Here are ten of the most valuable science and research competitions for high school students, with the eligibility rules and what’s on offer for each. Dates and details change year to year, so confirm the current information with each competition.
1. Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF)
Regeneron ISEF is the premier global science and engineering competition for high schoolers, with around 1,800 finalists from 75+ countries presenting original research across many disciplines.
Eligibility:
- Students must be in grades 9-12 or the equivalent.
- Participants must not have reached age 20 on or before May 1 preceding ISEF.
- Team projects are limited to three members.
- Projects and research must be presented in English.
Award: Scholarships, recognition, and the chance to present your research to leading scientists.
2. MIT THINK Scholars Program
The MIT THINK Scholars Program invites high school students to propose a science, technology, or engineering project. Selected students get mentorship and resources from MIT undergraduates to develop their idea.
Eligibility:
- You must be a full-time high school student (public, private, or home school) when you apply.
- You must be a US resident during the academic year.
- There’s no strict age limit, but it’s recommended you apply in your sophomore or junior year, once you’ve developed clear scientific interests.
Award: Mentorship from MIT students and a chance to present your work at MIT.
3. Junior Science and Humanities Symposium (JSHS)
JSHS encourages US high school students to do original STEM research and present it at regional symposiums, competing for scholarships and recognition. Top regional finishers advance to the national symposium.
Eligibility:
- High school students in grades 9-12.
- Participants must be a citizen or permanent resident of the United States or a US territory.
Award: Scholarships and recognition at the regional and national levels.
4. Conrad Challenge
The Conrad Challenge has teams of students develop innovative solutions to real-world problems across categories including Aerospace & Aviation, Cyber-Technology & Security, Energy & Environment, and Health & Nutrition.
Eligibility:
- Students must be ages 13 to 18.
- You can enter as an individual or in a team of 2-5.
- Teams need an adult mentor (18+) to guide their work.
Award: Mentorship, investment opportunities, and patent support for winning ideas.
5. Regeneron Science Talent Search (STS)
The Regeneron Science Talent Search (STS) is the most prestigious research competition for US high school seniors. Finalists present original STEM research to expert judges, and winners receive large scholarships and access to a network of leading scientists.
Eligibility:
- Students must be in their last year of secondary school in the US or its territories, regardless of citizenship.
- US citizens living abroad may also qualify.
- Students at American schools abroad who are not US citizens are not eligible.
Award: Large scholarships, with winners celebrated at a national ceremony.
More competition lists by subject:
6. Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge (JIC)
The Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge is the premier national STEM competition for US middle schoolers. It’s the successor to Broadcom MASTERS, and students qualify through Society-affiliated science fairs.
Eligibility:
- Students must be in 6th, 7th, or 8th grade.
- You first complete a science fair project and compete in a Society-affiliated fair in the US or a US territory.
- The top 10% of middle school projects at each affiliated fair are nominated for the national competition.
- Nominees then complete an online application to compete nationally.
Award:
- Nominees are recognized as among the top 10% of middle school projects nationally and can apply for the national competition.
- Top 300 students receive $125 (courtesy of DoD STEM), an award ribbon, and subscriptions to Science News Explores and Wolfram|Alpha Notebook Edition.
- Finalists receive $500 and an all-expenses-paid trip to Washington, DC, and compete for additional awards including the $25,000 Thermo Fisher Scientific ASCEND Award.
- Finalist schools receive $1,000 for STEM activities.
7. American Academy of Neurology (AAN) Neuroscience Research Prize
The American Academy of Neurology’s Neuroscience Research Prize recognizes high school students for original research on the brain and nervous system. Winners present their work and gain recognition in the field.
Eligibility:
- Students must be enrolled in secondary school (grades 9-12) in the United States, regardless of age.
- Entries must be original research and the applicant’s own written work.
- Projects don’t need to take place in a formal lab.
- Each project must be an individual student’s work; group projects are not eligible.
FREE Student STEM Guide: a list of 50+ opportunities, competitions, internships, and more
Award: A $1,000 prize, a certificate, and the chance to present at the AAN Annual Meeting.
8. eCYBERMISSION
eCYBERMISSION is a web-based STEM competition for students in grades 6-9, run by the U.S. Army Educational Outreach Program. Teams identify a real-world problem in their community and use scientific inquiry or the engineering design process to address it.
Eligibility: students in grades 6 through 9.
Award:
- First-place state winners each receive a US Series EE Savings Bond worth $500 at purchase (maturing to $1,000).
- Second-place state winners each receive a savings bond worth $250 at purchase (maturing to $500).
- National winners: the top teams at each grade level are recognized nationally, with larger awards.
9. Plant the Moon Challenge
The Plant the Moon Challenge, run by the Institute of Competition Sciences and supported by NASA Space Grant Consortia, has student teams try to grow crops in lunar (or Martian) regolith simulant. It ties into NASA’s Artemis program and the broader question of how humans might farm in space.
Eligibility:
- Open to student teams (commonly middle school, high school, and college), with teams of up to 10.
- An interest in space, plant science, and sustainability.
Award: Recognition and exposure for the strongest projects; specific prizes vary by season and sponsors.
10. ExploraVision
ExploraVision, run by Toshiba and the National Science Teaching Association, asks student teams to envision a technology 10 or more years into the future, grounding it in current science and research. It emphasizes real-world problem-solving over a typical experiment.
Eligibility:
- Entrants must be US or Canadian citizens.
- They must reside in the United States, US territories, or Canada.
- Participants must be enrolled full-time in a public, private, or home school.
Award:
- First prize (4 teams): each student receives a US EE Savings Bond worth $10,000 at maturity.
- Second prize (4 teams): each student receives a savings bond worth $5,000 at maturity.
- National finalists get a trip to Washington, DC for the ExploraVision Awards Weekend with a parent or guardian.
- Regional winners receive a Chromebook and an awards ceremony at their school.
- Honorable mentions and all participants receive prizes and certificates.
Resources to win STEM competitions
Rishab Jain, an ISEF winner, has done well in many research competitions. If you want to start working toward one, he offers science fair coaching and a YouTube playlist on how to do research, where he shares his strategies.
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