The scientists were nominated by Nobel Laureates and recently elected members of the National Academy of Sciences. A team of Science News writers, many with advanced training in the fields they cover, chose the final 10 for their potential to shape the science of the future.

“The SN 10 is our chance to introduce the people behind tomorrow’s headlines,” said Nancy Shute, editor in chief of Science News. “These scientists are asking bold questions, challenging the status quo and taking creative risks. They are already changing how we understand the world. We think people will be as inspired by their stories as we are.”

Starting today, Science News will be introducing these scientists.

Today, we invite you to meet , the Coralyn Whitney Curator of Gems and Minerals at the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History.

The 2026 SN 10 are:

• Isabel Angelo, SETI Institute
• Sebnem Ece Eksi, Oregon Health & Science University
• Gabriela Farfan, Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History
• Jennifer Grenz, University of British Columbia
• Stefano Martiniani, New York University
• Giulia Menichetti, Harvard Medical School
• Dor Minzer, MIT
• Víctor Ortega Jiménez, University of California, Berkeley
• Rebecca Pinals, Stanford University
• Yian Yin, Cornell University

“Behind every scientific breakthrough is someone with the curiosity to ask a question no one has answered before and the determination to find an answer,” said Maya Ajmera, President and CEO of ����ǿ�� and Executive Publisher of Science News. “The 2026 SN 10 are extraordinary scientists whose discoveries are expanding the boundaries of what we know and what is possible. We are proud to celebrate their achievements and introduce their remarkable work to the world.”

The full series will be available on November 20.

����ǿ�� Science News

Science News��has been covering the latest discoveries in science, technology and medicine since 1921, and is published by ����ǿ��. It offers readers award-winning news and features, commentary, multimedia and access to archives dating back to 1921. Concise, current and comprehensive, the magazine provides an approachable overview of all fields and applications of science and technology.

Science News Media Group also includes��Science News Explores, which makes science accessible for younger audiences, as well as Science News Learning, which brings��Science News lesson plans to classrooms across the country.

For more information about��Science News, please visit����or follow on������and��.

����ǿ��������ǿ����

����ǿ����is a champion for science, dedicated to promoting the understanding and appreciation of science and the vital role it plays in human advancement. Established in 1921,������ǿ����is best known for its award-winning journalism through��Science News��and��Science News Explores, its world-class science research competitions for students, including the Regeneron Science Talent Search, the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair and the Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge, and its ����ǿ�� outreach programming, which seeks to ensure that all students have an opportunity to pursue a career in ����ǿ��. A 501(c)(3) membership organization, STEM is committed to inform, educate and inspire. Learn more at����and follow us on , /X, and .

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September 29, 2026—Renowned science, medicine, and technology magazine and Pulitzer-winning public media organization today announced Talk to Me, a new series from the acclaimed podcast The Deep End about our brains and ourselves. Debuting Tuesday, October 6, will traverse the depths of voice and communication, and is hosted by award-winning neuroscience journalist Laura Sanders of Science News. Talk to Me investigates a deeply human question: Our voices help make us who we are. What happens when we lose them? The series will also explore some of the new questions raised by technology that can separate a voice from a body.

Jules Rodriguez was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS, several years ago. , he lost his ability to talk but now speaks with an AI-powered cloned voice. The Deep End: Talk to Me will bring listeners inside his story, from when the disease began eroding his ability to speak, to confronting the loss of one of the most important parts of himself, to new technology that stepped in and changed the course of his life. Along the way, listeners will hear from the scientists racing to help.

The six-part weekly series is free on-demand across all major podcast platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, NPR One, and Overcast. An audio trailer is available now.

“Our voices carry so much of who we are. Our humor, our emotions, our identities,” says Sanders. “Getting to know people who have lost their voices changed the way I think about my own. I hope their stories will change the way listeners think about theirs, too.”

The Deep End: Talk to Me will tell the stories of additional people who’ve also lost their voice, including Patrick, a musician who uses a voice clone to compose and perform music, and Casey, a climate activist who now speaks with an experimental implant that decodes his intended words.. While such advances in technology offer extraordinary new ways to connect, they also raise questions we’ve never asked before: Is a human body necessary to make a voice special?�� As technology gets better at speaking for us, where does that leave the messy, all-too-human act of talking to one another? How much of your voice is you?

The Deep End first launched in 2025 with a series on cutting-edge treatments for depression and was honored as a finalist for best podcast in the 2025 National Magazine Awards.

“We’re thrilled to continue our partnership with Science News, who masterfully bridge the frontier of science with the art of enlightening storytelling,” said Stephanie Kuo, VP of Audience and Content at PRX. “There’s never been a more important time to reconnect with what makes us human and the second season of The Deep End delivers exactly that.”

Press contact:

David Cotrone, PRX // david.cotrone@prx.org

����ǿ�� Science News

Science News is a nonprofit news organization that has been covering the latest discoveries in science, technology and medicine since 1921, and is published by the ����ǿ��. It offers readers award-winning news and features, commentary, multimedia and access to our deep archive. Concise, current and comprehensive, the magazine provides an approachable overview of all fields and applications of science and technology.

Science News Media Group also includes Science News Explores, which makes science accessible for younger audiences, as well as Science News Learning, which brings our journalism and lesson plans to almost 6,000 classrooms across the country.

����ǿ�� PRX

Celebrating more than 20 years as a nonprofit public media company, PRX works in partnership with leading independent creators, organizations, and stations to bring meaningful audio storytelling into millions of listeners’ lives. PRX is one of the world’s top podcast publishers, public radio distributors, and audio producers, serving as an engine of innovation for public media and podcasting to help shape a vibrant future for creative and journalistic audio. Shows across PRX’s portfolio of broadcast productions, podcast partners, and its Radiotopia podcast network have received recognition from the Peabody Awards, the Tribeca Festival, the International Documentary Association, the National Magazine Awards, and the Pulitzer Prizes. Visit for more.

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• Science News and the Association of Science and Technology Centers (ASTC) are launching a new partnership to connect ASTC member organizations with resources from Science News Explores, a science magazine for young people.
• ASTC members will have new ways to share Science News Explores with individual members, donors and groups.
• The partnership brings science journalism beyond the walls of science centers and museums, extending opportunities for learning and discovery throughout the year.

WASHINGTON, D.C. (Sept. 22, 2026) – Science News Media Group and the Association of Science and Technology Centers (ASTC) have launched a new partnership that will offer ASTC member organizations new ways to connect their communities with Science News Explores, the award-winning science publication for children 9 and up, their parents and educators, published by ����ǿ��.

ASTC is nonprofit network of more than 600 science and technology centers and museums, and allied organizations, engaging nearly 110 million people annually.

Through the partnership, ASTC member organizations can provide issues of Science News Explores to their members and donors, as well as student groups, classrooms, field trips, special events and other programs.

“Science News Explores sparks curiosity and helps young people experience science in fresh new ways. Each issue is full exciting stories reported by experiences journalists who keep the science accessible,” said Maya Ajmera, President & CEO of ����ǿ�� and Executive Publisher of Science News Media Group. “This partnership gives us an exciting opportunity to extend that experience through ASTC’s member organizations and into the communities they serve.”

The collaboration will connect the educational science journalism of Science News Explores with ASTC’s wide network of member organizations. Individual members can receive a Science News Explores subscription at a discounted rate, while organizations can incorporate subscriptions into their membership or donor benefits, or provide copies of the magazine to student groups or others coming through their institutions.

“Science centers and museums are so often the place where young people get their first opportunity for science learning – they are the places where everyone in a community is welcome to learn, grow, and stay curious,” said Christofer Nelson, President and CEO of ASTC. “This partnership provides even more ways for young people to connect with science.”

The partnership will also create avenues for ����ǿ�� and ASTC to collaborate on further educational and informational programming. Over the following year, the organizations will work together to expand outreach to best meet the needs and interests of ASTC members and their communities.

