Explore top biology competitions with helpful guides in this blog!

Enhance your knowledge and skills in the field while showcasing your talent and passion.

Before we start, Rishab Jain, a Harvard student who has achieved success in numerous international competitions has made his FREE Student STEM guide public with a a list of 50+ more opportunities and competitions.

You should definitely check it out after this post.

1. Regeneron Science Talent Search (STS) The Regeneron Science Talent Search (STS) stands as one of the most prestigious science competitions in the United States, providing high school seniors with a platform to showcase their independent research projects.

With a rigorous selection process that culminates in a finalist event in Washington D.

C. , STS attracts top young scientists from across the nation.

Participants present their research to esteemed judges and compete for scholarships, cash prizes, and opportunities for further mentorship and scientific exploration.

Eligibility: All high school seniors in the US.

Award: Scholarships, cash prizes, and mentorship opportunities.

2. The National Ocean Sciences Bowl (NOSB) The National Ocean Sciences Bowl offers high school students a unique opportunity to dive into the fascinating world of marine biology and ocean sciences.

Participants engage in team-based competitions that test their knowledge of oceanography, marine ecosystems, and environmental issues.

Through quizzes, presentations, and hands-on challenges, students explore topics such as ocean currents, marine biodiversity, and conservation.

Eligibility: All high school students.

Award: Varies by state and level of competition.

3. USA Biology Olympiad (USABO) The USA Biology Olympiad is an esteemed competition designed to identify and nurture the brightest young minds in biology across the United States.

Participants tackle challenging theoretical and practical exams, covering topics like genetics, biochemistry, and ecology.

The top-performing students advance to the semifinal and national rounds, where they compete for a chance to represent the US at the International Biology Olympiad.

USABO not only tests knowledge but also encourages critical thinking, problem-solving, and a passion for biological sciences.

Eligibility: High school students interested in biology.

Award: Opportunity to represent the US at the International Biology Olympiad. https://youtu. be/h7OlgFLByK8?si=7cdOgCXtyg8uuNLs STEM Programs and Competitions for High School Students

4. International Biology Olympiad The International Biology Olympiad (IBO) is a prestigious competition bringing together high school students worldwide to showcase their biology knowledge and skills.

Participants undergo rigorous theoretical and practical exams, testing their understanding of biological concepts.

Top performers receive medals, certificates, and opportunities for further training.

Winners garner recognition from the international scientific community, enhancing their academic portfolios.

Eligibility: Top scorers from National Biology Olympiads (NBOs).

Award: International recognition, medals, and scholarships (varies by country).

Gold Medals: The top ten percent of students receive gold medals.

Silver Medals: The next twenty percent of students are awarded silver medals.

Bronze Medals: The following thirty percent of participants earn bronze medals.

5. ASHG Annual DNA Day Essay Contest The American Society of Human Genetics (ASHG) hosts an essay contest on DNA Day, inviting students to explore genetics-related topics.

Participants submit essays that delve into ethical, social, or scientific aspects of genetics.

Winners receive cash prizes and have their essays published.

It’s an opportunity to engage with cutting-edge research and express ideas about the impact of genetics on society.

Eligibility: High school students worldwide.

Award: 1st Place Winner: Award: $1,000 for the student.

Grant: $1,000 genetics materials grant. 2nd Place Winner: Award: $600 for the student.

Grant: $600 genetics materials grant. 3rd Place Winner: Award: $400 for the student.

Grant: $400 genetics materials grant.

Honorable Mentions: Ten student prizes of $100 each.

FREE Student STEM guide.

6. iGEM Competition The International Genetically Engineered Machine (iGEM) competition invites teams to design and build synthetic biology projects.

Participants work on innovative solutions to real-world problems using genetic engineering.

From creating biofuels to addressing environmental challenges, iGEM encourages interdisciplinary collaboration and creativity.

Teams present their projects at the Grand Jamboree, where they compete for awards and recognition.

Eligibility: High school and college students.

Award: Awards and recognition at the Grand Jamboree.

7. The Plant the Moon Challenge The Plant the Moon Challenge invites students to explore the intersection of biology and space exploration.

Participants engage in projects related to growing plants on the moon or in space habitats.

It’s an opportunity to combine biology, botany, and space science.

Students learn about the challenges of extraterrestrial agriculture and contribute to scientific knowledge.

Eligibility: High school and middle school students interested in space and biology.

Award: Certificates: Participants get certificates for completing space science and biology projects.

Recognition: Exceptional projects may be recognized by space agencies or scientific experts.

Education: Winners attend workshops, webinars, or conferences on space exploration and biology.

Networking: Participants connect with mentors and professionals for potential collaborations.

Publication: Top projects may feature in scientific journals, boosting credibility.

Prizes: Monetary rewards, scholarships, or tech prizes motivate students.

List of medical competitions for high schoolers.

8. BioGENEius Challenge The BioGENEius Challenge is a biotechnology competition that recognizes outstanding high school students for their research projects in the life sciences.

Participants have the opportunity to present their work to leading scientists and industry professionals.

Eligibility: High school students in the United States and Canada are eligible to participate in the BioGENEius Challenge.

Projects can cover topics such as genetics, molecular biology, and bioinformatics.

Award: Winners of the BioGENEius Challenge receive cash prizes, scholarships, and internships at top research institutions and biotechnology companies.

The competition also provides valuable networking opportunities.

9. The Genes in Space Challenge The Genes in Space Challenge invites high school students to explore the impact of space travel on genetics.

Participants conduct experiments to investigate how space conditions affect genes and biological systems.

Winners receive recognition from space agencies and scientific experts, enhancing their portfolios.

Educational opportunities include workshops and conferences on space exploration and biology, enriching students' knowledge.

Networking with mentors and professionals fosters potential collaborations and future learning experiences.

Eligibility: Open to international teams of high school students.

Award: Outstanding projects may be published in scientific journals, increasing visibility and credibility.

Prizes such as monetary rewards, scholarships, or technology incentives motivate students to engage in cutting-edge research at the intersection of genetics and space exploration. 1

0. Brain Awareness Video Contest The Brain Awareness Video Contest invites high school students worldwide to creatively explore the wonders of neuroscience through short videos.

Participants delve into various aspects of brain science, from basic functions to cutting-edge research, showcasing their understanding in an engaging and accessible format.

Entries are judged based on scientific accuracy, creativity, and clarity of presentation.

Winners receive recognition from leading neuroscientists and organizations, along with prizes such as cash awards, scholarships, or educational resources.

Eligibility: High School Students: Open to high school students worldwide.

Individuals or Teams: Participants can enter as individuals or teams.

Age Requirement: Participants typically must be within the high school age range, usually around 13 to 18 years old.

Educational Status: Must be currently enrolled in high school at the time of submission.

No Professional Experience: Contest may be limited to students who do not have professional experience in video production or neuroscience research.

Award: First Place: Prize: $4,00

0. Bonus: Complimentary registration to Neuroscience 2024 in Chicago, IL.

Second Place: Prize: $50

0. Third Place: Prize: $25

0. People’s Choice: Prize: $50

0. More STEM competitions Rishab Jain, who won at ISEF, has achieved success in numerous research competitions and undertaken several research projects during his high school years.

His FREE Student STEM guide has a list of 50+ opportunities and competitions.