The S.-T. Yau High School Science Award, initiated by the renowned mathematician Prof. Shing-Tung Yau in 2008, is a prestigious scientific innovation award for high school students.  The Award has been included in the Ministry of Education's white list of competitions for the period from 2022 to 2025, 2025-2028. The Award is open to high school students worldwide and encompasses six basic subjects: mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology, computer science as well as economic and financial modeling. It emphasizes innovative thinking and teamwork, moving away from traditional test papers and standard answers, and instead encourages students to participate by submitting research reports. The Award upholds the principles of the Constitution and laws, implements the educational policies of the Party, adheres to the laws of education, teaching, and youth development, and is guided by the State Council's Outline of the Nationwide Scientific Literacy Action Plan (2021-2035). The Award aims to stimulate and enhance high school students' interest and ability in scientific research, identify and cultivate young scientific talents, develop their proficiency in mastering basic scientific knowledge, and promote the advancement of scientific research among teenagers in China.

The 19th S. -T. Yau High School Science Award (Mainland China Region) in 2026 in Mainland China, is sponsored by Tsinghua University, organized by Yau Mathematical Sciences Center. Registration will fully launch on July 1, with online registration channels simultaneously opened for the six subjects: mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology, computer science as well as economic and financial modeling.

Registration Information and Competition Rules

Eligibility: Open to middle school students globally (for the Mainland China Region, only high school students are eligible to participate).

Participation Method: Each participating team should consist of 1-3 middle school student(s) and 1-2 instructor(s), and submit a research report.

*Student: If students participate as a team, all members must be high school students enrolled at the same secondary school at the time of registration. Students from different schools are not allowed to form a team.

*Instructor: Instructor can be middle school teachers, teachers or professors in universities or scientific research institutes. Please submit all information based on fact. Instructors cannot be from companies, training institutions or any profit-seeking organizations. If the Organizing Committee has enough reasons to believe the research report is finished under the guidance of a commercial training institution, the Organizing Committee reserves the right to disqualify the participating team and prize won.

Registration Website: http://www.yau-awards.com

Award Setting: each subject sets Gold, Silver, and Bronze awards, as well as Honorable Mentions, with over ten teams being rewarded in each subject. Additionally, the highest award, the Grand Prize, will be presented.

Brief Agenda 2026

July 1 – September 15: Online Registration; submission/Update of Research Reports

September 16 – September 30: Material Review

October 1 – November 2: Regional Competition

November 3 – November 10: Public Display of Finalist Teams and Research Reports for the Global Finals

December 5 – December 6: Global Finals, Award Ceremony, and Science Forum

(Please note that the schedule is subject to final notification.)

For detailed participation rules, please visit: http://www.yau-awards.com/en/page-rule.html

For FAQs on registration, please visit: http://www.yau-awards.com/en/page-assessment.html