����ǿ�� ����ǿ��

STEM is a champion for science, dedicated to promoting the understanding and appreciation of science and the vital role it plays in human advancement. Established in 1921, STEM is best known for its award-winning journalism through Science News and Science News Explores, its world-class science research competitions for students, including the Regeneron Science Talent Search, the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair and the Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge, and its ����ǿ�� Outreach programming that seeks to ensure that all students have an opportunity to pursue a career in ����ǿ��. A 501(c)(3) membership organization, STEM is committed to inform, educate and inspire. Learn more at www.societyforscience.org and follow us on , , , and .

����ǿ�� Science News Explores

Science News Explores is an award-winning publication dedicated to bringing age-appropriate, topical science news to learners, parents and educators. Written by experienced science journalists — many with advanced science degrees — for curious-minded young readers. In addition to its free daily website, Science News Explores has published a subscription-based print magazine ten times a year since it launched in 2022, featuring in-depth stories, photos and hands-on experiments.

Alongside Science News, which has been covering the latest discoveries in science, technology and medicine since 1921, Science News Explores is part of the Science News Media Group and published by ����ǿ��. To learn more, visit .

����ǿ�� the Association of Science and Technology Centers

Founded in 1973, the��Association of Science and Technology Centers��(ASTC) is a network of more than 600 science and technology centers and museums, and allied organizations, engaging nearly 110 million people annually across North America and in more than 35 countries. With its members and partners, ASTC works towards a vision of increased understanding of and engagement with science and technology among all people to enhance lives and livelihoods, strengthen communities, and sustain the planet.

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Key Takeaways:

• ����ǿ�� named the 30 finalists in the 2026 Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge (Thermo Fisher JIC), the nation’s premier middle school ����ǿ�� research competition.
• The finalists were selected from the Top 300 Junior Innovators, announced Sept. 2.
• Finalists represent 17 U.S. states and Puerto Rico
• Environmental & Earth Sciences is the most prevalent project category.
• Finalists will advance to Thermo Fisher JIC Finals Week (Oct. 23–28) in Washington, D.C. where they will compete for more than $100,000 in awards, including the $25,000 Thermo Fisher Scientific ASCEND (Aspiring Scientists Cultivating Exciting New Discoveries) Award.

WASHINGTON, D.C. (Sept. 16, 2026) – ����ǿ�� today announced the 30 finalists in the Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge (Thermo Fisher JIC), the nation’s premier middle school science, technology, engineering and mathematics (����ǿ��) competition. A nationwide cohort of scientists, engineers and educators selected the 30 finalists from this year’s Top 300 Junior Innovators, announced earlier this month. The finalists will participate in Thermo Fisher JIC Finals Week (Oct. 23–28) in Washington, D.C. An esteemed panel of judges will evaluate their scientific research along with their communication, creativity and collaboration skills during team challenges.

The Thermo Fisher JIC, a program of ����ǿ��, aims to inspire young scientists, engineers and innovators who will solve the grand challenges of the future. This year’s finalists are investigating questions across a variety of project areas, from how sea urchins affect kelp forest recovery and whether hydrogels could help reduce wildfire risk, to the effectiveness of an alternative treatment for traumatic brain injury and how the specificity of language can shape controversy on social media. That same problem-solving mindset shaped past winning projects, including a novel thermal-sensing fire detection system and a water filter made from waste materials and household items.

“Every year, our Thermo Fisher JIC finalists remind us of what’s possible when curiosity meets courage — even in middle school. This year’s Top 30 are already using science to tackle problems that matter to their communities and the world,” said Maya Ajmera, President and CEO, ����ǿ�� and Executive Publisher, Science News. “I’m proud to welcome these 30 remarkable young scientists and engineers to Washington, D.C., this October.”

Thermo Fisher’s sponsorship of the Junior Innovators Challenge reflects its longstanding commitment to broadening access to ����ǿ�� education. For decades, the company has invested in school-based and community ����ǿ�� programs, and colleagues across the company volunteer thousands of hours each year to support education initiatives around the world.

“Reaching the Top 30 is an extraordinary achievement and a testament to the creativity and determination these students bring to science,” said Karen Nelson, Chief Scientific Officer, Thermo Fisher Scientific. “We hope they walk away from Finals Week more confident in their own ideas, inspired by their peers and motivated to examine the challenges they encounter in their daily lives through the lens of science.”

Thermo Fisher JIC finalist fast facts:

• They represent 17 states, led by California, and Puerto Rico.
• The most prevalent project category is Environmental & Earth Sciences, followed by Chemistry, Energy & Sustainability, Engineering and Microbiology.
• Nearly two thirds of the finalists attend public school.

A full list of the finalists can be viewed here: /jic/2026-finalists/

Thermo Fisher JIC reaches 60,000 students annually through the Society’s Affiliated Fair Network. Students in the top 10% of their local affiliated science fair are eligible to enter the Thermo Fisher JIC, the only national middle school ����ǿ�� competition that leverages Society-affiliated science fairs as a critical component of the ����ǿ�� talent pipeline. To find your local science fair, visit https://findafair.societyforscience.org/.

All finalists receive a $500 cash award and will participate in Thermo Fisher JIC Finals Week in Washington, D.C.; where they will compete for the following awards:

• $25,000 Thermo Fisher Scientific ASCEND (Aspiring Scientists Cultivating Exciting New Discoveries) Award, presented to the student who demonstrates mastery of all ����ǿ�� fields and exemplifies how research, innovation and teamwork come together to impact our everyday lives.
• $10,000 Broadcom Coding with Commitment® Award, presented to a finalist whose project and performance combine expert ����ǿ�� knowledge and passion for helping or improving one’s community through computation/coding.
• $10,000 Citadel | Citadel Securities Innovation Award, presented to a finalist for utilizing data-driven decision making to create innovative solutions to problems.
• $10,000 DoW ����ǿ�� Talent Award, presented to a finalist who demonstrates excellence in science, technology, engineering or math, along with the leadership and technical skills necessary to excel in the 21^st-century ����ǿ�� workforce.
• $10,000 The Lemelson Foundation Award for Invention, awarded to a young inventor creating promising solutions to real-world problems.
• First Place and Second Place Awards issued in each category of ����ǿ�� ($3,500 and $2,500, respectively).
• Team Award, which recognizes each member of the team that best demonstrates an ability to work together and solve problems through shared decision making, communication and scientific and engineering collaboration, with a $200 gift card to a science supply company.

Thermo Fisher JIC recognizes finalists’ schools with $1,000 each to use toward ����ǿ�� activities.

����ǿ�� ����ǿ��

STEM is a champion for science, dedicated to promoting the understanding and appreciation of science and the vital role it plays in human advancement. Established in 1921, STEM is best known for its award-winning journalism through Science News and Science News Explores, its world-class science research competitions for students, including the Regeneron Science Talent Search, the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair and the Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge and its ����ǿ�� Outreach programming that seeks to ensure that all students have an opportunity to pursue a career in ����ǿ��. A 501(c)(3) membership organization, STEM is committed to inform, educate and inspire. Learn more at www.societyforscience.org and follow us on Facebook, X, Instagram and LinkedIn.

The post Thirty Inspiring Middle School Scientists and Engineers Named Finalists in the 2026 Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge appeared first on ����ǿ��.

Key Takeaways:

• ����ǿ�� named the Top 300 Junior Innovators in the 2026 Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge (Thermo Fisher JIC), the nation’s premier middle school ����ǿ�� research competition.
• The Top 300 were chosen from a competitive pool of nearly 2,000 applicants and represent the best and brightest middle school ����ǿ�� talent in the U.S. and its territories.
• The Thermo Fisher JIC reaches 60,000 students annually through the Society’s Affiliated Fair network; students qualify by placing in the top 10 percent of their local science fair.
• The Top 30 Thermo Fisher JIC finalists will be announced on Sept. 16 and will compete for more than $100,000 in awards, including the $25,000 Thermo Fisher Scientific ASCEND (Aspiring Scientists Cultivating Exciting New Discoveries) Award.

