Here are ten of the top research competitions for high school students. They’re a strong addition to a college application. Details change year to year, so confirm the current information with each.
1. Regeneron Science Talent Search (STS)
Regeneron STS (formerly the Intel Science Talent Search) is one of the most respected science competitions in the US. High school seniors submit original STEM research, and finalists present in Washington, D.C. Often called the “Junior Nobel Prize,” its alumni include Nobel laureates, MacArthur Fellows, and Fields Medalists.
Eligibility: high school seniors in the US.
Prizes: top award of $250,000, with smaller awards for all finalists.
2. International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF)
Sponsored by the Society for Science, ISEF is the world’s largest pre-college science competition, with students from over 70 countries. Participants present independent research in categories like biology, chemistry, computer science, and engineering at a week-long fair.
Eligibility: high school students worldwide who qualify through an affiliated fair.
Prizes: scholarships, internships, and a top award of $100,000 (the George D. Yancopoulos Innovator Award), with more than $9 million in total awards.
3. Siemens Competition in Math, Science & Technology
The Siemens Competition, managed by the College Board, was a highly regarded STEM research competition for high schoolers. It ended in 2017, but it’s still a useful benchmark, and past winners remain well known in academia.
Note: no longer operating. Historically open to US high school students, with scholarships up to $100,000.
4. Davidson Fellows Scholarship
The Davidson Fellows Scholarship recognizes young people for significant work in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and other fields. Students submit a research project or creative work and show deep understanding of their topic. Fellows are celebrated at a ceremony in Washington, D.C.
Eligibility: US citizens or permanent residents aged 18 or younger.
Prizes: scholarships of $50,000, $25,000, and $10,000.
5. Junior Science and Humanities Symposium (JSHS)
Sponsored by the U.S. Army, Navy, and Air Force, JSHS has students do STEM and social science research, first at regional symposia, with top winners advancing to the national symposium to present to an expert panel.
Eligibility: high school students in the US.
Prizes: scholarships up to $12,000.
6. International Research Olympiad (IRO)
The IRO is an interdisciplinary competition focused on critical thinking and research skills, with participants from dozens of countries. Students advance through progressively harder rounds, including data analysis and research inquiry, and the final round has top candidates present solutions to real-world problems.
Eligibility: students worldwide, ages 13-18.
Prizes: medals for top performers, plus recognition and networking.
7. GENIUS Olympiad
The GENIUS Olympiad focuses on environmental issues, with students presenting projects on topics like climate change, water pollution, and renewable energy. It has categories in science, art, writing, and business, and draws participants from over 70 countries.
Eligibility: high school students worldwide.
Prizes: scholarships, medals, and recognition.
8. Conrad Challenge
The Conrad Challenge is an entrepreneurship and innovation competition where teams solve global problems in categories like cybersecurity, health, and aerospace. Teams build business plans and prototypes and pitch to industry leaders, with a focus on real-world application.
Eligibility: students worldwide, ages 13-18.
Prizes: scholarships, internships, and prototype funding.
9. BioGENEius Challenge
The BioGENEius Challenge is a biotechnology competition where students present research on topics like genetics, agriculture, and environmental biology. Entries go to regional competitions, with top winners competing internationally and gaining exposure to the biotech industry.
Eligibility: high school students interested in biotechnology.
Prizes: cash awards and mentorship with biotech leaders.
10. National History Day (NHD) Contest
National History Day has students do original historical research and present it as an exhibit, website, documentary, paper, or performance. There’s an annual theme, and it builds research and communication skills.
Eligibility: US students in grades 6-12.
Prizes: scholarships, certificates, and special prizes.
ScienceFair.io
Working on a science fair project? ScienceFair.io is a platform for high and middle school students that helps with the whole process, from brainstorming an idea to presenting your final work.
Schedule a consultation call to talk with the team and put together a plan that fits your goals.
What it offers:
- AI Discovery Engine: generate research ideas based on thousands of past projects.
- Step-by-step research guide: work through the research process with clear steps.
- Tuner features: refine your project title and abstract so the work stands out to judges.
- AI judging tool: practice with simulated Q&A sessions to find and fix weak spots.
- Compete page: region-specific guidance for the International Science & Engineering Fair (ISEF).
- Expert coaching: mentorship from past winners through the A-Z Science Fair Masterclass and coaching calls.
Explore the tools at ScienceFair.io to get started.
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