As part of its 10-year, $100 million commitment, Regeneron has significantly increased monetary awards to better recognize the best and brightest young talent and energize the next generation of groundbreaking minds. Regeneron has nearly doubled the overall award distribution to $3.1 million annually, increased the top award to $250,000, and doubled the awards for the top 300 young scholars and their schools to $2,000 each to inspire more young people to engage in science.

Who:  The Regeneron Science Talent Search scholars, previously called semifinalists, were selected from 1,749 applicants hailing from 527 high schools in 46 states and seven American and international high schools overseas. The scholars were selected on the basis of their exceptional promise as scientists, excellent record of academic achievement and outstanding recommendations from teachers and other scientists. For the full list of scholars, visit https://student.societyforscience.org/regeneronsts-scholars-2017 after 9 a.m. EST on Jan. 4.

Next Steps:  On Jan. 24, 40 of the top 300 scholars will be named Regeneron Science Talent Search finalists. Finalists receive an all-expenses-paid trip to Washington, D.C. from March 9-15, where they will compete for more than $1.8 million in awards provided by Regeneron. The Regeneron Science Talent Search finalists are engaged in cutting-edge scientific research that addresses some of our world’s most urgent challenges. While in Washington, D.C., the finalists will undergo a rigorous judging process, interact with leading scientists, display their research for the public at the National Geographic Society and meet with national leaders. Winners will be announced at a black-tie, invitation-only gala award ceremony at the National Building Museum on March 14.

Quotes:  “Regeneron is honored to support the Science Talent Search, Society for Science & the Public and these outstanding scholars,” said Hala Mirza, Vice President of Corporate Communications and Citizenship at Regeneron. “We believe the Regeneron Science Talent Search can play a critical role in encouraging talented young people to pursue their interest in STEM and become the leaders and innovators who will shape our future.”

“Congratulations to the top 300 Regeneron Science Talent Search scholars,” said Maya Ajmera, president and CEO of Society for Science & the Public and publisher of Science News. “We are thrilled to recognize such a variety of scientific achievements and join Regeneron in welcoming these young innovators to the Science Talent Search family. We cannot wait to see where their curiosity and passion takes them.”

More Info:  The Regeneron Science Talent Search, founded and produced by Society for Science & the Public, is the nation’s oldest and most prestigious pre-college science and math competition. It recognizes and empowers the most promising young scientists in the U.S. who are creating the ideas and solutions that will address our world’s most urgent challenges.

Science Talent Search alumni have gone on to receive more than 100 of the world’s most esteemed science and math honors, including 12 Nobel Prizes, 11 National Medals of Science, two Fields Medals, 18 MacArthur Foundation Fellowships and four Breakthrough Prizes.

Guided by the belief that advances in science and engineering are key to solving global challenges, Society for Science & the Public founded the Science Talent Search in 1942, providing a national stage for the country’s best and brightest young scientists to present original research to nationally recognized professional scientists.

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