WASHINGTON, D.C., September 2, 2026 – STEM is proud to announce the Top 300 Junior Innovators in the 2026 Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge (Thermo Fisher JIC)—the nation’s premier science, technology, engineering and math (����ǿ��) competition for middle school students. Chosen from a competitive pool of nearly 2,000 applicants, the Top 300 represent the best and brightest middle school ����ǿ�� talent in the U.S. and its territories.

The Top 300 Junior Innovators are addressing challenges, including designing a solar-powered air purifier, identifying the best materials to generate electric power from friction, using machine learning to predict asthma risk and using artificial intelligence to improve aviation safety.

“I am incredibly proud of this year’s Top 300 Junior Innovators. Their curiosity, creativity and determination to tackle some of our most pressing challenges—from clean water to chronic disease—show what’s possible when young people are empowered to pursue their ideas. They remind us why investing in the next generation of scientists and engineers is so important, and I can’t wait to see where their research and ingenuity take them next,” said Maya Ajmera, President and CEO of ����ǿ�� and Executive Publisher of Science News.

The Thermo Fisher JIC, a program of ����ǿ��, is the nation’s premier ����ǿ�� competition for middle school students, inspiring young scientists, engineers and innovators to solve the grand challenges of the future. Thermo Fisher’s sponsorship of the competition reflects its longstanding commitment to broadening access to ����ǿ�� education. For decades, the company has invested in school-based and community ����ǿ�� programs, and colleagues across the company volunteer thousands of hours each year to support education initiatives around the world.

2026 Top 300 Junior Innovators Fast Facts:

• They represent 34 states, Puerto Rico and Guam.
• The states with the most Junior Innovators are California, Texas and Florida.
• The Top 300 projects cover 15 categories, from animal science to robotics. Top project categories are engineering, earth & environmental sciences and medicine & health sciences.
• Combined, they speak 34 languages.
• 64 percent of them attend public school.
• Research project topics include building earthquake-proof bridges, understanding Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, improving bicycle safety and removing microplastics from water.

The students’ names and a state-by-state breakdown of the Top 300 can be found here.

“Every year, these students remind us that meaningful science starts with caring deeply about a problem and having the curiosity to ask whether there is a better way,” said Karen Nelson, Chief Scientific Officer, Thermo Fisher Scientific. “This year’s Top 300 are taking on challenges that will shape our future by questioning assumptions and testing new ideas. Their passion and bold thinking make us optimistic about the impact this next generation of innovators will have on the world.”

The Top 300 Junior Innovators were selected from nearly 2,000 applicants across 47 states and five territories. Students who place in the top 10% of their local science fair are eligible to enter the Thermo Fisher JIC, the only middle school ����ǿ�� competition that leverages Society-affiliated science fairs as a critical component of the ����ǿ�� talent pipeline. The Thermo Fisher JIC reaches 60,000 students annually through the Society’s Affiliated Fair network.

On Sept. 16, ����ǿ�� will announce the Top 30 Thermo Fisher JIC finalists, selected from among the Top 300 by a nationwide panel of scientists, engineers and educators. The finalists will compete for the $25,000 Thermo Fisher Scientific ASCEND Award; $10,000 Broadcom Coding with Commitment® Award; $10,000 Citadel | Citadel Securities Innovation Award; $10,000 DoW ����ǿ�� Talent Award and $10,000 The Lemelson Foundation Award for Invention.

Each of the Top 300 Junior Innovators will receive a $125 award from DoW ����ǿ��. With this prize, the Department of War is working to develop a ����ǿ�� talent pool ready to serve our Nation and evolve the DoW’s competitive edge. Additionally, the Top 300 will receive a prize package and gifts from our partners.

What is ����ǿ��?

STEM is a champion for science, dedicated to promoting the understanding and appreciation of science and the vital role it plays in human advancement. Established in 1921, STEM is best known for its award-winning journalism through Science News and Science News Explores, its world-class science research competitions for students, including the Regeneron Science Talent Search, the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair and the Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge, and its ����ǿ�� Outreach programming that seeks to ensure that all students have an opportunity to pursue a career in ����ǿ��. A 501(c)(3) membership organization, STEM is committed to inform, educate and inspire. Learn more at www.societyforscience.org and follow us on , , , and .

The post ����ǿ�� Announces Top 300 for the 2026 Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge appeared first on ����ǿ��.

• ����ǿ�� selected 100 educators for the 2026–2027 Advocate Program.
• In total, the Advocates will receive $326,000 to support expanding student access to pursing science research and participating in science competitions.
• The 2026-27 cohort includes 13 Lead Advocates who will mentor 87 Advocates, creating a nationwide network of educator leaders.
• Participants receive year-round professional development, mentorship and leadership training.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – ����ǿ�� (the Society), a nationally recognized leader in ����ǿ�� education, today announced the selection of 100 outstanding educators for its 2026–2027 Advocate Program. Through professional development, stipends and year-round support, the program empowers educators to help students pursue original research opportunities and participate in science competitions, helping them build confidence, strengthen critical thinking skills and discover new pathways into science and engineering.

This year, the Society is awarding a total of $326,000, with 13 Lead Advocates receiving $5,000 each and 87 Advocates receiving $3,000 each. Throughout the year, the Lead Advocates will mentor fellow educators in region-specific, peer-led cohorts, supporting the 66 new Advocates and 21 returning Advocates. Together, they form a nationwide network of teacher leaders committed to expanding ����ǿ�� opportunities for students.

“The most powerful way to expand opportunity for young people is to invest in the educators who recognize their potential and help turn their curiosity into discovery,” said Maya Ajmera, President and CEO of ����ǿ�� and Executive Publisher of Science News. “Congratulations to our 2026–2027 Advocates. Together, they will strengthen ����ǿ�� education, share innovative approaches and open doors for more students to see themselves—and thrive—as the scientists, engineers and innovators of tomorrow.”

The Advocate Program recognizes the essential role educators play in helping students move from pursuing independent research to sharing their work in competitions, including the Regeneron Science Talent Search, the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair and the Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge. Advocates guide students through the process, helping them identify appropriate competitions, navigate application requirements, meet important deadlines and communicate their research effectively. Along the way, students strengthen their scientific reasoning, communication and problem-solving skills while gaining valuable experience that can open doors to future educational and career opportunities inside and outside the ����ǿ�� pipeline.

Since its launch, the Advocate Program has supported 439 educators. Together, these educators have supported more than 9,100 students, including more than 6,700 who have submitted over 12,000 entries to ����ǿ�� competitions. Many students participate in multiple competitions, reflecting the sustained engagement and growing impact of the Advocate Program.

This year’s cohort brings together educators from public, charter and private schools, and one university. They bring diverse perspectives and expertise from classrooms, museums, after-school programs and community organizations, enriching the Advocate Program cohort with a wide range of experiences and approaches. Over the coming year, they will build lasting professional relationships, exchange innovative ideas and integrate new strategies to inspire and support the students they serve.

Earlier this summer, the new cohort gathered in Washington, D.C., for the Society’s annual Advocate Training Institute, an immersive professional development experience designed to prepare educators for the year ahead. Through hands-on workshops and interactive sessions, participants explored topics ranging from accessible astronomy research using NASA archival data to building community partnerships that expand research opportunities for students exploring ways to connect students with competitions such as the Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge. The institute also gave educators practical strategies, resources and inspiration they can bring back to their schools and communities throughout the year.

The 2026–2027 Advocate Program is made possible through the generous support of the Arconic Foundation, DoW ����ǿ�� through the Defense ����ǿ�� Education Consortium (DSEC), and Regeneron.

