15 Biology Competitions for High School Students
If you’re interested in biology, competitions can give you a more structured way to apply what you’re learning beyond the classroom. Instead of passively studying concepts, you’re expected to solve problems, design experiments, analyze data, or communicate scientific ideas clearly. Many of these competitions are run by established organizations, universities, or scientific bodies, which adds credibility to the experience. Participating also helps you build a track record of sustained interest in a specific area, whether that’s genetics, neuroscience, ecology, or biotechnology. Over time, this kind of involvement can strengthen your CV and provide concrete examples for college applications or statements of purpose.
If you want to see what other competitions are there for high schoolers, check out art competitions here, and for writing-based competitions, find a list here!
Why should I participate in a biology competition in high school?
Biology competitions help you develop skills that go beyond memorizing content. Depending on the format, you may learn how to design experiments, interpret results, write research reports, or explain complex ideas in a clear and structured way. Many competitions also introduce you to time-bound work, where you need to manage deadlines, refine your ideas, and present them effectively. Overall, they provide a practical way to test your interest in biology while building skills that are directly useful for college-level study and research.
To give you a clear starting point, we’ve compiled 15 biology competitions for high school students that align well with different interests and skill levels.
Key takeaways
This list rounds up 15 biology competitions for high schoolers spanning independent research fairs, synthetic biology challenges, and science communication contests, with standout hosts including the Society for Science, MIT, and iGEM.
Entry is free for many of these, including several of the most prestigious research-based competitions, while a handful charge registration fees ranging from around $50 up to several hundred dollars, and prize money ranges from small awards up to a $250,000 scholarship for one of the most competitive options.
This list spans a wide range of formats, from independent research submissions and timed exams to video-based science communication and synthetic biology design challenges, giving students with different strengths several ways to get involved.
Most of these are open nationally, with one major synthetic biology competition held internationally in Paris and a couple of others requiring in-person attendance at a specific U.S. location for finals.
A few of the earliest deadlines fall in September and November for two of the most prestigious research-based competitions, so it's worth starting early if independent research is already underway.
1. Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair
Location: Phoenix, AZ
Cost: $25 registration fee
Prizes: Scholarships up to $75,000, with $9 million in additional prizes
Dates: May 9–15
Application Deadline: April 17
Eligibility: Students in grades 9–12, under age 20, and winners of an affiliated science fair
Regeneron ISEF brings together students who have qualified through affiliated regional or state science fairs to present original STEM research. Biology-focused projects may fall under areas like cellular biology, microbiology, computational biology, animal sciences, or environmental science. You’ll need to explain your research question, methods, data, results, and limitations clearly to expert judges. This biology competition for high school students helps you practice defending your work in a high-level research setting. Since participants arrive with projects already developed, the environment is rigorous and research-driven.
2. Regeneron Science Talent Search (STS)
Location: Regeneron Science Talent Institute, Washington, DC
Cost: None
Prizes: First-place prize is $250,000; Prizes are awarded at all stages of the competition
Dates: Top 300 announced January 7; Top 40 announced January 21; Finals week March 5–11
Application Deadline: November 5
Eligibility: Students must be high school seniors in the U.S. who have completed individual, independent research
For students who have completed substantial independent research, Regeneron STS is one of the most rigorous science competitions in the U.S. The application asks for more than a research paper, including essays, recommendations, academic records, and a detailed explanation of your project. Biology submissions can span fields such as genetics, neuroscience, biomedical science, ecology, or computational biology. Judges look at your scientific thinking, originality, research process, and ability to explain why your work matters. The competition also evaluates your academic motivation and broader potential as a young researcher. Finalists present their work publicly, adding a strong communication component.
