As the oldest and most prestigious science research competition in the United States, the Regeneron Science Talent Search (STS) continues to set the gold standard for high school research excellence. Each year, approximately 2,500 students compete in STS by submitting original research projects in critical scientific fields, accompanied by a comprehensive application that undergoes rigorous holistic review.

With the Top 300 Scholars announcement scheduled for next month, the 2025–2026 STS season has officially entered a new and decisive preparation phase.

About the Regeneron Science Talent Search (STS)

Founded in 1942, the Regeneron Science Talent Search has a history spanning more than 80 years. Sponsored by Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, STS was established to recognize and support young innovators who leverage their talents in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM)—along with leadership potential—to advance scientific discovery and help shape a better world.

Due to its exceptional academic prestige and long-term impact, STS has become one of the most competitive and sought-after research competitions among U.S. high school seniors, particularly within the global Chinese student community.

In recent years, among the 500+ STS semifinalists,

• 50–57% were admitted to HYPSM (Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Stanford, MIT)
• 70–76% gained admission to Top 15 U.S. universities

These outcomes firmly establish STS as one of the most powerful academic credentials for elite college admissions.

Eligibility: Who Should Apply?

The Regeneron STS is exclusively open to Grade 12 students who meet one of the following criteria:

• Students enrolled in U.S. high schools or U.S. territories
• U.S. citizens living abroad, with appropriate documentation

Students currently in Grade 11 are strongly encouraged to begin preparing their research projects early and submit their applications during the fall semester of their senior year, which is the only eligible application window.

Competition Rules

The Regeneron STS is a strictly individual competition, with clear guidelines to ensure originality and independent contribution:

• Projects must be completed by a single student
• Team projects are not permitted, nor may they be converted into individual submissions
• Students may work with research mentors or university collaborators, but mentors must not directly influence or control the student’s independent work
• Each student may submit only one project
• The research must clearly demonstrate the applicant’s personal ideas, initiative, and intellectual ownership

Research Fields

STS accepts research projects across a broad range of disciplines, including but not limited to:

Behavioral and Social Sciences, Biochemistry, Bioengineering, Cell and Molecular Biology, Chemistry, Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, Computer Science, Earth and Planetary Science, Engineering, Environmental Science, Genomics, Materials Science, Mathematics, Medicine and Health, Physics, Plant Sciences, and Space Science.

2025–2026 STS Timeline

Application Opens
📅 June 1, 2025
Students may begin submitting applications through the online system.

Application Deadline
📅 November 6, 2025
All application materials and recommendations must be submitted online by this date. No revisions or late submissions will be accepted under any circumstances.

Top 300 Scholars Announced
📅 January 7, 2026

Top 40 Finalists Announced
📅 January 21, 2026

STS Finalist Week
📅 March 5–11, 2026

Public Project Exhibition
📅 March 8, 2026

Awards Ceremony
📅 March 10, 2026

Why STS Matters

The Regeneron Science Talent Search is more than a competition—it is a national platform for identifying future scientific leaders. Participants are evaluated not only on research quality, but also on creativity, perseverance, and the ability to articulate complex ideas clearly.

For motivated students with strong research interests, STS represents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to gain recognition at the highest level of U.S. high school science.