From Idea to Publication-Ready Research

Work 1:1 with graduate mentors from Harvard, Stanford, MIT, and other top universities to design and develop an undergraduate-level research paper. With step-by-step publication support, students prepare projects for journals, conferences, and science fairs.

Open to middle and high school students worldwide.

Apply now

Download Program Guide

You’re eager to explore and showcase your solution to questions that matter

Middle and high schoolers today have big ideas and unique interests, from neuroscience to sustainability to artificial intelligence, but most need mentorship and structure to turn that curiosity into rigorous research with tangible results. With the right guidance, students can complete their work with confidence and prepare it for publication, competitions, portfolios, and college applications.

By the numbers

500+

Students served

350+

Mentors from top-25 universities

25,000+

Hours of mentoring delivered

$120,000+

In financial aid awarded

What is Nova Research?

We help students cultivate and showcase their interests in a specialized field by matching them with expert mentors to explore a unique research topic of their choice. The program provides a structured yet flexible approach, making it accessible to students at any experience level who are eager to refine their research skills and pursue their passions. By the end, students develop a strong foundation in academic research, gain deeper expertise in their field, and produce a high-quality research paper—many of which go on to be published in research journals, submitted to competitions, or used for college applications and scholarship opportunities.

Nova mentors are from top-25 universities

You deserve world-class support to reach your full potential. That’s why every Nova mentor is a graduate candidate, professor, or alumnus of a top-25 university, including Harvard, Stanford, and MIT. We want middle and high school students to create meaningful work that showcases their best selves.

The Nova Research Guarantee

Every student finishes with an undergraduate-level research paper, along with expert guidance and support for journal submission.

Learn more here ↗

No quality program can guarantee publication in reputable journals, since journals are independent. However, our publication experts, trained in high school research journals, provide personalized guidance to maximize each student’s chances of success.

Student Projects Showcase

See how Nova students have published in leading youth journals, competed in national science fairs, and presented their work on global stages.

See More Student Projects

Cultural Bias in Deep-Learning Models

Won 1st in Category at Washington State Science & Engineering Fair, Published in: Curieux Academic Journal

This research investigated how deep-learning systems interpret human emotions across different cultural groups. Two ResNet-18–based convolutional neural networks were trained on separate datasets: one made up of South Asian faces and the other primarily Caucasian (FER-2013). Testing revealed clear cultural bias—South Asian-trained models tended to label Caucasian expressions as “happy,” while Caucasian-trained models often identified South Asian expressions as “sad” or “angry.” After enriching each dataset with a small percentage of the other group’s images, accuracy across demographics improved significantly without reducing performance on the original group. The results show that modest diversification of training data can help reduce bias and improve fairness in emotion recognition systems used in sensitive domains like healthcare, law enforcement, and education.

Download report here ↗

The Ethics of Genetic Selection

Published in: Curieux Academic Journal

Emerging tools for genetic selection raise difficult ethical and social questions. Advocates see opportunities to lessen human suffering by reducing inherited conditions, while critics warn about reinforcing inequality and creating narrow definitions of genetic “normalcy.” Lessons from the history of eugenics illustrate the risks of exclusion and discrimination, and debates about disability highlight that quality of life is not easily defined. Access to genetic technologies is also shaped by socioeconomic inequality, adding another layer of concern. Responsible progress in this field depends on strong safeguards, inclusive decision-making, and a commitment to respecting human diversity.

Download report here ↗

What to Expect

With expert mentorship and built-in publication support, Nova students create research projects prepared for publication, competitions, and college applications.

Nova Research Standard

9 mentorship sessions + 1 publication support session (10 hours).

Ideal for students who want to explore a subject in depth, draft a college-level paper, and receive guidance for journal submission.

Nova Research Premium

15 mentorship sessions + 5 publication support sessions (20 hours).

Designed for students taking on complex projects, pursuing competitive publications, and preparing for research competitions, essay contests, and other advanced opportunities.

Need more support? Add-on publication support includes 3 additional sessions with a publication specialist, giving students personalized guidance at every step.

See Pod Topics

Learn more about publication here ↗

Download the Program Overview

Why do research in high school?

Stand out on your college applications

Showcase your intellectual curiosity, dedication to academics, and ability to engage with complex topics, all with the goal of making a meaningful impact on the world. As you prepare for college, admissions officers want to see what drives you and how you will use that to change the world.

Work with top researchers

Collaborate with experts at the forefront of their fields - all from the top 25 US universities. You will deepen your understanding of complex subjects and demonstrate your drive to learn from the best and apply that knowledge toward making an impact in your chosen area of study.

Cultivate your passions

Explore subjects you're passionate about in greater depth than traditional coursework offers. From the intricacies of space law to diving into cutting-edge GenAI applications, Nova allows you to push the boundaries of your learning and investigate emerging fields.

