Science Talent Search Winners

Selection Process

In November, students submit an entry form consisting of advisor recommendations, high school transcripts and test scores, and a research report. The research report describes an independent research project that is designed to display students' creativity and enthusiasm for one or more of 16 selected areas of science: behavioral and social sciences, biochemistry, bioinformatics and genomics, botany and plant science, chemistry, computer science, earth and planetary science, engineering, environmental science, mathematics, medicine and health, microbiology, materials science, physics, space science, and zoology and animal sciences.

Students entering the STS must be seniors in high school in the United States, Puerto Rico, Guam, Virgin Islands, American Samoa, Wake, the Midway Islands, or the Marianas. Contestants can also be enrolled in a foreign school as an exchange student or because their parents are temporarily working or living abroad. Students cannot be the children of any STS employee, evaluators, or judges or have previously entered the STS.

The first round of STS involves selecting 300 semifinalists based on project reports evaluated by three or more scientists, mathematicians, or engineers. Those 300 papers are then narrowed down to 40 finalist papers. In March, the 40 finalists participate in a Science Talent Institute in Washington, D.C., all expenses paid. Finalists undergo an ultimate evaluation process that includes extensive interviews and a presentation of their research before judges that include top scientists from a variety of disciplines. Candidates are also given the opportunity to display their projects at the National Academy of Science in front of thousands of visitors, governmental heads, and scientific figures. In the past, contestants have met with the president as well as presidential candidates. At the conclusion of the contest, the top 10 finalists are announced at a banquet honoring the contestants.

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