Spotlight on the 2025 Regeneron Science Talent Search: Key Takeaways and Advice for Future Polygence Scholars

The Regeneron Science Talent Search (STS) is one of the most sought-after science competitions for high school seniors in the United States. Established in 1942, the Regeneron STS encourages students to engage in scientific research and innovation, showcasing their projects to a panel of esteemed judges. With awards totaling over $3 million annually, the competition not only provides financial support but also strengthens students’ college applications and resumes.

Past winners of the Regeneron STS have gone on to win Nobel Prizes and MacArthur Fellowships, granting the competition a lot of prestige. Several Regeneron STS Scholars and grant recipients have been Polygence scholars, who’ve developed their research projects alongside our expert research program mentors. Maya Srinivasan, Polygence alum and Regeneron STS scholar, shares that “My passion for research has been emboldened by the gratification that my ideas are worthwhile, and that my interests can be explored in a way that demonstrates creativity and resilience.”

Meet the 2025 Regeneron STS Scholars and Finalists

Every year, the Regeneron STS receives about 2,500 student submissions. Of those, 300 are named top scholars; later, 40 are named finalists. On January 8th, 2025, the Regeneron STS announced its top 300 scholars, all of whom were awarded $2,000 personally and $2,000 for their school. These scholars are from 200 American and international schools in 33 states, Washington D.C., Hong Kong, Malaysia, and Switzerland. One of the scholars, Justin Lin, is a proud Polygence alumni!

Justin Lin, a 17-year-old from San Marino High School, completed his Polygence project on cleft palate surgeries and speech patterns, before going on to be named one of the initial 300 Regeneron STS Scholars. Here’s what he had to say about the experience: 

“For me, the Regeneron experience was long, but super rewarding! Prior to the Regeneron STS competition, I was able to get my paper published in August 2024 with the Journal of Emerging Investigators. Up until then, I had worked on my project for about a year (from finding a project idea to publication). I was then able to utilize that paper for my Regeneron STS project, writing a few more essays for my application.”

Other Regeneron STS Scholars pursued projects in neuroscience, astrophysics, engineering, and AI. Many scholars found personal connections to their research, just as Justin Lin did:: 

“My project was deeply personal to me, as it stemmed from my own experiences with speech therapy and surgery as a bilateral cleft lip and palate patient. Writing about the process for conducting my research and then explaining its potential for improving cleft palate surgical outcomes is probably what made the biggest difference in my project.”

Some of the 40 finalist projects include:

• Chemical Modification of Acetaminophen To Reduce Liver Toxicity and Enhance Drug Efficacy - This project explores safer alternatives to common painkillers, potentially leading to more effective and less harmful medications.

• Bowhead Whale Migration Amid Changing Circulation Patterns in the Beaufort Gyre - Investigating how climate change affects whale migration patterns provides insights into environmental conservation.

• Patching Multi-Location Software Bugs: A Multi-Agent Large Language Model Framework for Automated Program Repair - Utilizing AI to address software vulnerabilities could revolutionize cybersecurity and software development.

• Examining Brain Structure in Relation to Mood and Anxiety in Pubertal Transgender and Cisgender Youth - A study aimed at understanding the neurobiological differences in youth mental health.

• Improving Fuel Efficiency by Developing and Flight Testing an Oblique Wing Aircraft Utilizing a Novel Control Method - A project focused on reducing aviation fuel consumption while enhancing aerodynamics.

How Regeneron STS Prepares Students for Future STEM Careers

The Regeneron STS instills confidence and a passion for scientific discovery. In turn, this sets students on a path toward impactful contributions in the STEM fields. From conducting original research to presenting their work before esteemed judges and peers, the Regeneron STS fosters critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills, as well as creativity and independence. 

1. Hands-On Research Experience

Regeneron STS provides students with an opportunity to conduct independent research, helping them learn valuable skills such as lab techniques, data analysis, and experimental design. Engaging in research early on allows students to develop scientific literacy and problem-solving abilities, setting the foundation for future STEM careers.

Polygence alum and ISEF '23 Grand & Special Award Recipient Amisha Sao shares:

 “ISEF really helped open my eyes to all the different types of science and technology-oriented research, and it pushed me to consider a career in research in the future.” 

2. Networking With Top Scientists and Motivated Peers

One of the most valuable aspects of Regeneron STS is the opportunity to connect with leading scientists, university faculty, and industry experts. Scholars engage in discussions, mentorship, and networking, which can help them refine their career paths, secure research opportunities, and gain insights from experienced professionals.

Polygence alum and ‘24 Regeneron STS Scholar Maya Srinivasan says:

 “The most rewarding part of my Regeneron experience was being able to showcase my passion for research on a larger level. I was able to communicate with other scholars who shared a similar mindset and drive to discover.” 

3. Recognition By Top Colleges and Scholarships

Beyond financial awards, Regeneron STS provides opportunities for field trips, networking, and learning from top scientists in Washington, DC. Recognition from the competition enhances college applications by highlighting students’ passion, motivation, and self-direction. Participation in such a prestigious competition can help students stand out in college admissions and even lead to additional scholarship opportunities.

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Lessons from Regeneron Scholars: Advice for Future Competitors

Interested in entering the Regeneron STS? Let’s review some lessons learned from past Regeneron Scholars. Not only will this help inspire you, but it’ll also help you find more structure and discipline. 

1. Choosing the Right Research Topic

As shared by 2025 Regeneron STS Scholar Justin Lin: “One piece of advice I would give to future competitors is to find a project topic that is both scientifically and personally significant to you. Clearly explaining both of these aspects adds an additional side to your project, displaying its uniqueness and potential to make an impact in the future.” 

