Science and Technology

Pioneering Innovations Earn Top Honors at Regeneron ISEF 2024

The scientific community celebrated a new milestone as Grace Sun, a 16-year-old prodigy from Lexington, Kentucky, secured the esteemed George D. Yancopoulos Innovator Award of $75,000 at the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (Regeneron ISEF) 2024. This accolade, named in honor of George D. Yancopoulos, a co-founder of Regeneron, highlights young minds that have made significant strides in scientific and engineering innovation.

Grace Sun: A Visionary in Organic Transistor Technology

Grace Sun’s groundbreaking work in organic electrochemical transistors represents a significant leap in the development of bio-compatible electronics. Her research focused on the chemical treatment of organic components, significantly improving the potential integration of such devices with biological systems to detect and treat critical health conditions such as diabetes, epilepsy, and organ failure. This cutting-edge work stands out for its creativity and scientific rigor, ensuring Sun the competition’s top prize.

Award Ceremonies Spotlight Emerging STEM Talent

The 2024 Regeneron ISEF brought attention to nearly 2,000 young scientists from across the globe during their award ceremonies on May 16 and 17. With prizes exceeding $9 million, the ceremonies recognized finalists’ innovative projects, which span a wide array of scientific disciplines, underscoring their creative, methodical approaches to the scientific inquiries they addressed.

Exceptional Achievements Across STEM Disciplines

In an outstanding demonstration of scientific prowess, Michelle Wei, 17, from San Jose, California, along with Krish Pai, 17, from Del Mar, California, both received Regeneron Young Scientist Awards of $50,000. Wei enhanced second-order cone programming algorithm performance, with implications across machine learning and financial systems. Pai, utilizing machine learning to identify plastic-degrading microbes, showcased the potential to transform plastic waste management and recycling.

Other High Honors at the Regeneron ISEF

A duo of 17-year-olds from Texas, Justin Huang and Victoria Ou, were recognized with the $50,000 Gordon E. Moore Award for a novel ultrasonic microplastics filtration system. At the same time, Ingrid Wai Hin Chan from Hong Kong, China, received the $10,000 Craig R. Barrett Award for a virtual reality-based multi-sensory therapy designed for dementia patients. Tanishka Balaji Aglave, 15, of Florida, garnered the H. Robert Horvitz Prize for her research offering a natural alternative to combat citrus greening. Maddux Alexander Springer of Honolulu, Hawaii, was lauded with the $10,000 Peggy Scripps Award for his examination of fibropapillomatosis in sea turtles. Lastly, outstanding projects in fields ranging from osteosarcoma spread inhibition to quantum billiards were recognized, alongside winners winning trips to the Stockholm International Youth Science Seminar and placements at the EU Contest for Young Scientists.

Commendations from Society for Science and Regeneron Executives

The achievements of Regeneron ISEF 2024 participants inspired high praise from leaders in the scientific community. Maya Ajmera, Society for Science’s President and CEO, expressed her profound inspiration from the students' ingenuity. Furthermore, George D. Yancopoulos articulated his felicitations, reflecting on his formative experiences in science competitions, and projected bright futures for the finalists as they strive for advancements in science and technology.

Building a Foundation for the Next Generation

This prestigious annual event, organized by the Society for Science and sponsored by Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc., sets the stage for the brightest young minds in science and engineering. As of 2020, Regeneron's support has reached approximately 2.4 million students, nearing their target of 2.5 million by 2025. Their contributions pave the way for these students to become the vanguards of science, engineering, and technological innovation.

Enriching the Research Community Through Competition

The celebration of young talent extends beyond individual winners, with top prizes directing focus to issues of global importance. The fair recognizes budding scientists and engineers for their laborious work, vision, and the potential for societal impact. Rewarding such innovation sparks motivation and engagement with critical subjects that promise to shape a sustainable future.

Exploration and Networking Through ISEF

The Regeneron ISEF provides an unparalleled platform, not only for competition but also for networking. It offers a chance to collaborate with peers and experts, fostering an environment that nurtures budding scientists. On this platform, participants share their insights and research, assembling a melting pot of ideas with the potential to catalyze real-world solutions.

