Science fairs are just one path into the world of STEM competition. Students interested in medicine, biology, and research have a wide range of other contests to explore, each offering its own way to sharpen skills, build a standout profile, and connect with the broader scientific community.
Whether a student is drawn to neuroscience, biotechnology, or original research, there is likely a competition suited to their interests. Below is a rundown of some of the most respected options, along with what it takes to enter and what students stand to gain.
HOSA-Future Health Professionals
HOSA is one of the largest health career competition organizations in the world, offering events that span medical assisting, patient care, and dozens of other health science categories at the middle school, high school, and post-secondary level.
To compete, students need to be active HOSA members in good standing and meet their chartered association's deadlines, with registration for the International Leadership Conference due by May 15.
Most competitors must have placed at the state level before advancing to the ILC. Winners earn scholarships, medals, and recognition, along with access to internship and professional development opportunities.
International Brain Bee
The International Brain Bee challenges high school students worldwide to master neuroscience, from brain anatomy to neurological disorders, through written and oral exams.
Students typically qualify by competing in their National Brain Bee first, and the competition is generally open to those between 13 and 19. Students in countries without an established Brain Bee chapter can look into starting one, and those who don't qualify to compete can still get involved through volunteering or mentoring.
Winners receive international recognition and prize money, along with entry into research and mentorship communities.
US Medicine and Disease Olympiad (USMDO)
USMDO tests students on cell biology, genetics, human physiology, and disease through a two-hour multiple-choice exam held each summer. Any high school student with an interest in medicine or healthcare can take part.
Top scorers earn gold medals and a spot representing the United States at the International Medicine and Disease Olympiad, along with recognition that can support future scholarship applications.
If you're interested in Olympiads as a whole, there are a lot of different ones, including Chemistry, Biology, and Physics.
International BioGENEius Challenge
BioGENEius is the leading global competition for original biotechnology research at the high school level, open to students with an interest in genetic engineering, drug discovery, or bioinformatics.
Entrants present original projects to expert judges, and top performers earn gold, silver, or bronze medals along with scholarship opportunities and a platform at the BIO International Convention.
High School Design Competition (HSDC) by Engineering World Health
The HSDC is a two-month challenge asks students to design healthcare solutions for low-resource settings, working solo or in groups of up to six with guardian permission. There's a modest entry fee, though waivers are typically available.
Winners gain recognition and the chance to see their solution make a real-world impact on global health access.
Conrad Challenge
The Conrad Challenge asks teams of two to five students, ages 13 to 18, from anywhere in the world, to pitch innovative solutions to global problems in health, nutrition, and energy. Winners receive scholarships and internships, along with an invitation to the Innovation Summit at the Kennedy Space Center.
eCYBERMISSION
Open to students in grades 6 through 9, eCYBERMISSION challenges small teams to apply STEM skills to real community problems under the guidance of an adult Team Advisor.
Awards escalate from state to regional to national level, with savings bonds ranging from a few hundred dollars up to $6,000 at maturity for national winners, plus an all-expenses-paid trip to the National Judging and Educational Event for regional winners.
Regeneron Science Talent Search (STS)
Regeneron STS is one of the most prestigious research competitions for high school seniors in the country. Students submit original STEM research, including work in medicine, and present it through written reports and interviews.
The competition awards up to $2 million annually across individual prizes, and finalists receive an all-expenses-paid trip to Washington, D.C. for final judging.
Junior Science and Humanities Symposium (JSHS)
JSHS invites U.S. high school students to present original STEM research, including in the medical sciences, through oral presentations and written reports. Scholarships run up to $12,000, with regional winners advancing to the National Symposium for additional prizes.
American Junior Academy of Science (AJAS)
Students nominated by their state academy of science present original STEM research at the AAAS Annual Meeting through posters and oral presentations, gaining direct feedback from professional scientists. Recognition includes certificates and the chance to build connections with researchers in the field.
Choosing the Right Fit for Your Project
With so many strong options available, the right competition often comes down to a student's specific research interests, timeline, and long-term goals.
A student passionate about biotechnology might find BioGENEius or Regeneron STS the better stage, while a student drawn to global problem-solving may thrive in the Conrad Challenge or eCYBERMISSION. Whatever the path, having an experienced coach to guide research design, data analysis, and presentation can make the difference between a strong project and a winning one.
Book a free consultation with an academic advisor to talk through which competition fits your student's project and how to prepare for it.
