HSO Guide

Best Research Competitions for High School Students (2026)

A strong research competition can transform a college application — but the top awards are brutally selective and each rewards a different kind of project. Here's a side-by-side look at the competitions high schoolers ask about most on HSO: who they're best for, what they pay, and when to apply.

Quick comparison

CompetitionHostSelectivityPrizeDeadline
Regeneron Science Talent Search (STS)Society for Science — nationalTop 300 scholars, top 40 finalists from ~2,000 entries$250,000 top award; $25k for each of 300 scholarsApplications open June; deadline mid-November
Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF)Society for Science — international, via affiliated fairs~1,800 finalists worldwide; each fair sets its own bar~$9M in awards; $75,000 top prizeRegional fairs Jan–Mar; ISEF finals in May
Junior Science and Humanities Symposium (JSHS)U.S. Department of Defense / regional universitiesRegional finalists advance; ~5 per region to nationalsUp to $12,000 in scholarships plus travel to nationalsRegional symposia Jan–Mar; nationals in April
Regeneron Biotech Prize (formerly BioGENEius Challenge)Biotechnology Institute — nationalHighly competitive; state/national finalists$7,500 top prize plus category awardsApplications typically due March
Davidson Fellows ScholarshipDavidson Institute — national~20 fellows selected each year$10,000 / $25,000 / $50,000 scholarshipsApplications due mid-February
Conrad ChallengeConrad Foundation — internationalMulti-stage; top teams named Pete Conrad ScholarsScholarships, patents support, and program fundingActivation stage in fall; finals in April

Regeneron Science Talent Search (STS)

Society for Science — national · Independent research paper + application

Selectivity
Top 300 scholars, top 40 finalists from ~2,000 entries
Prize
$250,000 top award; $25k for each of 300 scholars
Eligibility
U.S. high school seniors with an original research project
Timeline
Applications open June; deadline mid-November
Best for
Seniors with a completed, publishable independent research project
Visit official competition page →

Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF)

Society for Science — international, via affiliated fairs · Project fair; qualify through a local/regional/state fair

Selectivity
~1,800 finalists worldwide; each fair sets its own bar
Prize
~$9M in awards; $75,000 top prize
Eligibility
Grades 9–12; must advance through an affiliated fair
Timeline
Regional fairs Jan–Mar; ISEF finals in May
Best for
Students whose school or region runs an ISEF-affiliated science fair
Visit official competition page →

Junior Science and Humanities Symposium (JSHS)

U.S. Department of Defense / regional universities · Oral research presentation at regional then national symposium

Selectivity
Regional finalists advance; ~5 per region to nationals
Prize
Up to $12,000 in scholarships plus travel to nationals
Eligibility
Grades 9–12 with original STEM research
Timeline
Regional symposia Jan–Mar; nationals in April
Best for
Students strong at presenting research live to a scientific audience
Visit official competition page →

Regeneron Biotech Prize (formerly BioGENEius Challenge)

Biotechnology Institute — national · Biotech research project + application

Selectivity
Highly competitive; state/national finalists
Prize
$7,500 top prize plus category awards
Eligibility
Grades 9–12 conducting biotechnology research
Timeline
Applications typically due March
Best for
Students focused specifically on biotech or life-sciences research
Visit official competition page →

Davidson Fellows Scholarship

Davidson Institute — national · Significant work portfolio in STEM, literature, music, or philosophy

Selectivity
~20 fellows selected each year
Prize
$10,000 / $25,000 / $50,000 scholarships
Eligibility
U.S. students under 18 with a college-graduate level project
Timeline
Applications due mid-February
Best for
Students with a multi-year, portfolio-quality body of research
Visit official competition page →

Conrad Challenge

Conrad Foundation — international · Team innovation & business plan competition

Selectivity
Multi-stage; top teams named Pete Conrad Scholars
Prize
Scholarships, patents support, and program funding
Eligibility
Ages 13–18 in teams of 2–5
Timeline
Activation stage in fall; finals in April
Best for
Team-oriented students combining research with entrepreneurship
Visit official competition page →

How to choose

  • Match the format to your work. A polished paper fits STS and Davidson; a hands-on project fits ISEF and Conrad; a live talk fits JSHS.
  • Start early. STS, Davidson, and JSHS reward projects built over 12+ months with a mentor. Don't wait until senior fall.
  • Use ISEF as a launchpad. Qualifying through a regional fair is the most accessible on-ramp — most other competitions accept the same project.
  • Apply to a portfolio. Admit rates are single digits at the top; entering 3–4 competitions with the same research maximizes returns.

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