Regeneron STS 101: Everything You Need to Know

by Aditi Kiran

What is Regeneron STS?

The Regeneron Science Talent Search (often abbreviated Regeneron STS) is a national science competition hosted by the Society for Science to recognize the next generation of future scientists and innovators. Each year, approximately 1,800 high school seniors from across the U.S. submit original research projects in various scientific fields. A panel of distinguished scientists evaluates these applications through a holistic review process involving consideration of the project as well as the student’s involvement in various other scientific and leadership capacities. 

Who can apply?

From the Society for Science, eligible students include: 

• Students of any citizenship in their final year of high school who are living and attending school in the U.S., and U.S. citizens living abroad.

• Any student from any high school—no regional cut-offs or quotas.

• Students who have completed independent research projects (no team research/split projects).

• Projects must adhere to the STS Official Rules of Entry (slight differences from ISEF rules). See Official Rules for full eligibility guidelines.

How should I apply?

The Regeneron STS application is entirely online and is centered on one individual research project that you have completed. You can start your STS application process here! For the 2026 competition cycle, the application will reopen on June 1st.

The application requirements include:

• Research Report:

  • Your research report should be a cumulative description of your experimental work, and I recommend you include traditional components such as an abstract, introduction, background research, methodology, results, and conclusions. 

  • Your paper should not exceed 20 pages, so be mindful when including figures and graphs!

  • The Society for Science’s Official Guide to Research Reports

• Online Application: Project Overview

  • You’ll need to fill in thorough details about each component of your research - from the inspiration behind your work to the specific techniques you used to collect data. Don’t be afraid to get technical with your language

    • EXCEPTION: Some sections of the application will require you to explain your research in layman's terms. Avoid technical terminology here, and use analogies or simple definitions when possible. Offer a broad overview of your methodology with a focus on the implications/applications of your work!

  • Another important aspect of this is identification of your unique contributions to this research. Remember that this is an individual submission!

    • Acknowledge the mentors who have guided your research process, but make the boundaries of their support known to the panel. This should be an honest representation of their involvement because your mentor will be asked to submit their own description through a recommendation. You don’t want to make claims that are substantially different from their responses. 

• Online Application: Other

  • The remainder of the application focuses on any other facets of your academic journey that might potentially make you a good scientist and innovator in the future. This can include other team research projects, summer programs, research conferences, science competitions, and publications.

  • You will also be asked to respond to a series of several essays in the following categories:

    • Short essays about your project

    • Short essays about your scientific journey in general

    • One long essay focusing on your general character

  • With the exception of the project-oriented short essays, try to diversify the subject of your essays, showing the panel all the aspects of your identity that will prepare you for future scientific endeavors!

• Recommendations: 

  • Educator Recommendations (up to 2)

    • This should be completed by an individual (ideally a teacher) who has the best understanding of your performance in an academic environment

      • Although non-science recommendations are accepted, given the nature of STS, try to obtain a recommendation from a teacher in a science or math field. 

      • This recommender does not necessarily need to be familiar with your STS research project 

    • A secondary educator recommendation can be completed by a coach or advisor 

    • Additional Information about Educator Recommendations

  • Project Recommendations

    • This should be completed by an individual who is most familiar with your research project. This could be a project mentor or a graduate student in the lab you worked at.

  • A High School Report

    • Your school counselor or guidance counselor will need to upload PDFs of your high school transcript

Regeneron STS not only provides substantial financial awards but also offers participants a platform to showcase their research on a national stage. The competition fosters a culture of innovation and critical thinking, inspiring students to pursue careers in STEM fields. Alumni of the program have made remarkable contributions to science and technology, underscoring the competition's role in shaping future leaders. Good luck with your application!