2026–2027 Lead Advocates

1. Ronald Brillantes, Porcupine School (Porcupine, South Dakota)
2. Shaneka Bullins, Palmdale High School (Palmdale, California)
3. Brittany Devlin, Southeast High School (Bradenton, Florida)
4. Emily Dawson, Elise Ford Allen Academy (Peoria, Illinois)
5. Harry Dittrich, Pathway School of Discovery (Dayton, Ohio)
6. Chance Duncan, University of the Ozarks (Clarksville, Arkansas)
7. Steven Gaskill, Knudson Academy of the Arts (Las Vegas, Nevada)
8. Lori Grabarkewitz, Robert J. Elkington Middle School (Grand Rapids, Minnesota)
9. Oktay Ince, Horizon Science Academy Columbus High School (Columbus, Ohio)
10. Olivia Kuper, North Greene High School (Greeneville, Tennessee)
11. Sam Northey, Saint Paul Online High School (St. Paul, Minnesota)
12. Stephen Nye, Julia Landon College Preparatory and Leadership Development Academy (Jacksonville, Florida)
13. Nate Raynor, Mescalero Apache School (Mescalero, New Mexico)

2026–2027 Advocates

1. Romel Agno, Tombstone High School (Tombstone, Arizona)
2. Bessie Alexander, R.K. Smith Middle School�� (Luling, Louisiana)
3. Christy Arrowood, Burke County Public Schools (Morganton, North Carolina)
4. Mehmet Ates, Lotus School for Excellence (Aurora, Colorado)
5. Amy Ay, Syracuse Academy of Science Charter School (Syracuse, New York) has
6. Michaella Banate, Desert Wind Middle School (Maricopa, Arizona)
7. Marlenne Barajas, Pacific High School (San Bernardino, California)
8. Priscilla Barton, Emerald High School (Dublin, California)
9. Caitlin Bonham, Mosaic School of Fine Arts (Chicago, Illinois)
10. Alicia Castro, Harmony School of Innovation–Waco (Beverly Hills, Texas)
11. Mabrooka Chaudhry, Atholton High School (Columbia, Maryland)
12. Jalavender Clowney, Saluda Trail STEAM Middle School (Rock Hill, South Carolina)
13. Kathleen Cluchey, Young Women’s Leadership Academy (Fort Worth, Texas)
14. Chenein Compton, Oxford High School (Oxford, Alabama)
15. Chuhyon Corwin, High School for Health Professions & Human Services (New York, New York)
16. Jocelyn Coughlin, Worcester Technical High School (Worcester, Massachusetts)
17. Keishla Crespo, Colegio Puertorriqueño de Niñas (Guaynabo, Puerto Rico)
18. Jennievive De La Cruz, Vista Grande High School (Casa Grande, Arizona)
19. Andrew DeCoteau, Rock Creek Grant School (Bullhead, South Dakota)
20. Sandra Di Liegghio, LaBelle Middle School (LaBelle, Florida)
21. Susan Dodge, McCaskey High School (Lancaster, Pennsylvania)
22. Kurt Dragomanovich, John F. Kennedy Middle School (Fresno, California)
23. Avian English, Mackenzie Elementary-Middle School (Detroit, Michigan)
24. Tracy Espinosa, Santiago High School (Corona, California)
25. Meaghan Ferris, Meadow Park Middle School (Beaverton, Oregon)
26. Kimberly Fleming, White Plains High School (White Plains, New York)
27. Davine Floy, University High School (Newark, New Jersey)
28. Jesus Garza, Jose Borrego Middle School (Monte Alto, Texas)
29. Kelley Gaske, King George High School (King George, Virginia)
30. Lamberto Geolin Jr., Ramah Middle/High School (Ramah, New Mexico)
31. Sarmistha Ghosh, Hawthorne Academy of Health Sciences (Charlotte, North Carolina)
32. Enis Gokgoz, Gateway Science Academy Middle School (St. Louis, Missouri)
33. Manal Hajoul, Covenant School – Central (Detroit, Michigan)
34. JennaMarie Harris, Mountain Green Middle School (Morgan, Utah)
35. Kristi Hibbert, Big Piney Middle School (Big Piney, Wyoming)
36. Rania Ibrahim, Dana Middle School (Arcadia, California)
37. Elizabeth Jones, Lake Norman Charter Middle (Huntersville, North Carolina)
38. Essie Jones, Alexandria City High School (Alexandria, Virginia)
39. Shaundrie Jones, John L. LeFlore High School (Mobile, Alabama)
40. Malaika Jordan, Midtown High School (Atlanta, Georgia)
41. Abraham Kamara, Tulsa Public Schools (Tulsa, Oklahoma)
42. Mirasol Laberinto, Grants High School (Grants, New Mexico)
43. Kris Larsh, McLish Middle School (Stonewall, Oklahoma)
44. Kevin Lavigne, Hanover High School (Hanover, New Hampshire)
45. Karla Lomax, DeKalb Alternative School/Program (Stone Mountain, Georgia)
46. Justice Mason, Little Rock Southwest High (Little Rock, Arkansas)
47. Meredith Marlier, Shawnee Mission West High School (Overland Park, Kansas)
48. Stephanie McGrew, A.T. Still University of Health Sciences (Kirksville, Missouri)
49. Isabel Mendiola, Milwaukee Academy of Science ( Milwaukee, Wisconsin)
50. Jessica Mendoza, William G. Jehue Middle School (Rialto, California)
51. Christian Mercado, Baldwin School of Puerto Rico (Guaynabo, Puerto Rico)
52. Josephine Mesina, International High School at Largo (Upper Marlboro, Maryland)
53. Lillian Meyers, Hamilton Middle School (Denver, Colorado)
54. Brandy Mickelson, Wind River Middle School (Pavillion, Wyoming)
55. Bridget Eloe Ngalame Etone, Northwestern High School (Hyattsville, Maryland)
56. Charles Muchiri Njoki, Summit Heights Junior High School (Commerce City, Colorado)
57. Brandi Norman, Huntley Project Schools (Huntley, Montana)
58. Desiree Nwadinobi, Cypress Park High School (Cypress, Texas)
59. Kristin O’Connor Barkus, Lawrence West Middle School and Free State High School (Lawrence, Kansas)
60. Wayne Oelfke, Ft. White High School (Fort White, Florida)
61. Luigi Papasidero, Huntington High School (Huntington, New York)
62. Mildred Pates, Eleanor Roosevelt High School (Greenbelt, Maryland)
63. Deepa Pendalwar, Duluth Middle School (Duluth, Georgia)
64. Tyrikia Porter, Magnolia Middle School (Meridian, Mississippi)
65. Andrea Prewitt, Global Impact Academy ����ǿ�� Magnet High School (Fairburn, Georgia)
66. Liliana Ramos, Ronald Reagan/Doral SHS (Doral, Florida)
67. Eric Robinson, Herbert Hoover High School (Glendale, California)
68. Delois Scott, Cross Creek High School (Augusta, Georgia)
69. Carol Stefany Rodriguez Jimenez, Discovery Polytech Early College High School (Springfield, Massachusetts)
70. Jonathan Sailer, Schroeder Middle School (Grand Forks, North Dakota)
71. Eman Sarhan, Amundsen High School (Chicago, Illinois)
72. Alyson Saunders, Dexter Regional High School (Dexter, Maine)
73. Adrienne Shilling, Idaho Virtual Academy (Meridian, Idaho)
74. Jennifer Stover, Lufkin High School ����ǿ�� Academy (Lufkin, Texas)
75. Nellie Sapioamoa Sonny Stowers, Manulele Tausala Elementary School (Pago Pago, American Samoa)
76. Shonda Sylvester, DeKalb Alternative School (Stone Mountain, Georgia)
77. Claire Diane Tabanas-Morales, Desert Sunrise High School (Maricopa, Arizona)
78. Karen Tucker, Millville Public Charter School (Millville, New Jersey)
79. Omar Varela, William D. Slider Middle School (El Paso, Texas)
80. Michael Vinluan, Chinook High School (Chinook, Montana)
81. Tara Walker, Chamberlain Middle School (Washington, District of Columbia)
82. Mariah Warren, Academy for Science and Foreign Languages Middle School (Huntsville, Alabama)
83. Marla Watts, Lake Forest Charter School (New Orleans, Louisiana)
84. David White, Kingsview Middle School (Germantown, Maryland)
85. Lindsey Wilson, Bennington Public Schools (Bennington, Nebraska)
86. James Winkler, Clare High School (Clare, Michigan)
87. Corinne Zimmerman, Homewood-Flossmoor High School (Flossmoor, Illinois)

Learn more about the Advocates here.

