SAPA Life Science
Research Talent Awards

Purpose

The SAPA Life Science Research Talent Awards are established to fulfil SAPA’s mission of promoting the advancement of pharmaceutical science and biotechnology and fostering the growth of next-generation pharmaceutical scientists. The goal of the SAPA Life Science Research Talent Awards is to encourage high school students to develop interests and skills in life science research and pursue higher education and careers in biomedical and pharmaceutical sciences.

General Guideline

SAPA calls on high school students to submit their science projects in the form of research reports for consideration of the Awards. The submitted reports will be evaluated by a panel of scientists based on innovation, scientific merits and potential impact on science and society.

The Awards include one First Prize ($1,500), one Second Prize ($1000), and one Third Prize ($500). The Awards will be announced and presented at the SAPA Annual Conference. Each Award winner will receive a plaque and a check. In addition, the award winners will have the opportunity to further their research experiences under the mentorship of professors and scientists and be recommended for internships in life science and pharmaceutical/biotech industries.

Eligibility

To be considered for nomination:

High school students in 9th to 12th grade.
US citizen or permanent residents.
Research projects must be in the area of biology, chemistry, or relevant biomedical, health, and pharmaceutical sciences.

Required application materials

A research report on the science project that describes the background, objectives, methods, samples (if relevant), data analysis, results, conclusions, and financial support. The report should not be more than two pages. The project must be completed at the time of submission.
A one-page personal statement that details your interest in science, your involvement in the submitted project, and your career aspirations.
A recommendation letter by the advisor of the science project.
The Award winners must submit a poster to be presented at the SAPA Annual Conference regardless of whether the winners can personally attend the conference or not. The Award check will not be issued without poster submission.

Application instruction

Fill an online application form.
Send the research report, personal statement, and recommendation letter as attachments to the following email: sapa_scholarship@sapaweb.org.

Selection Process and Timeline

A selection committee appointed by SAPA President’s Office will review all completed submissions and evaluation will be based on approved rubric. The finalists will be recommended to SAPA President’s Office and approved by SAPA Board of Directors.

Important Dates

Application deadline: the application form, research report, personal statement and recommendation letter must be submitted. (email date or postmark).

July 31, 2026