3. Davidson Fellows
Location: Virtual; Awards reception and recognition events are held in Washington, DC
Cost: None
Prizes: Scholarships of $100,000, $50,000, and $25,000
Dates: Not specified
Application Deadline: February 18
Eligibility: Applicants must be 18 or younger as of the application deadline, and a U.S. citizen residing in the United States, or a Permanent Resident, or be stationed overseas due to active U. S. military duty
Davidson Fellows recognizes students who have produced a major original work with unusual depth, creativity, or impact. For biology students, this could mean an advanced research project, an applied scientific solution, or an interdisciplinary investigation. The application asks you to show clear ownership of the work and explain how it contributes to your field. You’ll need to communicate the project’s purpose, process, significance, and level of difficulty in a polished way. Unlike prompt-based contests, this program rewards long-term, self-directed effort. Strong submissions combine technical skill with thoughtful interpretation and clear evidence of originality.
4. ExploraVision
Location: Virtual
Cost: None
Prizes: First Prize (4 teams): U.S. EE Savings Bond worth $10,000 at maturity for each student, and many other prizes
Dates: Regional winners are announced on March 12, national winners on April 28, Explora Awards Weekend on June 3–6
Application Deadline: February 9
Eligibility: High school students from the U.S. and Canada
Instead of asking you to conduct a traditional experiment, ExploraVision challenges teams to imagine how an existing technology could evolve over the next 20 years. You research the technology’s history, current function, limitations, and the scientific breakthroughs needed to improve it. Biology-related entries might explore future medical tools, environmental technologies, biotechnology systems, or human health innovations. The competition blends research, design thinking, forecasting, and teamwork. You’ll need to explain both the technical science behind your idea and its possible impact on society. The format is collaborative, meaning it also builds skills in planning, communication, and division of work.
5. USA Biolympiad (USABO)
Location: Virtual open exams; in-person finals
Cost: None; registration might require $125
Prize: Medals and awards
Dates: Online Open Exam (OE): February 4 | Semifinal Exam: March 4 | National Finals: June 21 – July 2
Application Deadline: November
Eligibility: High school students who are US citizens
The USA Biolympiad is a highly competitive academic challenge for students who want to test the depth of their biology knowledge. The early rounds of this biology competition for high school students involve timed exams covering topics such as genetics, evolution, ecology, physiology, cell biology, and plant biology. As the competition progresses, questions become more advanced and require stronger analytical reasoning. Finalists attend an intensive training program that includes advanced biological concepts and hands-on lab skills. This makes the competition more than a test of memorization; it pushes you to apply biological concepts under pressure and think like a problem-solver.
6. American Academy of Neurology Neuroscience Research Prize
Location: Virtual
Cost: None
Prizes: $1,000 with a certificate of recognition; opportunity to present research at the AAN Annual Meeting in Chicago, IL. Bhuwan Garg High School Neuroscience Research Prize for one participant, along with a $1,000 honorarium, a certificate of recognition, and the chance to present their work at the Child Neurology Society Annual Meeting.
Dates: Not applicable
Application Deadline: October 21
Eligibility: Students must be enrolled in grades 9th-12th in the U.S
Focused specifically on the brain and nervous system, this biology competition for high school students recognizes high school students who have completed original neuroscience research. Submissions require a formal research report, so the competition is best suited for students with an existing project. Topics may include neurobiology, cognition, neurological disorders, behavior with a clear neurophysiology link, or nervous system function. Judges evaluate the quality of your abstract, methodology, data interpretation, and written presentation. Strong entries show that you understand both the scientific details and the larger relevance of your findings. Selected students may also have the opportunity to present their work in a professional scientific setting.
7. Plant the Moon Challenge
Location: Virtual
Cost: $229 (+ shipping) per team
Prize: Best-in-Show honors across various categories and age divisions
Dates: Competition period: January 21–April 26 | Closing Awards Ceremony: May 7
Application Deadline: January 19
Eligibility: All high-school students, including international students
In the Plant the Moon Challenge, teams design and run an experiment testing how plants grow in simulated lunar or Martian soil. You choose a crop, define your variables, set up the experiment, monitor growth, and collect data over the competition period. The work combines plant biology, experimental design, environmental science, and space agriculture. You’ll need to think carefully about controls, nutrients, soil conditions, and how to interpret your results. The final submission typically includes a report explaining your methodology, findings, and conclusions. A major appeal is that the project is hands-on and tied to real questions about future space exploration.