Media Contact:

Aparna K. Paul (she/her)
Director of Communications
����ǿ��
apaul@societyforscience.org
781-375-8353

����ǿ�� ����ǿ��

STEM is a champion for science, dedicated to promoting the understanding and appreciation of science and the vital role it plays in human advancement. Established in 1921, STEM is best known for its award-winning journalism through Science News and Science News Explores, its world-class science research competitions for students, including the Regeneron Science Talent Search, the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair and the Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge, and its outreach programming that seeks to ensure that all students have an opportunity to pursue a career in ����ǿ��. A 501(c)(3) membership organization, STEM is committed to inform, educate and inspire. Learn more at new.societyforscience.org and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Snapchat (Society4Science).

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Through the ����ǿ�� Action Grants program, the Society supports innovative mission-driven nonprofit organizations working to enhance scientific understanding by creating opportunities for their communities to engage in science, technology, engineering and math. The Society received 383 applications this year, an 83% increase over the previous year and the highest volume in the past five years, with funding requests totaling nearly $1.9 million. The record number of applications underscores both the growing demand for ����ǿ�� opportunities and the important role nonprofit organizations play in expanding access to science and their need for support.

This year’s grantees illustrate the extraordinary breadth of grassroots ����ǿ�� education in America. Across the country, people are exploring ancient fossils beneath the Great Plains, monitoring local watersheds and ecosystems, building robots and drones, discovering aviation, creating with artificial intelligence, and learning that science is not confined to laboratories, but is woven into the places where they live, learn and play.

“Congratulations to all of this year’s ����ǿ�� Action Grantees. These innovative community-based ����ǿ�� organizations are expanding access to science in remarkable ways and demonstrating that curiosity can flourish in every community,” said Maya Ajmera, President and CEO of ����ǿ�� and Executive Publisher of Science News. “From rural towns to major cities, they are creating opportunities for people to explore science, solve problems and strengthen their communities. We are proud to support their work and the lasting impact they have across the nation.”

Fifty-six organizations have received grants ranging from $3,000 to $5,000 each, while five nonprofits have received $10,000 capacity-building grants to strengthen their organizational infrastructure. These investments will support curriculum development, facilitator training, volunteer coordination and organizational systems, allowing successful programs to grow and reach even more learners. Together, this year’s funding reflects the Society’s commitment to supporting organizations at every stage of growth, from first-time grantees launching innovative programs to returning organizations expanding proven initiatives and capacity-building grantees strengthening their long-term sustainability.

Below are three organizations that illustrate the breadth of this year’s cohort organizations that range from emerging to established:

Investing in new ideas

(Boston, Massachusetts)

The Pathway Initiative, a new grantee this year, received a $4,000 grant. The organization has created a distinct, long-term ����ǿ�� talent pipeline that supports aspiring physicians and scientists from middle school and high school through college, medical school, graduate training and residency. Designed as a cross-generational community, participants receive year-round mentoring, academic support, leadership development and career guidance before returning to mentor future cohorts, creating a lasting cycle of opportunity. With support from its first ����ǿ�� Action Grant, approximately 50 students will benefit directly, alongside 15 mentors and advisors.

Growing proven programs

(Cleveland, Ohio)

The Society continues to invest in organizations that have demonstrated meaningful impact over time. This year, 65% (35 of 54) of organizations funded in 2025 and eligible to reapply sought renewal funding, underscoring the importance of sustained support for programs that continue to inspire curiosity and expand opportunity in their communities.

Rise Up: Northeast Ohio is a renewal grantee and received a $5,000 grant. Rise Up connects public high school students with more than 100 biomedical scientists who volunteer year-round to guide them through every stage of authentic scientific research, from developing research questions and writing grant proposals to conducting experiments, analyzing data and publishing their findings in the Journal of Young Scientists. Until 2023, Rise Up operated entirely through volunteers and self-funding. Continued support from the Society helps sustain the organizational capacity needed to coordinate more than 100 scientist mentors and deliver immersive, year-round research experiences for students.

Building stronger organizations

(Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania)

One of five capacity-building grantees this year, SciAccess received a $10,000 grant. The organization is transforming accessibility across ����ǿ�� through education, mentorship, community building and research, creating opportunities for a new generation of innovators and scientific leaders with disabilities. From immersive astronomy mentorship for blind and low-vision students to advancing accessibility in space research and consulting with NASA and commercial space companies on spacecraft design, SciAccess is helping create a more inclusive future for science. This capacity-building grant will strengthen the staff, volunteer network and community partnerships needed to expand the organization’s long-term impact and create more opportunities for people with disabilities to learn, lead and thrive in ����ǿ��.

2026 ����ǿ�� Action Grant Recipients

The following organizations received ����ǿ�� Action Grants this year. Organizations are listed alphabetically within each funding category.

New Grantees (26)

• ACCESS Educational Services (Bridgeport, Connecticut)
• Asombro Institute for Science Education (Las Cruces, New Mexico)
• Crafting Tomorrow (Wellesley, Massachusetts)
• Engineer Early Association (Dover, Delaware)
• Friends of NDGS Paleo (Mandan, North Dakota)
• Gearing Towards Engineering Foundation (Wickatunk, New Jersey)
• Growing the ����ǿ�� (Coeur d’Alene, Idaho)
• HYPOTHEkids (New York, New York)
• Magic of Science (Chapel Hill, North Carolina)
• Oraculi (Rochester, Minnesota)
• Reading Science Center (Reading, Pennsylvania)
• Reinvented Inc. (Rockledge, Florida)
• Rethink Learning (Fall River, Massachusetts)
• Science Camps of America (Kaneohe, Hawaii)
• Selkirk Conservation Alliance (Priest River, Idaho)
• Society of Military Spouses in ����ǿ�� (Woodbridge, Virginia)
• ����ǿ�� Bridge Foundation (Bellevue, Washington)
• ����ǿ�� Is Us 2.0 (Youngstown, Ohio)
• Success 1st (Mantua, New Jersey)
• Sun City ����ǿ�� (El Paso, Texas)
• Sweet Grass Technical Institute (Big Timber, Montana)
• Takshanuk Watershed Council (Haines, Alaska)
• The Good Foodie (Washington, District of Columbia)
• The Green Gift (Huntsville, Alabama)
• The Pathway Initiative (Boston, Massachusetts)
• Yavapai Exploration and Science of Prescott (Prescott, Arizona)

Renewal Grantees (30)

