Forty of the Nation's Most Talented Young Scientists Named Finalists in Regeneron Science Talent Search 2021

Rhea-AI Summary

Regeneron Pharmaceuticals and the Society for Science have announced the 2021 finalists for the Regeneron Science Talent Search, recognizing 40 exceptional high school seniors from a pool of 1,760 entrants. These finalists, selected for their scientific projects, will compete for over $1.8 million in awards during a virtual event March 10-17, 2021. Notable projects include studies on COVID-19 diagnostics and e-cigarette impacts on COPD. Each finalist will receive at least $25,000, with top prizes reaching $250,000.

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• 40 finalists selected from 1,760 entrants, showcasing significant talent.
• Over $1.8 million in awards to be distributed, encouraging scientific engagement.
• Diverse range of innovative projects addressing current societal challenges.

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TARRYTOWN, N.Y. and WASHINGTON, Jan. 21, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ: REGN) and Society for Science (the Society) today named 40 finalists in the Regeneron Science Talent Search 2021, the nation's oldest and most prestigious science and math competition for high school seniors.

The 2021 finalists were selected from 1,760 highly qualified entrants, all of whom completed an original research project and extensive application process. Earlier this month, the Society and Regeneron named the top 300 scholars. The finalists were selected based on their projects' scientific rigor and their potential to become world-changing scientists and leaders.

Finalists' projects span a diverse range of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM)-related topics, including diagnostic imaging to help assess the severity of COVID-19, examining the impact of e-cigarettes on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) development, and creating a new way to filter toxins more effectively from wastewater.

The finalists will participate in a virtual competition from March 10-17, 2021, where they will undergo a rigorous virtual judging process to compete for more than $1.8 million in awards. They will also have an opportunity to interact with leading scientists and display their projects to the public during a virtual event on March 14. Usually held in person in Washington, D.C., the 2021 competition will take place virtually in order to keep the finalists and their families safe during the ongoing pandemic.

The finalists are each awarded at least $25,000, and the top 10 awards range from $40,000 to $250,000. The top 10 Regeneron Science Talent Search 2021 winners will be announced during a live-streamed virtual awards ceremony on March 17. In total, more than $3 million in awards will be distributed throughout the Regeneron Science Talent Search, which includes awards to finalists as well as $2,000 provided to each of the top 300 scholars and their schools. 

"It's an honor to welcome the Regeneron Science Talent Search 2021 finalists to the community of alumni who share a drive and passion for science," said George D. Yancopoulos, M.D., Ph.D., Co-Founder, President and Chief Scientific Officer of Regeneron, and among the top winners of the 1976 Science Talent Search. "This year's finalists represent many of our nation's most promising young scientists who, even during a global pandemic, are using their ingenuity, resourcefulness and STEM skills to work toward a better future. I can only hope that their STS experience further inspires them to take on and help solve the biggest challenges facing mankind – from climate change to disease and future pandemics."

"Congratulations to the Regeneron Science Talent Search 2021 finalists," said Maya Ajmera, President and CEO of Society for Science, Publisher of Science News and 1985 Science Talent Search alum. "Finalists are the top young scientists and engineers in the United States who will someday solve some of the world's most vexing problems. They have persevered through a tumultuous year and we look forward to celebrating the students' achievement in a special way."

Regeneron Science Talent Search 2021 Fast Facts

• The Regeneron Science Talent Search 2021 finalists are from 37 schools and one home school across 15 states. They are competing for more than $1.8 million, with a top prize of $250,000.
• Forty finalists were selected from 300 scholars and nearly 1,800 entrants based on the originality and creativity of their scientific research, as well as their achievement and leadership both inside and outside of the classroom.
• Finalist projects cover disciplines of science including behavioral and social sciences, biochemistry, bioengineering, cellular and molecular biology, chemistry, computational biology and bioinformatics, computer science, earth and planetary sciences, engineering, environmental science, genomics, materials science, mathematics, medicine and health, physics, plant sciences and space science.
• For a list of this year's finalists, visit https://www.societyforscience.org/regeneron-sts/2021-finalists/

About the Regeneron Science Talent Search
The Regeneron Science Talent Search, a program of Society for Science since 1942, is the nation's oldest and most prestigious science and math competition for high school seniors. Each year, around 2,000 student entrants submit original research in critically important scientific fields of study and are judged by leading experts in their fields. Unique among high school competitions in the U.S. and around the world, the Regeneron Science Talent Search focuses on identifying, inspiring and engaging the nation's most promising young scientists who are creating the ideas that could solve society's most urgent challenges.

