Taking part in high school biology contests is just another way to enhance your involvement in the life sciences, tap into self-imposed academic challenges, and add to your applications for colleges. Many contests provide students with the opportunities to display their understanding, abilities to conduct research, and creativity while partnering with dedicated peers and mentors. Biological contests will present students with formats that cover a variety of interests, and range from genetics to ecology, biotechnology, or oceanology, all providing opportunities to further build your STEM resume.
1. USA Biology Olympiad (USABO)
Location: Online and in-person finals (Marymount University, Arlington, VA)
Eligibility: All high school students in the US
Application Deadline: Registration opens in fall
Program Dates: Multiple rounds, finals in late spring
The USA Biology Olympiad has a widely recognized value among high school biology competitions in the United States. It includes two rounds of rigorous competitive examinations testing your broad knowledge of biological concepts and you laboratory skills. In the USABO contests you advance through rounds of testing based on your score on each individual round, to the final round for the top 20 competitors based on merit. The 20 finalists will participate in an intensive residential training course. The top 4 students from that course will be selected to represent the USA at the International Biology Olympiad with their peers from around the globe. Participating in the USABO contests in particular is not only a demonstration of your commitment to excellence academically but also to biology as a field.
2. International Biology Olympiad (IBO)
Location: Host country changes annually (2025: Quezon City, Philippines)
Eligibility: National team qualifiers
Application Deadline: Determined by national competitions
Program Dates: July 13–20, 2025
The International Biology Olympiad (IBO) is a prestigious gathering of the brightest high school biology. students from more than 70 countries. Contestants are given theoretical and practical exams which cover a plethora of topics across biology. The IBO is unique in that it creates an exciting opportunity for participation and international friendship for youths in technology and science. A student would be quite proud in having represented their country at an IBO event, and it would also serve as a coveted highlight on any aspiring biologist's resume.
3. Regeneron Science Talent Search
Location: Virtual and in-person finals (Washington, D.C.)
Eligibility: US high school seniors
Application Deadline: Early November
Program Dates: Finalist week in March
The Regeneron Science Talent Search (STS) is one of the top science competitions in the U.S. It includes high school seniors presenting original research projects in biology or closely related disciplines to the public. The finalists present their original research to a panel of scientists. The search offers amazing scholarships and awards for finalists and winners. More importantly, this is a time for celebration of original research and for students interested in joining the world of research and innovation.
4. National Ocean Sciences Bowl (NOSB)
Location: Regional and national competitions
Eligibility: High school students in teams
Application Deadline: Varies by region
Program Dates: Regional competitions in winter, nationals in spring
The National Ocean Sciences Bowl (NOSB) is a quiz bowl competition involving students across marine biology, oceanography, and environmental science. Within a team format, students are tasked to compete against other teams by showing what they know regarding marine ecosystems, conservation, and technology. NOSB is about students who care about the sustainability of marine life, and addressing environmental issues.
5. BioGENEius Challenge
Location: State, national, and international competitions
Eligibility: High school students
Application Deadline: Varies by state
Program Dates: Spring and summer
The BioGENEius Challenge features biotechnology and research innovation. Students complete independent research projects in various fields such as drug discovery, genetic engineering and environmental sustainability. The winners have the opportunity to share their research with local, national and international audiences with recognition and mentorship from leaders in the industry.
6. Plant the Moon Challenge
Location: Virtual
Eligibility: High school students
Application Deadline: September
Program Dates: September–January
The Plant the Moon Challenge sponsored by NASA is an opportunity for students to grow plants in simulated lunar soil growing conditions. With a unique challenge of blending biology, astronomy and engineering all in the same competition, students must think in interdisciplinary ways. The student competitors must design experiments, analyze results, and present their results to a panel of scientists as opposed to just report their action plan.
7. Biology Challenge (Royal Society of Biology)
Location: UK, but open to international participants in some cases
Eligibility: High school students
Application Deadline: Spring
Program Dates: Spring
The Biology Challenge is organized by The Royal Society of Biology. This competition focuses on aspects of biology that extend beyond the syllabus and aims to gauge an understanding and curiosity in Biology. The competition presents multiple-choice and short answer questions also covering content not usually taught such as molecular biology and ecology.
8. National Biology Competition (Canada)
Location: Canada (virtual option available)
Eligibility: Canadian high school students
Application Deadline: Early spring
Program Dates: Spring
The National Biology Competition hosted by the University of Toronto provides students the opportunity to tackle a series of questions in a range of biology fields including cell biology, genetics, evolution, and ecology. Each year, the top performers are awarded and recognized, and every year it serves as an amazingly positive experience for students who want to show their interest and passion for the breadth of biology as the science of Google is immense!
9. National Science Bowl
Location: Regional and national competitions
Eligibility: High school students in teams
Application Deadline: Varies by region
Program Dates: Regional competitions in winter, nationals in spring
The National Science Bowl is a rapid-fire quiz competition that tests student's knowledge of biology, chemistry, physics and mathematics. School-based teams and information is provided on python could be synthesised using water, the highest-scoring teams from the two regional competitions get to compete in the national finals. The National Science Bowl is suitable for students that like teamwork and the need to think quickly.
10. ASHG DNA Day Essay Contest
Location: Online
Eligibility: High school students worldwide
Application Deadline: Early March
Program Dates: Winners announced in April
The ASHG DNA Day Essay Contest invites students to write an essay on one of many genetics and genomics-based topics. The contest fosters critical thinking and communication skills as well. Winners of the contest receive prizes and recognition from the American Society of Human Genetics for their accomplishments.
These ten biology competitions present unique opportunities for high school students to push themselves, display their talents, and enhance a STEM resume. Every student has an area of interest, ranging from research, biotechnology, to environmental science.
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