$250,000 was awarded to Matteo Paz in America’s most prestigious science and math competition
TARRYTOWN, N.Y. and WASHINGTON, March 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and Society for Science (the Society) announced that Matteo Paz, 18, of Pasadena, California, was the recipient of the top prize of $250,000 in the 2025 Regeneron Science Talent Search, the oldest and most distinguished science and math competition in the U.S. for high school seniors.
Now in its 84th year, the competition celebrates and rewards young innovators who are applying their Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) talent and leadership skills to push the boundaries of discovery and address today’s pressing challenges.
Forty finalists, including Matteo, were honored this evening during an award ceremony at the National Building Museum in Washington, D.C, where they were awarded more than $1.8 million in prizes for their groundbreaking research, exceptional problem-solving skills and potential to shape the future of STEM.
- Matteo Paz, 18, of Pasadena, California, won first place and $250,000 for designing machine-learning algorithms to efficiently comb through 200 billion entries of raw NEOWISE infrared full-sky data. By analyzing tiny changes in infrared radiation, the AI sorted the objects into 10 classes. He found 1.5 million new potential objects.
- Second place and $175,000 went to Ava Grace Cummings, 18, of Smithfield, North Carolina, for creating a fruit fly model of STAC3 disorder, or Native American myopathy (a rare genetic muscle disease). She discovered that the common nettle herb, when used alone or in conjunction with the experimental drug Tirasemtiv, enhanced movement in both adult flies and larvae.
In third place, Owen Jianwen Zhang, 18, from Bellevue, Washington, received a prize of $150,000 for solving a longstanding math problem related to 3-uniform hypergraphs. This achievement has significant applications in the field of computer science.
“The winners of this year’s Regeneron Science Talent Search deserve congratulations,” said Maya Ajmera, President and CEO of the Society for Science and Executive Publisher of Science News. “Their creativity and dedication give us hope for the future. These young scientists are developing innovative solutions that could transform our world and propel society forward.”
The Regeneron Science Talent Search provides a platform for high school seniors to present original STEM research that offers new solutions to real-world problems. Finalists are judged on scientific rigor, originality, critical thinking, leadership potential, and commitment to making a meaningful impact in STEM fields.
Other top honors from the competition include Logan Lee, Rivka Lipkovitz, Melody Heeju Hong, Kevin Shen, Minghao Zou, Thanush Patlolla, Ray Zhang, and Akilan Sankaran. All other finalists received $25,000 each. In total, Regeneron awarded $3.1 million in prizes, including $2,000 to each top scholar and their school.
Learn more about the Regeneron Science Talent Search at https://www.societyforscience.org/regeneron-sts/ and explore all the research projects at the Virtual Public Showcase. For media resources, visit https://www.societyforscience.org/2025-regeneron-science-talent-search-media-kit.
Society for Science is dedicated to promoting the understanding and appreciation of science and its role in human advancement. Established in 1921, the organization is known for its award-winning journalism through publications like Science News, as well as its science research competitions for students and outreach programs aimed at ensuring all students have opportunities in STEM fields. Explore more about Regeneron and its mission to develop life-transforming medicines for serious diseases at www.societyforscience.org. Stay updated by following Regeneron on social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Snapchat (Society4Science).
About Regeneron:
Regeneron (NASDAQ: REGN) is a leading biotechnology company dedicated to inventing, developing, and commercializing medicines that have a significant impact on people with serious illnesses. Founded and led by physician-scientists, Regeneron’s unique ability to translate science into medicine has resulted in numerous approved treatments and ongoing product development, many of which originated in their own laboratories. Their focus areas include eye diseases, allergic and inflammatory conditions, cancer, cardiovascular and metabolic disorders, hematologic conditions, infectious diseases, and rare diseases.Corporate Responsibility:
Regeneron believes that being a responsible corporate citizen is essential to fulfilling their mission. They strive to improve the lives of those with serious illnesses, promote a culture of integrity and excellence, and build sustainable communities. Regeneron’s commitment to corporate responsibility has earned them a place on the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index and the Civic 50 list of the most community-minded companies in the U.S. Through volunteering, pro-bono work, and matching gift programs, Regeneron empowers and supports their employees to give back to society. Their philanthropic efforts are focused on science education, including initiatives like the Regeneron Science Talent Search and the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF).For more information, visit www.Regeneron.com or connect with Regeneron on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, and X.
Media Contacts:
– Joseph Brown, Regeneron: 386-283-1323, [email protected]
– Gayle Kansagor, Society for Science: 703-489-1131, [email protected]In conclusion, Regeneron is a pioneering biotechnology company dedicated to developing groundbreaking medicines for serious diseases. Their commitment to corporate responsibility, philanthropy, and scientific education sets them apart in the industry. Stay informed about their latest developments and initiatives by visiting their website and following them on social media. Join Regeneron in their mission to make a difference in the world of healthcare and beyond. Please rephrase the text you would like me to rewrite.
