IRMO — Dutch Fork High School senior Hunter Taylor has been named among the top 300 scholars nationwide in the 2026 Regeneron Science Talent Search, the nation’s oldest and most prestigious science and mathematics competition for high school seniors.
Taylor, a student in the Dutch Fork High School STEM Honors Program, was selected from nearly 3,000 applicants. As a top 300 scholar, he will receive a $2,000 award, and Dutch Fork High School will also receive $2,000 to support future STEM-related activities.
Taylor will now advance in the competition and vie for one of 40 finalist positions, each guaranteeing a minimum $25,000 award. The overall winner of the competition will receive $250,000. The top 40 finalists will be announced January 21.
“We are very excited for Hunter to receive this prestigious recognition and are eagerly awaiting to see if he is named a top 40 finalist,” said Dutch Fork High School Principal Reed Gunter. “In addition to his natural aptitude for academics, he is someone who gives everything he’s got into all that he does, and that is what truly makes him exceptional. We are very proud to have him as a Dutch Fork High School STEM student.”
Scholars are selected based on outstanding research, leadership skills, community involvement, academic commitment, creativity in scientific inquiry, and demonstrated promise as future STEM leaders. Applicants submit original, independent research projects along with essays and recommendations.
Research projects represented among the scholars span 20 categories, ranging from Animal Sciences to Space Science, including fields such as Behavioral Sciences, Biochemistry, and Environmental Science.
“Congratulations to the top 300 scholars in this year’s Regeneron Science Talent Search,” said Maya Ajmera, president and CEO of Society for Science and publisher of Science News. “Their research highlights the creativity, rigor, and determination that are pushing forward the future of scientific discovery. We are honored to recognize their achievements and support their continued pursuit of STEM excellence.”
Now in its 104th year, Society for Science has played a key role in educating the public about scientific discoveries and identifying future leaders in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. This year marks the 85th Science Talent Search.
The Regeneron Science Talent Search, a program of Society for Science since 1942, recognizes high school seniors who demonstrate exceptional scientific research and problem-solving skills. Each year, more than 2,000 students submit original research projects that are evaluated by leading experts in their respective fields. The program provides a national platform for young scientists to present innovative ideas and address critical global challenges through rigorous research.
For more than eight decades, Science Talent Search alumni have gone on to receive millions of dollars in scholarships and earn honors including Nobel Prizes, Fields Medals, and MacArthur Fellowships.
For more information, visit societyforscience.org/regeneron-sts.