In 2017, Regeneron became only the third sponsor of the Science Talent Search, increasing the overall awards distribution to better reward the best and brightest young minds. Through its 10-year, $100 million commitment, Regeneron nearly doubled the overall award distribution to $3.1 million annually, increasing the top award to $250,000 and doubling the awards for the top 300 scholars and their schools to $2,000 each to inspire more young people to engage in science.

Program alumni include recipients of the world's most coveted science and math honors, including 13 Nobel Prizes, 13 National Medals of Science, six Breakthrough Prizes, 21 MacArthur Foundation Fellowships and two Fields Medals.

Learn more at https://www.societyforscience.org/regeneron-sts.

About Society for Science
Society for Science is dedicated to the achievement of young scientists in independent research and to public engagement in science. Established in 1921, the Society is a nonprofit whose vision is to promote the understanding and appreciation of science and the vital role it plays in human advancement. Through its world-class competitions, including the Regeneron Science Talent Search, the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair, the Broadcom MASTERS, and its award-winning magazine, Science News and Science News for Students, Society for Science is committed to inform, educate, and inspire. Learn more at www.societyforscience.org and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Snapchat (Society4Science).

About Regeneron
Regeneron (NASDAQ: REGN) is a leading biotechnology company that invents life-transforming medicines for people with serious diseases. Founded and led for 30 years by physician-scientists, our unique ability to repeatedly and consistently translate science into medicine has led to eight FDA-approved treatments and numerous product candidates in development, all of which were homegrown in our laboratories. Our two most senior leaders, Leonard Schleifer and George Yancopoulos, credit their experiences at the Science Talent Search for putting them on a path to start the company and ultimately, along with their team, invent important, life-changing medicines for people with eye diseases, allergic and inflammatory diseases, cancer, cardiovascular and metabolic diseases and even deadly infectious diseases like Ebola and COVID-19.

Regeneron believes that operating as a good corporate citizen is crucial to delivering on our mission. We approach corporate responsibility with three goals in mind: to improve the lives of people with serious disease, to foster a culture of integrity and operational excellence and to build a sustainable future. Regeneron is proud to be included on the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index and the Civic 50 list of the most "community-minded" companies in the United States. Throughout the year, Regeneron empowers and supports employees to give back through our volunteering, pro-bono and matching gift programs. Our most significant philanthropic commitments are in the area of science education, including the Regeneron Science Talent Search and Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair.

For additional information about the company, please visit www.regeneron.com or follow @Regeneron on Twitter.

Media Contacts
Ella Campbell, Regeneron
914-572-4003, ella.campbell@regeneron.com

Gayle Kansagor, Society for Science
703-489-1131, gkansagor@societyforscience.org 

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SOURCE Society for Science

FAQ

What is the Regeneron Science Talent Search?

The Regeneron Science Talent Search is the nation's oldest and most prestigious science and math competition for high school seniors.

How many finalists were announced for the 2021 Regeneron Science Talent Search?

40 finalists were named from a total of 1,760 entrants for the 2021 competition.

What is the total prize money for the finalists in the 2021 Regeneron Science Talent Search?

The total prize money available for the 2021 Regeneron Science Talent Search is over $1.8 million.

When will the Regeneron Science Talent Search competition take place?

The competition will take place virtually from March 10-17, 2021.

What are some topics covered by the finalists' projects?

Finalists' projects include topics such as COVID-19 diagnostic imaging and the effects of e-cigarettes on COPD.