The Role of Sponsors in Fueling Discovery

Sponsors play a pivotal role in the execution and expansion of Regeneron ISEF, furnishing resources that make this gathering of brilliant young minds possible. Contributions from renowned organizations empower these individuals to explore scientific boundaries, with many sponsors being established leaders and entrepreneurs keen on fostering the next wave of innovation.

Celebrating Research and Innovation

Regeneron’s commitment to developing life-transforming medicines for serious diseases is paralleled by their dedication to corporate responsibility. By sponsoring ISEF, Regeneron nurtures an environment where young scientists can be celebrated, encouraged, and financially supported as they continue their pursuit of breakthroughs that have the potential to improve global health and society.

In-Depth Discovery Displayed Online

For comprehensive details about the top winners of Regeneron ISEF 2024, visual assets, and further information about the finalists' research, visit the Society for Science’s media kit page:

ISEF 2024 Media Kit

Additionally, complete listings of both the Special Award and full award-winning ISEF 2024 finalists are available through the Society for Science’s press release pages:

Special Awards Winners

Full Awards List

To explore all finalists' projects in detail, head over to the project board that houses the vast array of novel research:

ISEF Project Board

The Legacy of ISEF and the Society for Science

The Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair is more than just a competition; it’s a celebration of scientific inquiry that has thrived for over seven decades. Society for Science, established in 1921, has been at the forefront of championing science through its prestigious science competitions, including ISEF, and through its hallmark, in-depth science journalism. This 501(c)(3) organization empowers student engagement with science and has pledged to make STEM fields inclusive and accessible for all aspiring young scientists.

About Society for Science

Society for Science has played an instrumental role in science advocacy. This non-profit organization’s dedication to science education and equity initiatives has been unwavering. Their efforts ensure that the scientific community is inclusive and represents a diversity of thought and background, united by a shared love for discovery and innovation. Their mission aligns science appreciation with human progress, promoting a well-informed public that recognizes the crucial role of science in our everyday lives.

About Regeneron

Regeneron, a leading company in biotechnology, continually pioneers medicines for individuals with severe medical conditions. Their distinctive approach to translating scientific discoveries into therapeutic realities has led to an impressive list of treatments and investigational products. The DNA of Regeneron is imbued with a commitment to excellence, sustained by physician-scientists who are relentless in their quest to confront diseases head-on.

Commitment to Corporate Responsibility and Outreach

As evidence of their dedication to responsible corporate citizenship, Regeneron is listed on both the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index and the Civic 50. Their efforts in corporate responsibility orbit around three principal aims: improving lives through scientific breakthroughs, upholding a culture of integrity and excellence, and nurturing sustainable communities. These goals are mirrored in their philanthropic endeavors, particularly emphasizing the importance of early science education, demonstrated through their support for the Regeneron Science Talent Search and the Regeneron ISEF.

For More Information

Those interested in learning more about Regeneron’s innovative efforts, either from a medical or philanthropic perspective, can further explore the company’s extensive work online: Regeneron Official Website

Additionally, you can connect with Regeneron on various social media platforms to keep updated with their latest discoveries and initiatives: LinkedIn Instagram Facebook

Media Contact Details

For any media inquiries or to gain additional insights into the Regeneron ISEF or Society for Science, representatives from both organizations can be contacted:

Joseph Brown, Regeneron Email Joseph Brown

Gayle Kansagor, Society for Science Email Gayle Kansagor

In Conclusion

The Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair 2024 has successfully highlighted the effervescent spirit and intellectual prowess of young scientists from around the world. With participants hailing from diverse regions and exhibiting research that spans the gamut of scientific inquiry, this event continues to be a beacon of inspiration and an auspicious platform that heralds the breakthroughs of tomorrow. As these young innovators progress in their scientific journeys, their contributions are not only recognized but celebrated as vital investments in our collective future.

Source: Society for Science

For additional details regarding the event and access to associated media, please refer to the provided URLs within the article.