Regeneron Science Talent Search
The Regeneron Science Talent Search (STS), a program of the Society for Science (the Society), is the United States’ most prestigious pre-college science and mathematics competition. Established in 1942, it recognizes promising young scientists who demonstrate exceptional scientific leadership potential.
The competition empowers high school seniors who are passionate about innovation and using scientific discovery to improve our world. By providing a national stage to present rigorous research, Regeneron STS encourages and rewards a culture of idea sharing, critical thinking and continuous improvement. It also strengthens the STEM talent pipeline, inspiring students to pursue careers that drive innovation.
Fueling the Future of Science
In 2017, Regeneron became the third sponsor of the Science Talent Search, succeeding Westinghouse and Intel, and increased the overall awards distribution to better reward the best and brightest young minds. In 2026, we reaffirmed our commitment to the next generation of scientific leaders by renewing our sponsorship through 2036.
Inspiring young scientists since 2017
20K+
young scientists participated in STS
$31+ MM
awarded in prizes to top winners and schools
Regeneron’s Commitment
$250MM
investment over 20 years (2017-2036)
Watch the “Be Extraordinary: Fueled by Legends” video series, where distinguished and recent STS alumni reveal how the competition shaped their lives and offer candid advice to future STS participants
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George D. Yancopoulos, MD, PhD, STS 1976 and Olivia Krivitsky, STS 2020
Regeneron co-Founder and Chief Scientific Officer Dr. George Yancopoulos (STS 1976), and Olivia Krivitsky (STS 2020), Founder of EZA, reflect as two notable alumni on how STS shaped their paths from early inspiration to a lifelong commitment to discovery and impact.
Frank Wilczek, PhD, STS 1967 and Maria Liberty Fields, STS 2020
Hear STS alumni reflect on their competition experience: Frank Wilczek, Ph.D.: Physicist and Author, Nobel, Templeton, and MacArthur Laureate, STS 1967 and Maria Fields: Rackham Merit Fellow, Ph.D., M.S.E. Industrial and Operations Engineering Student, University of Michigan, STS 2020.
Feng Zhang, STS 2000 and Indrani Das, STS 2020
Hear from two distinguished alumni as they share how STS shaped their careers and why it’s vital for solving the world’s biggest challenges: Feng Zhang, Ph.D.: Investigator, Howard Hughes Medical Institute Member, Yang Tan Collective at MIT Core Institute Member, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard Investigator, McGovern Institute for Brain Research at MIT James and Patricia Poitras, Professor in Neuroscience Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences Department of Biological Engineering, STS 2000, and Indrani Das: M.D./Ph.D. student, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, STS 2020.
Susan Landau, PhD, STS 1972 and Mary Zhu, STS 2017
Together, two distinguished STS alumni discuss how high-quality research experiences not only shaped their careers and empowered them to Be Extraordinary, but also influenced how they think about science, technology, and society. Listen to Susan Landau, Ph.D.: Professor of Cyber Security and Policy, Department of Computer Science, Tufts University, STS 1972 and Mary Zhu: Founder & Executive Director, Develop for Good, STS 2017.
In “The Power of Curiosity”, The Atlantic spoke to top STS winners about how the competition profoundly impacted their STEM journeys and fueled their aspirations.
Demonstrate your scientific potential
Society for Science, the nonprofit organization dedicated to public engagement in scientific research and education, has owned and administered the Science Talent Search since its inception in 1942.
STS entrants submit a rigorous research application reviewed by panels of scientists and subject-matter experts. From these entries, 300 Scholars are named, and 40 Finalists - selected for their exceptional promise as future STEM leaders - compete each March in Washington, D.C.
Our legacy with the Science Talent Search
We are proud to have several STS alumni among our employee base, including Leonard Schleifer, our Board co-Chair, President and Chief Executive Officer and George Yancopoulos, our Board co-Chair, President and Chief Scientific Officer, who was an STS top winner in 1976. Watch the video from when Regeneron’s title sponsorship was first announced.
“My experiences participating in the Science Talent Search changed my life, helping convince me to devote my life to trying to use science to cure disease.”
George D. Yancopoulos, M.D., Ph.D.
Board co-Chair, President and Chief Scientific Officer