8 p.m. Clicked and Submitted. Senior science research students submitted complete applications for the Regeneron Science Talent Search Competition on Wednesday, Nov. 15. The Regeneron Science Talent Search, or Regeneron STS, is the nation’s most prestigious science research competition for high school seniors. The competition provides a national stage for the country’s best and brightest young scientists to present original research to nationally recognized professional scientists.

Being the most prestigious science research competition for high school seniors, the selection process is highly competitive. Thousands of applications are submitted each year, but only 300 Regeneron STS scholars and their schools are recognized as semifinalists, earning $2,000 each. From that select pool of scholars, 40 student finalists will be invited to Washington, DC in March to participate in final judging, display their work to the public, meet with notable scientists, and compete for the top awards.

The application process requires multiple components. Entrants are required to complete original research either in a home setting or with leading research teams at universities, hospitals, or private laboratories. Various questions are asked regarding the student’s research such as time spent to perform research, and the environment the research is performed in.

In addition to general questions, some components require creativity, such as “What is a major scientific question in your field whose answer you believe will have a significant impact on the world in the next 20 years, and why? Using examples from your own experience or research, explain how you might envision addressing the question over the next 20 years.” Entrants can also submit AP-scores, Standardized testing scores, letters of recommendation, and research reports.

Originally, the Society for Science & the Public and Westinghouse Electric Corporation created the competition in 1942 and named the event the Westinghouse Science Talent Search. In 1998, Intel became the primary sponsor after outbidding several other companies. The competition then took the name of its sponsor as the Intel Science Talent Search. In May 2016, Regeneron became the new title sponsor with a 10-year, $100 million commitment. Regeneron is a company founded with the goal of transforming lives through science and its most important and social commitment has been to support the development of highly engaged, well-trained, and innovative young thinkers.

The Society of Science & the Public and Regeneron will award $3.1 million dollars to the top students and their schools. The awards range in price depending on the placement of the student.

Results for the top 300 scholars will be announced on Jan. 9, 2018; good luck to all the entrants!