8. Genes in Space
Location: miniPCR bio and partners; virtual submission with later camp/mentorship components
Cost: None
Prizes: 5 Finalist Awards, 5 Junior Scientist Awards, Constellation Awards, 10 Honorable Mentions
Dates: Mentoring: June - July; Winners announced: July; Space Biology Camp: Fall
Application Deadline: April 10
Eligibility: Students in grades 7-12 at U.S. public, private, or homeschool institutions, including U.S. territories
This biology competition for high school students invites students to design a DNA-based experiment that could be conducted in space. Rather than requiring a completed lab project, the competition focuses on the strength of your research proposal. You identify a meaningful biological question, explain its molecular basis, and outline an experiment that could realistically be performed using space-compatible tools. The process builds skills in proposal writing, experimental design, and scientific reasoning. Students interested in genetics, molecular biology, biotechnology, or space biology will find the format especially relevant. Finalists receive mentorship to refine their ideas and strengthen the scientific rationale for their proposals.
9. iGEM Competition
Location: Paris, France
Cost: €845 for universal pass; discounts available for team members
Prizes: Gold, silver, and bronze medals are awarded to multiple outstanding teams (no limit to the number of medals awarded); Grand Prizes are awarded to 2 to 3 winning teams from each category
Dates: November 13–16 (Jamboree)
Application Deadline: April 2
Eligibility: High school students interested in biological research
Synthetic biology sits at the center of iGEM, where teams design biological systems to address real-world problems. High school teams may work on projects involving genetics, molecular biology, bioengineering, computation, or environmental applications. This biology competition for high school students requires more than designing an experiment; teams also document their process, justify design choices, and present their results clearly. You may engage with lab work, modeling, outreach, ethics, or policy, depending on your team’s project. This interdisciplinary structure makes iGEM especially appealing for students who like both science and systems-level thinking. It also develops collaboration, project management, and scientific communication skills.
10. Future Problem Solving World Solutions Challenge
Location: Virtual or in-person through regional affiliates
Cost: $100
Prizes: Free registration to the FPS International Conference, individual medals, and travel stipends
Dates: Topic Announcement: March 1; Competition period: Late September to mid-October; International Conference (World Finals): June
Application Deadline: Varies based on regional affiliates
Eligibility: Students in grades 10-12; teams of up to 4 members or individuals
Future Problem Solving’s World Solutions Challenge asks students to examine complex global issues and develop future-oriented solutions. Biology-related topics can include biodiversity, public health, ecosystems, food security, climate impacts, or environmental change. You research the issue, identify underlying challenges, and use a formal problem-solving process to propose an action plan. The competition rewards clear reasoning, organization, and the ability to connect science with social and ethical context. Depending on the format, you may compete individually or as part of a team. Participants also receive rubric-based feedback, which helps improve the way they structure and defend their ideas.
11. Genius Olympiad
Location: Rochester Institute of Technology, NY
Cost: $50- $60 application fee per project
Prizes: Special awards, plus other awards
Dates: GENIUS Finals: June 8-12
Application Deadline: March 7
Eligibility: Students in grades 9-12 (between 13-17 years of age)
Environmental problem-solving drives the GENIUS Olympiad, making it especially relevant for students interested in biology and sustainability. In the science category, biology projects often focus on ecology, biodiversity, pollution, human ecology, food systems, or resource use. You submit a project that investigates an environmental issue and proposes a thoughtful, evidence-based solution. Strong entries show scientific method, originality, and practical relevance. The competition also encourages students to explain how their work connects to larger environmental challenges. Depending on your project, you may use field research, data analysis, modeling, or experimentation.