Passion plays a crucial role in research, so make sure that the topic you choose demonstrates originality, is feasible given the timeframe, and makes a meaningful contribution to its respective field of research. While a research mentor will be able to give you valuable feedback on your initial research question, if you’re just starting out, you may want to check out our AI-driven project idea generator.

2. The Power of Mentorship in Research

Mentorship plays a pivotal role in the research experience, providing guidance, support, and valuable insights that help young scientists navigate their projects. A research mentor can share knowledge and expertise, help develop critical thinking skills, and encourage a deeper understanding of the research process.

Polygence alum Sameen shares the following anecdote about the importance of mentorship: “When I faced programming issues with my electronics, I was able to screen share my code and my mentor was able to look over it and explain the finer details of what was happening. He was fully invested in the project as much as I was, and put as much effort into supporting my journey throughout.”

3. Writing a Winning Research Paper

Crafting a successful research paper requires clarity, organization, and engagement. A compelling paper begins with a strong introduction that outlines the research question and its significance, followed by a coherent structure that presents the methodology, results, and discussion. Clear and concise writing, along with proper citations and adherence to formatting guidelines, enhances the paper's credibility.

4. The Importance of Perseverance

The research process often involves navigating failures, unexpected results, and obstacles that can be discouraging. However, maintaining a determined mindset allows researchers to learn from their experiences, adapt their strategies, and continue pursuing their goals. Embracing perseverance not only leads to personal growth but also enhances problem-solving skills.

Advice from Past Regeneron STS Scholars

Polygence fosters confidence and independence through project-based learning. It’s no wonder that so many of our students go on to participate in the Regeneron STS! In fact, there are four Polygence students who went on to be named top STS scholars. 

Here’s a little bit of information about each student, along with a piece of advice for future Regeneron STS applicants:

1. Justin Lin

2025 Regeneron Science Talent Search Scholar

“Something that was surprising to me about the Regeneron experience was the amount of weight they placed on activities besides your project. In addition to talking about your project, it's important to include other strong extracurriculars related to research, science, leadership, or other topics you're passionate about.”

2. Maya Srinivasan

2024 Regeneron Science Talent Search Scholar, Duke University Class of ‘28 

“I found that I immensely enjoy the process of designing an experiment, and that also narrowed down my future job aspirations to a career that involves significant frontiers of science.”

3. Amisha Sao

2023 ISEF Grand & Special Award Recipient, Georgia Tech Class of '28, US Presidential Scholar

“I would recommend that future participants or aspirants try to start their projects earlier in the school year. The deadlines for regional science fairs are early in the second semester, and as a result, it becomes difficult to balance out science fair work alongside school. The required approvals usually take longer than a couple of weeks, so getting started as soon as possible in the school year is essential!”

4. Isabel Wang

2022 Regeneron Science Talent Search Scholar, Rice University Class of ‘26, accepted to Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai

“Before joining Polygence, I felt overwhelmed by the task of conducting independent research. But with Nat’s guidance, I quickly narrowed down my project idea, wrote a research plan, and began conducting my study… love the flexibility of Polygence that allows students to take full control over the direction of their project.”

How to Get Started: Preparing for Regeneron STS

The Regeneron STS has a rigorous application process, including the submission of a detailed research paper (max 20 pages), which highlights the student’s findings alongside their methodologies. Students must also submit three letters of recommendation, transcripts, test scores, and several written responses. In addition to being high school seniors, students must be citizens or legal residents of the US in order to be eligible for the Regeneron STS. International students, however, may enter the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF). In some instances, students may be eligible to submit their project to both competitions. 

1. Start Early 

Begin researching potential topics by sophomore or junior year to ensure you have ample time to conduct your experiments and refine your paper. Starting early allows students to iterate their research process, troubleshoot challenges, and produce a stronger final project.

2. Find a Mentor

A mentor provides guidance, feedback, and expertise, helping elevate your research quality. Working with a knowledgeable mentor can also provide insight into research methodologies and help students navigate obstacles efficiently.

Take Isabel Wang, for example. She shares the following perspective about working with her Polygence mentor: 

“Nat was especially helpful in teaching me how to use IBM SPSS to analyze my data. I am very thankful to have had the opportunity to learn from Nat. The skills I gained even allowed me to re-run my study on my own.”

3. Keep Detailed Research Notes

Thorough documentation will streamline writing your research paper and support strong data analysis. Well-organized notes also help students effectively communicate their findings during presentations and competitions.

4. Perfect Your Application

Seek feedback, refine your writing, and practice presenting your research through opportunities like the Polygence Symposium of Rising Scholars (open to all Polygence students). Polishing application materials with the help of teachers, mentors, and peers ensures a well-rounded submission that stands out.

Taking Your Research Further with Polygence

The Regeneron STS is more than just a competition—it’s an opportunity for students to develop real-world research skills, make meaningful connections, and set the stage for future success. Whether you’re just starting your research journey or refining your work for submission, the lessons learned through independent research and mentorship will benefit you well beyond the competition.

At Polygence, we are proud to support students in their scientific pursuits by providing expert mentorship and structured guidance. If you’re looking to take your research to the next level and prepare for prestigious competitions like Regeneron STS, Polygence can help you turn your ideas into impactful projects.

Ready to start your research journey? Learn more about Polygence’s Pods and take the first step toward your STEM future today!

Polygence offers invaluable support for students preparing for the Regeneron STS through its comprehensive Research Mentorship Program, which connects participants with experienced mentors who guide them in developing their research projects. This mentorship can significantly enhance students' understanding of scientific research and improve the quality of their submissions. Additionally, Polygence Pods provide a collaborative environment where students can share ideas, receive peer feedback, and engage in discussions that stimulate critical thinking and creativity.