• Algalita Marine Research and Education (Long Beach, California)
• Ciencia Puerto Rico (San Juan, Puerto Rico)
• Close the Gap Foundation (Mountain View, California)
• Directed Initiatives for Youth (Excite All Stars) (New Orleans, Louisiana)
• EARTHGANG Foundation (Atlanta, Georgia)
• Equity Research Group, Inc. (Dunwoody, Georgia)
• Forgotten Heroes Foundation (Chesapeake, Virginia)
• Friends of Ballona Wetlands (Playa del Rey, California)
• Impact NW (Portland, Oregon)
• Math Circles of Chicago (Chicago, Illinois)
• Math N More Foundation, Inc. (Atlanta, Georgia)
• Mid-Atlantic Gigabit Innovation Collaboratory (MAGIC) (Westminster, Maryland)
• Nature Nexus Institute (Culver City, California)
• Oceanographic Teaching Stations, Inc. (Manhattan Beach, California)
• PS Science (Inglewood, California)
• Rise Up: Northeast Ohio (Cleveland, Ohio)
• SFA Foundation, Inc. (Beltsville, Maryland)
• Shared Science (Long Beach, California)
• ����ǿ�� for Flathead Valley Schools (Kalispell, Montana)
• ����ǿ�� on Wheels (St. Louis, Missouri)
• ����ǿ�� SQUAD (Harvest, Alabama)
• TechArts Empowerment Foundation, Inc. (El Segundo, California)
• The Princess Program ����ǿ�� (Upland, California)
• The Story Collider (New York, New York)
• Thinkatorium (Arlington, Texas)
• Virtual Science Teachers (Chesapeake, Virginia)
• WonderLab Museum of Science, Health & Technology (Bloomington, Indiana)
• Youth Inspiration Nation Inc. (La Puente, California)
• Youth Science Center (Hacienda Heights, California)
• Youth Technology Corps (Chicago, Illinois)

Capacity-Building Grantees (5)

• Detroit Educational Takeover (Lathrup Village, Michigan)
• Mississippi Delta Nature and Learning Center (Greenville, Mississippi)
• SciAccess (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania)
• Scientiae (Tallahassee, Florida)
• SoundBio Lab (Seattle, Washington)

Since its launch in 2016, the ����ǿ�� Action Grants program has awarded more than $1.7 million to 193 organizations across the United States and Puerto Rico. Learn more about the 61 organizations receiving support through the 2026 ����ǿ�� Action Grants program here. This year’s funding is made possible through generous support from Simons Foundation International (with administrative support from the Simons Foundation’s Science, Society & Culture division), and The Eli and Edythe Broad Foundation.

For further information, please contact:

Aparna K. Paul (she/her)
Director of Communications
����ǿ��
apaul@societyforscience.org | 781-375-8353

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The new members are:

Craig R. Barrett

Retired CEO and Chairman of Intel Corporation

David C. Hodgson

Vice Chairman of General Atlantic

Ronald D. Vale

Professor, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT);
Investigator, Howard Hughes Medical Institute

“We are excited and honored to welcome Craig, Dave and Ron to the Society’s Honorary Board,” said Maya Ajmera, President & CEO of ����ǿ�� and Executive Publisher of Science News. “They are exceptional leaders and fierce champions of science, and each brings a rare combination of vision, expertise and commitment to our mission.”

“Science advances when exceptional individuals come together around a shared purpose. Craig, Dave and Ron each represent commitment to young people, the communication of science to the general public, and the values of the Society at the highest level,” said Thomas Rosenbaum, Chairman of the ����ǿ�� Board of Trustees and President of Caltech. “Their careers span discovery, institution-building, and education. We are proud to welcome them to the Honorary. Board.”

����ǿ�� ����ǿ��

STEM is a champion for science, dedicated to promoting the understanding and appreciation of science and the vital role it plays in human advancement. Established in 1921, STEM is best known for its award-winning journalism through Science News and Science News Explores, its world-class science research competitions for students, including the Regeneron Science Talent Search, the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair and the Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge, and its outreach programming that seeks to ensure that all students have an opportunity to pursue a career in ����ǿ��. A 501(c)(3) membership organization, STEM is committed to inform, educate and inspire. Learn more at  and follow us on , ,  and Snapchat (Society4Science).

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Key Takeaways:

• Thermo Fisher Scientific will extend its title sponsorship of the Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge (Thermo Fisher JIC), a program of Science for Science, through 2030.
• The Thermo Fisher JIC provides young scientists and engineers the opportunity to showcase their ����ǿ�� research, compete at a national level and connect with a community of like-minded peers.

WASHINGTON, D.C., ����ǿ�� (the Society) today announced that global life sciences leader Thermo Fisher Scientific has renewed its title sponsorship of the Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge through 2030. The renewed sponsorship ensures that the program continues to inspire innovation and nurture talent among middle school students nationwide.

“We are proud to continue our partnership with Thermo Fisher Scientific,” said Maya Ajmera, President and CEO of ����ǿ�� and Executive Publisher of Science News. “Their support enables us to reach young scientists at a critical moment in their development — the middle school years, when curiosity is high, foundational ����ǿ�� skills are taking shape and students are forming their identities. Together, we are delivering a real and lasting impact for the next generation of innovators.”

Thermo Fisher’s sponsorship of the Thermo Fisher JIC reflects its longstanding commitment to broadening access to ����ǿ�� education. For decades, the company has invested in school- and community-based ����ǿ�� programs, and employees across the company volunteer thousands of hours each year to support education initiatives around the world.

“Access to hands-on ����ǿ�� learning experiences like the Thermo Fisher JIC can change how students see the world and their ability to improve it,” said Meron Mathias, Vice President, Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainability, Thermo Fisher Scientific. “Through our continued partnership with ����ǿ��, we can help more students of all backgrounds build critical skills, connect with peers and mentors and recognize the potential of their ideas to shape a healthier, cleaner and safer world.”

Each year, nearly 300 middle school science fairs across the country affiliate with the Society’s science fair network and nominate students to compete in the Thermo Fisher JIC. Sixth, seventh and eighth grade students who place in the top 10% of their science fairs are eligible. Finalists go on to showcase their projects in Washington, D.C., compete in team challenges, visit historical sites and vie for more than $100,000 in awards, including the $25,000 Thermo Fisher Scientific ASCEND (Aspiring Scientists Cultivating Exciting New Discoveries) Award.

This enduring partnership between ����ǿ�� and Thermo Fisher demonstrates their shared vision of empowering young minds to push the boundaries of scientific discovery.

To find out whether your local science fair is affiliated with the ����ǿ��, or to find an affiliated fair in your area, visit .

What is ����ǿ��?
STEM is a champion for science, dedicated to promoting the understanding and appreciation of science and the vital role it plays in human advancement. Established in 1921, STEM is best known for its award-winning journalism through Science News and Science News Explores, its world-class science research competitions for students, including the Regeneron Science Talent Search, the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair, and the Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge, and its ����ǿ�� Outreach programming that seeks to ensure that all students have an opportunity to pursue a career in ����ǿ��. A 501(c)(3) membership organization, STEM is committed to inform, educate and inspire. Learn more at www.societyforscience.org and follow us on , , , and .

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TARRYTOWN, N.Y. and WASHINGTON, D.C. (May 15, 2026) – Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ: REGN) and ����ǿ�� (the Society) announced that , 17, of Sapporo, Japan won the $100,000 George D. Yancopoulos Innovator Award at the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair 2026 (Regeneron ISEF), the world’s largest precollege science and engineering competition.

For more information about the top winners and access to visual assets visit our media kit here.

Key Takeaways:

• This year’s finalists received more than��$7 million in awards based on their projects’ creativity, innovation, and depth of scientific inquiry.
• The top winners were honored at the Phoenix Convention Center in Phoenix, Arizona during two award ceremonies: the Special Awards Ceremony on May 14, and the Grand Awards Ceremony on May 15.
• Top prizes ranged from $10,000 to $100,000 and were awarded to support students’ education and continued research, investing in the next generation of scientific leaders.
• The competition featured more than 1,700 young ����ǿ�� students, representing 64 countries, regions, and territories.
• , 17, of Sapporo, Japan won first place and received the $100,000 George D. Yancopoulos Innovator Award for his creation of a simulation program to understand complex folding, like in origami. The award is named in honor of George D. Yancopoulos, the pioneering drug researcher and Regeneron co-Founder, Board co-Chair, President and Chief Scientific Officer.
• , 18, of Bellevue, Washington, and , 17, of Sofia, Bulgaria each received the Regeneron Young Scientist Awards of $75,000, Agrawal for a sponge that removes salmon-killing pollutants from water, and Veselinov for describing a new theorem in mathematics that describes the conditions under which certain equations cannot be solved using basic math functions.
• Other top prizes went to projects in Environmental Engineering, Technology Enhances the Arts, and Materials Science.