12. Breakthrough Junior Challenge
Location: Virtual
Cost: None
Prizes: $250,000 in educational prizes for the winning student, $50,000 for the teacher who inspired them, and a cutting-edge science lab for their school, valued at $100,000
Dates: To be announced (winner declaration)
Application Deadline: September 15
Eligibility: Students ages 13–18
The Breakthrough Junior Challenge is built around science communication rather than traditional research submission. You create a short video explaining a major concept in the life sciences, physics, or mathematics. Biology topics might include gene editing, protein folding, neurobiology, circadian rhythms, cell reprogramming, or vaccines. To do well, you need to simplify a complex idea without distorting it. The format allows you to use animation, demonstrations, storytelling, or visual analogies to make your explanation engaging. Judges look for clarity, creativity, difficulty, and how well the video helps viewers understand the concept.
13. ASHG’s Annual DNA Day Essay Contest
Location: Virtual
Cost: None
Prize: Grants of up to $1000
Dates: April 24 (contest results)
Application Deadline: March 4 (essay submission)
Eligibility: All high school students (including international students)
ASHG’s Annual DNA Day Essay Contest gives students a writing-based way to engage with genetics and genomics. Each year’s prompt asks you to explain a scientific idea while reflecting on its broader importance in medicine, research, or society. Strong essays show an accurate understanding of biology, clear reasoning, and thoughtful use of examples. You’ll need to build a focused argument rather than simply summarize facts. The biology competition for high school students is useful for developing scientific writing, source interpretation, and structured explanation. Since entries are reviewed by genetics professionals, clarity and precision matter.
14. National Science Bowl
Location: Varies by state; Finals are held in Washington, D.C.
Cost: None (might require an entry fee for a few regions)
Prize: Cash prizes and scholarships
Dates: Regional Competition Duration: January - March | National Finals: April 30 – May 4
Application Deadline: Registrations close 3 weeks prior to the date of the regional event
Eligibility: High school students
Fast-paced and team-based, the National Science Bowl tests students across biology, chemistry, Earth science, physics, energy, and math. Biology questions may cover genetics, ecology, physiology, cell biology, evolution, or lab concepts. You compete in a buzzer-style format where quick recall and strong conceptual understanding both matter. Teams begin at regional competitions, with winning teams advancing to the national level. The format builds teamwork, communication, speed, and confidence under pressure. It is a solid fit if you enjoy academic quiz competitions and want to strengthen your science fundamentals.
15. MIT THINK Scholars Program
Location: Virtual and on MIT’s campus, MA
Cost: None
Prizes: Winners receive up to $1000 seed funding and continued mentorship from the MIT THINK team
Dates: Finalists are expected to complete their projects by June
Application Deadline: January 1
Eligibility: High school students with permanent residence in the United States.
MIT THINK is designed for students with a strong research idea that has not yet been fully completed. You submit a proposal explaining your research question, background, methods, expected challenges, and why the project is feasible. Biology-related proposals may involve biotechnology, molecular biology, environmental science, health technologies, or interdisciplinary STEM tools. The competition rewards ideas that are original but still practical enough to carry out. Selected students receive mentorship and support to develop their projects further.
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Questions students often ask about these competitions
1. Do I need to already have a completed research project to enter these competitions?
It depends on the competition. Several, like the major research fairs, do expect a completed or substantially developed project, while others focus on proposals, essays, or video submissions that don't require finished research.
2. Some of these competitions charge an entry fee. Is it worth paying to compete?
It can be, especially for competitions offering strong prize money, mentorship, or a well-known name for your resume. If cost is a concern, several free options on this list offer comparable recognition and learning value.
3. Can I compete individually, or do I need to form a team first?
It varies. Several of these, like the synthetic biology and technology forecasting competitions, are team-based, while others are designed for individual submissions. Check the format details before assuming you need a team lined up.