The future of science is in excellent hands — and she's 17 years old.
The Society for Science has announced the top 300 scholars in the Regeneron Science Talent Search 2026, the nation's oldest and most prestigious high school science and mathematics competition. Now in its milestone 85th year, the competition awarded $1.2 million across students and their schools, celebrating young researchers who are tackling some of the world's most complex problems before they've even finished high school.
This year, over 2,600 students applied from 826 high schools across 46 states, Washington D.C., Puerto Rico, and 16 countries. The 300 chosen scholars represent 203 schools across 34 states — each one receiving $2,000 personally, with their school also receiving $2,000 for each enrolled scholar.
The research these teenagers have produced is genuinely extraordinary. Entries included novel AI systems for early cancer detection, new approaches to antibiotic resistance, quantum computing algorithms, climate change modelling, and even breakthroughs in clean energy chemistry. These are not science fair baking soda volcanoes — these are peer-level contributions to real scientific fields.
'Their research highlights the creativity, rigor and determination that's pushing forward the future of scientific discovery,' said Maya Ajmera, President and CEO of Society for Science. 'We are honoured to recognise their achievements and support their continued pursuit of STEM excellence.'
The Regeneron Science Talent Search has an extraordinary track record. Alumni have gone on to win Nobel Prizes, National Medals of Science, and MacArthur Fellowships. They've founded companies, led research labs, and shaped entire fields of human knowledge — all tracing back to the curiosity and drive first recognised at this competition.
This year's cohort represents every background and corner of the country. Many come from schools that have never before had a scholar. Some are the first in their families to pursue science professionally. All of them prove that exceptional talent is everywhere — it just needs a platform to shine.
The finalists will gather in Washington D.C. in March 2026, where the top 40 will compete for even greater awards. But every single one of the 300 scholars has already won something more lasting: recognition that their curiosity matters, their work has value, and the world is paying attention.
The best science is still ahead of us. 🔬⭐