“Congratulations to the winners of this year’s Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair,” said Maya Ajmera, President and CEO of ����ǿ�� and Executive Publisher of Science News. “These students never fail to inspire me. They come from different backgrounds, different disciplines, and different corners of the world, and they are taking on some of our most urgent challenges with rigor, imagination, and determination. At a moment when bold thinking is needed most, they are proof of what’s possible. I couldn’t be more optimistic about the future.”

Regeneron ISEF brings together the world’s most promising young scientists and engineers to showcase research with real-world impact. Through this competition, Regeneron and the Society are fostering the next generation of ����ǿ�� leaders who are helping to solve real-world challenges to improve our world.

“Congratulations to the extraordinary young scientists of Regeneron ISEF 2026. My own scientific journey began in high school, supported by great teachers, driven by a fearless youthful belief that I could cure my grandmother’s disease, and inspired by the excitement and challenge of science competitions,” said George D. Yancopoulos, M.D., Ph.D., co-Founder, co-Chairman, President and Chief Scientific Officer of Regeneron. “I continue to believe that the best hope for overcoming the greatest threats facing humanity lies in inspiring brilliant young minds to take on these challenges. That’s why Regeneron proudly invests hundreds of millions of dollars in programs like ISEF and the Science Talent Search. We’re celebrating not only what these students have already achieved, but the extraordinary impact we know they’ll have next.”

, 17, of Sapporo, Japan, won first place and received the George D. Yancopoulos Innovator Award of $100,000 for his work to predict how materials can fold in complex ways. He created a simulation program to understand complex folding, like in origami. Current methods for predicting folding can either only trace one path at a time or fail to test all the possibilities. Hikaru’s simulation software uses a statistical method called Markov Chain Monte Carlo. This method samples many possible scenarios and uses those patterns to estimate the most probable answers. It allows the simulation to examine all possibilities at once in a single run. Hikaru’s software predicted known solutions, such as the folding of a ladybug wing. This program could help design devices that need to be packed into small spaces and unfolded later, such as solar sails for satellites, medical devices or emergency pop-up shelters.

, 18, of Bellevue, Washington, received the Regeneron Young Scientist Award of $75,000 for a sponge that removes salmon-killing pollutants from water. When adult coho salmon spawn, they return to the urban streams of Washington’s Puget Sound region. In some streams, up to 80% of these fish die before spawning. These streams are polluted with a chemical from tires called 6PPD-quinone. Previous work found that 6PPD-quinone was a primary cause of these salmon deaths. To remove the pollutant from water, Lakshmi created sponge-like filters from jute plant waste. In laboratory tests of water with tire particles, she showed the filters removed up to 80% of the pollutant. It can also remove other heavy metals and particles. It also naturally breaks down in the environment. Compared with current alternatives, Lakshmi’s solution required 85% less energy to produce and reduced costs by about 98%. Her work may lead to a scalable way to protect aquatic ecosystems and drinking water from tire-related contaminants.

, 17, of Sofia, Bulgaria, received the Regeneron Young Scientist Award of $75,000 for describing a new theorem in mathematics. Mathematicians have found that equations that follow f(x) = a can be solved with basic math functions, except in a few specific cases. Nikola analyzed those isolated cases of unsolvability to find a common thread. He combined several advanced mathematical concepts. He combined ideas from topology, symmetry and Galois theory. He used these approaches to analyze when equations become impossible to solve exactly. By doing this, he described the conditions under which the equation f(x) = a cannot be solved using basic math functions. His work may impact equations used in physics and in describing how objects move through space.

Other Regeneron ISEF top honors include:

, 15, of Ontario, Canada, received the Gordon E. Moore Award for Positive Outcomes for Future Generations of $50,000 for making an AI-powered imaging robot to find and measure tiny pieces of plastic in water. Microplastics threaten animals and aquatic ecosystems worldwide. Current ways to measure microplastics are costly and hard to implement. To create a faster and more practical solution, Evan designed and built an underwater 3D holographic camera. The camera is mounted on a self-propelled robot that swims through the water like a sea turtle. He also trained AI models to find pieces of plastic smaller than a red blood cell in the underwater images. His models were 94% accurate at telling microplastics apart from other particles. He tested it in 10 bodies of water, scanning more than 80,000 3D images for plastic particles and microorganisms. His work could make it easier and faster to monitor water sources for microplastics.

, 15, of Bellevue, Washington, received the F. Thomson Leighton and Bonnie Berger Family Prize for ����ǿ�� Excellence of $50,000 for her music therapy device. Although music therapy is a recognized approach for supporting mental health, access is limited. Cost, provider shortages and lack of insurance coverage make music therapy inaccessible. To combat this, Anusha created a portable music therapy device. Her platform delivers tailored, adaptive music based on input from finger sensors. The platform combines 11 AI programs to detect emotions and generate music in real time. Across several experiments, people using the device showed reductions in stress and anxiety. Users also stayed more engaged with the therapy sessions. The platform could make it easier for people to access music therapy, which can help reduce stress, anxiety and depression.

, 17, of Andover, Massachusetts, received the Craig R. Barrett Award for Innovation of $10,000 for developing a new way to sort plastic recyclables using a dissolvable tag. One of the major challenges with plastic recycling is inaccurate sorting of the different plastic types. Colored plastic can also be hard to sort for proper recycling. To improve sorting accuracy, Kevin printed a radio frequency tag on plastic materials. These materials are similar to those used in plastic manufacturing. The tag acts like a wireless barcode, identifying the plastic type for sorting purposes. He made the tag from a conductive material called MXene that can transmit radio frequency signals. The tag is covered by a thin protective coating that dissolves in alkaline water. Experiments showed that both materials quickly break down during the hot washing step already used in recycling plants. Because they wash away, the plastic can be recycled without contamination. Kevin’s experiments showed the printed tag remained readable for at least six weeks. This practical approach offers a potential way to improve plastic recycling.

, 17, of Rye, New York, received the H. Robert Horvitz Prize for Fundamental Research of $10,000 for studying brain cells using magnets. Nervous system diseases can disrupt calcium signaling in brain cells called astrocytes. Researchers increasingly believe astrocytes play an important role in brain disease, but there are few ways to precisely control them remotely. Inspired by the physics of magnetic levitation, Illaria trialed a way to use magnets to modify signals sent from astrocyte cells. To do this, she first created a material that responds to magnetic fields. In the lab, she added the material to astrocyte cells. When she exposed the cells to magnets, their calcium signaling, which the cells use to communicate, changed. Different magnetic conditions made different patterns. Illaria also studied the biology of the system. She confirmed that a channel in the astrocytes called TRPV4 was responsible for the changes in calcium signaling. Under conditions that mimic a brain injury, she was able to use the system to reduce signs of cellular stress. Her research could help lead to new therapies that regulate brain activity without implanted electrical devices.

, 17, of Orlando, Florida, received the Peggy Scripps Award for Science Communication of $10,000 for creating a carbon dioxide (CO2)-based system that kills honey bee pests. Honey bees are important pollinators that support many global food crops, but up to half of all colonies die off each year. A common pest is the varroa mite. Current treatments for these mites leave chemical residues in honey and beeswax and can harm bees. Aakash’s earlier work showed that CO2 is an effective way to control the mites while minimizing harm to the bees. For this year’s project, he tested the long-term safety and real-world performance of his “Mite Blower” CO2 treatment prototype. His system was as good or better at getting rid of the mites as existing pesticides. It also avoided many of their harmful side effects. In a 10-week field trial of 60 hives, the CO2-treated bees were healthier and made more honey than hives treated with pesticides. Aakash’s Mite Blower may be a cheaper and safer alternative to treating varroa mite infestations, potentially reducing the loss of hives.

