Society for Science recently announced the top 300 scholars in the Regeneron Science Talent Search 2021, the nation’s oldest and most prestigious science and math competition for high school seniors. Among the scholars are four students from Montgomery Blair High School in Silver Spring: Yash Anand, Alan Chen, Timothy Qian and Christopher Tong.
Created in 1942, the Regeneron Science Talent Search gives students the opportunity to present original research and discoveries into global challenges. The program covers topics including bioinformatics, public health and energy efficiency and is judged by leading experts in their fields.
Society for Science’s website states that this year’s scholars were chosen “based on their exceptional research skills, commitment to academics, innovative thinking and promise as scientists.” Three hundred scholars were selected from 1,760 applicants from 611 schools across 45 states; Washington, D.C.; Puerto Rico and 10 countries. They and their schools will be awarded $2,000 each.
“The remarkable drive, creativity and intellectual curiosity that each one of these scholars possesses represents a hopeful outlook for our future and our collective wellbeing,” said Maya Ajmera, president and CEO of Society for Science, publisher of Science News and 1985 Science Talent Search alum in a press release. “At a time when many students’ educational experiences are being disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, I am incredibly humbled to see gifted young scientists and engineers eager to contribute fresh insights to solving the world’s most intractable problems.”
On Jan. 21, the Regeneron STS will announce its 40 finalists who will compete for over $1.8 million in awards. Program alumni include recipients of 13 Nobel Prizes, 11 National Medals of Science, six Breakthrough Prizes, 21 MacArthur Foundation Fellowships and two Fields Medals.
