Regeneron Science Talent Search
Offered by Society for Science
About This Scholarship
The Regeneron Science Talent Search is the nation's oldest science research competition for high school students, running since 1942 — first as the Westinghouse Science Talent Search, then under Intel, and now sponsored by Regeneron through 2027 in partnership with the Society for Science. Its alumni have gone on to win 13 Nobel Prizes, 11 National Medals of Science, and 18 MacArthur Fellowships. The competition distributes $3.1 million a year.
Every one of the top 300 scholars receives $2,000, with another $2,000 going to their high school for STEM education. From there, 40 finalists earn an all-expenses-paid trip to Washington, D.C. to compete for the top ten awards, capped by a $250,000 first prize. Recent cycles have drawn about 2,600 applicants — the 2026 pool was the largest since 1967 — which puts scholar odds near 1 in 9.
Entry requires original research plus a holistic application; judges prioritize the research report but say they're not looking for perfection, weighing innovative thinking, promise as a scientist, and community leadership. Students in their last year of secondary school in the U.S. or its territories are eligible regardless of citizenship. The 2027 application runs June 1 through November 5, 2026, with scholars announced in early January and finals week in March.
Eligibility
- High school senior in the U.S. (or eligible American student abroad)
- Completed an original, independent scientific research project
- Able to submit a written research report plus extensive application essays
- No application fee
How To Apply
- Open an application at societyforscience.org after June 1, 2026
- Submit your research report, essays, recommendations, and transcript by November 5, 2026 at 8pm ET
- Top 300 scholars announced in early January; 40 finalists compete at Finals Week in Washington, D.C. in March
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a professional lab to compete in the Science Talent Search?
No. Judges use holistic review and value independent thinking — winning projects have come from kitchen-table experiments and school labs as well as university mentorships.
What does everyone win?
Each of the 300 scholars receives $2,000, and their school gets $2,000 as well. The 40 finalists receive at least $25,000, with top awards running from $40,000 up to $250,000.