On January 21, 2026, the Society for Science & the Public announced the 2026 top 40 finalists in the 85th Regeneron Science Talent Search.
The finalists were selected from 300 top scholars and over 2,600 total entrants coming from 795 high schools across 48 states, Guam, Puerto Rico and 14 other countries – more than last year, which was the highest number of entrants since 1969! Finalists were selected based on the originality and creativity of their scientific research, as well as their achievement and leadership both inside and outside of the classroom.
One Plano ISD high school senior was named to the Top 40. From March 5-11, 2026, all 40 finalists will compete in Washington, D.C. for more than $1.8 million in awards provided by Regeneron. Each finalist is awarded at least $25,000, with the top 10 awards ranging from $40,000 to $250,000. The Top 10 Regeneron STS 2026 winners will be announced during an awards ceremony on March 10, streamed live from Washington D.C.
Congratulations to:
Ananya Nagendra, Plano East Senior High School, “Utilizing Ants To Mitigate MSW Landfill-Generated Methane Production Through Novel Aerobic Digester System for Anthropogenic Food Waste Decomposition”
The Regeneron Science Talent Search (Regeneron STS), a program of the Society for Science since 1942, is the nation’s most prestigious science and math competition for high school seniors. Alumni of STS have made extraordinary contributions to science and hold more than 100 of the world’s most distinguished science and math honors, including 13 Nobel Prizes, 23 MacArthur Fellowships, 8 Breakthrough Prize winners, and founded numerous world-changing companies, including Regeneron.