, 18, of Saint Paul, Minnesota, received the��Mary Sue Coleman Award for Life Science Innovation & Impact��of $10,000 for his low-cost system to detect and interrupt seizure-like behavior in a worm model. Some people with epilepsy get brain stimulation to help control seizures. Finding the right stimulation settings often takes months of trial and error. This can be expensive and frustrating for patients. To study brain stimulation methods, Evan used gene editing to add an ultrasound-sensitive channel into the brain cells of a worm. He then built a computer controller to detect seizure-like activity. When it detected a seizure, the program would trigger an ultrasound to activate the channel and stop the behavior. Using the system, Evan tested different stimulation settings to find which reduced seizures the most. He reduced seizure recurrence by 70.1% and lowered overall seizure activity by nearly 30%. His work may lead to faster, lower-cost ways to study brain stimulation in living systems.

, 19, of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and , 18, of Dubnica nad Vahom, Slovakia, received the Dudley R. Herschbach SIYSS Award.

, 17, of Oviedo, Florida, along with , 17, and , 17, of Mclean, Virginia, received the EU Contest for Young Scientists Award. Their projects will represent Regeneron ISEF at the EU Contest for Young Scientists to be held this September in Kiel, Germany.

In addition to the Top Award winners, more than 540 projects received awards and prizes for their innovative research, including “First Award” winners, who each received a $6,000 prize.

Category Winners (22):

• Animal Sciences, sponsored by Jane Street
  • , 17, of Orlando, Florida

• Behavioral and Social Sciences, sponsored by Jane Street
  • , 18, of Andover, Massachusetts

• Biochemistry, sponsored by Regeneron
  • , 17, of New York City, New York

• Biomedical and Health Sciences, sponsored by Regeneron
  • , 17, of Westchester, New York

• Biomedical Engineering, sponsored by Regeneron
  • , 17, of Cary, North Carolina
  • , 17, of Mueang Chiang Mai, Thailand
  • , 16, of Mueang Chiang Mai, Thailand
  • , 16, of Mueang Chiang Mai, Thailand

• Cellular and Molecular Biology, sponsored by Regeneron
  • , 18, of Saint Paul, Minnesota

• Chemistry, sponsored by Scripps Research
  • , 19, of Lancaster, Pennsylvania
  • , 18, of Bellevue, Washington

• Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, sponsored by Regeneron
  • , 17, of Melbourne, Florida
  • , 17, Jubail Industrial City, Saudi Arabia

• Earth and Environmental Sciences, sponsored by Natural Resources Defense Council
  • , 17, of Lincolndale, New York
  • , 15, of Andover, Massachusetts

• Embedded Systems, sponsored by Jane Street
  • , 18, of Dubnica nad Vahom, Slovakia

• Energy: Sustainable Materials and Design, sponsored by Siemens Energy
  • , 16, Arlington, Virginia

• Engineering Technology: Statics and Dynamics, sponsored by Google.org
  • , 16, of Plano, Texas

• Environmental Engineering, sponsored by Jacobs
  • , 17, of Mclean, Virginia
  • , 17, of Mclean, Virginia
  • , 15, of Burlington, Canada

• Materials Science, sponsored by Howmet Aerospace Foundation
  • , 17, of San Jose, California
  • , 17, of Andover, Massachusetts

• Mathematics, sponsored by Akamai Foundation
  • , 17, of Sofia, Bulgaria

• Microbiology, sponsored by Schattner Foundation
  • , 16, of Toronto, Canada

• Physics and Astronomy, sponsored by Jane Street
  • , 17, of Indianapolis, Indiana
  • , 17, of Lexington, Kentucky
  • , 17, of Sapporo, Japan

• Plant Sciences, sponsored by ����ǿ��
  • , 17, Oviedo, Florida

• Robotics and Intelligent Machines, sponsored Zoox
  • , 16, Bloomfield Hills, Michigan
  • , 16, of Shanghai, China

• Software Design, sponsored by Microsoft
  • , 17, of Bentonville, Arkansas
  • , 18, of Bentonville, Arkansas
  • , 15, of Clane, Ireland

• Technology Enhances the Arts, sponsored by Midjourney
  • , 15, of Bellevue, Washington

• Translational Medical Science, sponsored by Regeneron
  • , 16, of Wexford, Pennsylvania

Resources:

• Media kit (photos, videos, fact sheet, and more): /regeneron-isef-2026-media-kit/
• Full list of all ISEF 2026 Grand Awards winners and Special Awards winners
• View all the finalists’ research projects here:

What is the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (Regeneron ISEF)?

Established in 1950, Regeneron ISEF, a program of ����ǿ��, is the world’s largest global ����ǿ�� competition for high school students. Through a global network of local, regional, and national science fairs, millions of students are encouraged to explore their passion for scientific inquiry. Top winners earn the right to compete at Regeneron ISEF where more than 1,700 finalists are judged across 22 different categories, competing for more than $7 million in awards and scholarships.

Who is sponsoring Regeneron ISEF?��

In 2019, Regeneron became the title sponsor of ISEF to help reward and celebrate the best and brightest young minds globally and encourage them to pursue careers in ����ǿ�� to positively impact the world. Regeneron��is also the title sponsor of the��Regeneron��Science Talent Search (STS), a program of the ����ǿ��. Regeneron’s support for these two premier programs will total more than��$300 million��from 2017 to 2036. Regeneron ISEF is supported by a community of additional sponsors, including entrepreneurs and organizations across a wide range of industries such as Adam R. Scripps Foundation, Akamai Foundation, Aramco, Arizona Science Center, Arizona State University, Burton Family Foundation, Caltech, Catalyzer Venture Partners, Central Arizona Project, Cesco Linguistic Services, Google.org, Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation, Howmet Aerospace Foundation, Insaco, Intel, Jacobs, Jane Street, Microsoft, Midjourney, Musical Instrument Museum, National Bank of Arizona, Natural Resources Defense Council, Pivotal Foundation, Schattner Foundation, Scripps Research, Siemens Energy, and Zoox.

Learn more at /isef/.

What is ����ǿ��?

STEM is a champion for science, dedicated to promoting the understanding and appreciation of science and the vital role it plays in human advancement. Established in 1921, STEM is best known for its award-winning journalism through Science News and Science News Explores, its world-class science research competitions for students, including the Regeneron Science Talent Search, the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair and the��Thermo��Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge, and its ����ǿ�� Outreach programming that seeks to ensure that all students have an opportunity to pursue a career in ����ǿ��. A 501(c)(3) membership organization, Society for��Science��is committed to��inform,��educate,��and��inspire.

Learn more at����and follow us on��,��,��, and��.

What is Regeneron?
��(NASDAQ: REGN) is a leading biotechnology company that invents, develops, and commercializes potentially life-transforming medicines for people with serious diseases. Founded and led by physician-scientists, our unique ability to��repeatedly and consistently translate science��into medicine has led to��numerous��approved treatments and product candidates in development, most of which were homegrown in our laboratories. Our medicines and��pipeline��are designed to help patients with eye diseases, allergic and inflammatory diseases, cancer, cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, hematologic conditions, infectious diseases, and rare diseases.

At Regeneron, science and responsible business practices go hand in hand. This conviction guides our , focused on delivering life-transforming medicines, expanding access to care, and supporting colleagues, communities and the ecosystems essential to human health. Through programming, including the , the and numerous STEM initiatives, Regeneron supports science research pathways and ecosystems, helping cultivate the next generation of STEM innovators. In addition, is an initiative founded by ^®, Meharry Medical College, and other biopharmaceutical partners to help address inequities in ����ǿ�� careers and research. Regeneron has been repeatedly recognized for these efforts by the Dow Jones Best-in-Class Indices and the Civic 50 list of America’s most community-minded companies.

For more information, please visit����or follow Regeneron on��,��,��,��and��.

Media Contacts

Tina Parisi Tuttle, Regeneron

Gayle Kansagor, ����ǿ����

703-489-1131, gkansagor@societyforscience.org

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