Learn advanced skillsets

From NLP to biotechnology, students acquire knowledge that can be applied to future internships and careers. This experience has also empowered students to take advanced classes, giving them a valuable head start on both academic and professional opportunities.

Why Nova Research Is Different

Download Program Guide

Hear from our students

Elena

I’ve always loved problem-solving, and AI opened up a whole new way to approach challenges.

Nova Research

Texas, USA

Keshav

We learned really cool things - from coding to GenAI. I wanted to learn about AI do this was a great experience.

Nova AI Fundamentals

California, USA

Richard

I’ve never been in an environment where learning felt so engaging. My Nova Research Mentor gave me the tools and confidence to tackle complex problems with creativity and rigor.

Nova Research

Washington, USA

Sia

All the hands-on projects made learning computer science and AI fun and exciting

Nova AI Fundamentals

Texas, USA

Druv

Despite not having a programming background, Nova Patent provided enough instruction, support, and an incredible team to help me succeed. I loved working on the app design and I felt that I was truly contributing to something meaningful.

Nova Patent

New York, USA

Jess

I thought I needed a strong programming background to understand AI, but Nova’s structured approach made it easy to learn, no matter my starting point.

Nova AI Fundamentals

Washington, USA

Brianna

Learning AI at Nova helped me see how it connects with my passion for healthcare. I now understand how AI can be used for medical diagnostics and research.

Nova AI Fundamentals

Illinois, USA

Raj

I really liked it - I learned so much! I'm excited to do research next

Nova AI Fundamentals

Texas, USA

Divya

I used to think AI was just for engineers, but Nova showed me how AI intersects with business, law, and even social justice.

Nova AI Fundamentals

New York, USA

Grace

I never imagined I’d be working on an app that people might actually want and even pay for as a student. Thanks to my team and mentor, I learned how to refine my ideas and transform them into something truly impactful

Nova Patent

Washington, USA

Taylor

The mentorship at Nova Research is unmatched. My mentor took the time to challenge my ideas, refine my methodology, and help me develop as both a thinker and a scientist.

Nova Research

Arizona, USA

Kate

Learning AI at Nova helped me see connections to fields I never expected—like environmental science, policy, and social impact.

Nova AI Fundamentals

Washington, USA

Bella

My mentor went above and beyond, providing personalized feedback, thoughtful discussions, and invaluable career advice. Their passion for research was contagious.

Nova Research

Rhode Island, USA

Anna

Maya was amazing - she knew a lot about AI and convinced me that electrical engineering was the path I wanted to explore next!

Nova AI Fundamentals

California, USA

Jessica

My mentor at Nova Research was more than just a guide—they were a true collaborator. Their expertise and encouragement pushed me to think deeper, work smarter, and grow as a researcher.

Nova Research

New Jersey, USA

Cassie

AI is changing the world, and Nova helped me understand how I can be part of that change. Now, I want to explore AI in environmental science!

Nova AI Fundamentals

New York, USA

Priya

I'm glad I did something productive over break! I also liked my cohort

Nova AI Fundamentals

Arizona, USA

How the Nova research program works

Done in cohorts 5x a year

Our traditional application cycles follow the Fall, Spring, Summer, Summer 2, and Winter terms, each with set application deadlines. While we encourage students to apply by the official deadlines, late applications may still be considered based on mentor availability and program capacity.

Conduct research on your own interests

Share your research interests during the application process, and we’ll help you get started on your research with a mentor who best aligns with your goals—from exploring healthcare innovations to shaping economic policy interventions, and beyond.

Access to the best mentorship - virtually

Gain guidance from expert mentors—PhDs, MDs, MSs, JDs, and MBAs from top 25 institutions—through a fully virtual experience. Our mentors provide personalized support to help you succeed from anywhere in the world.
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Two research pathways:

Nova Research Standard

Write college-level research paper with Nova publication support.

10 hour-long individual sessions with a Nova expert research mentor

1 hour-long publication support session and revision with a Nova Publication Expert

About 2.5 months long

Access to Nova's research resources, including our publication guides and databases, research best practices, and valuable tips and insights from our network of mentors.

Option to extend

Nova Research Premium

A college-level research paper with even more mentorship and Nova publication support.

17 hour-long individual sessions with a Nova expert research mentor

5 hour-long publication support session, including revisions and journal application strategy

About 2.5 - 4.5 months long

Access to Nova's research resources, including our publication guides and databases, research best practices, and valuable tips and insights from our network of mentors.

Option to extend

Our students deserve the best

Nova has the most extensive network of graduate-level mentors from the best universities. From building mobile apps to conducting research at the intersection of computational biology and music, you'll get to work with your best-fit mentor.

Shreya

MD/PhD candidate at Yale University

Biochemistry

Cell Biology

Medicine

Data Science

"I've always known I wanted to pursue medicine, but I was unsure of the specific path. Shreya was not only an amazing teacher but also instrumental in helping me delve deeper into pathology. She made the process less stressful by providing clear milestones, ensuring I stayed on track to complete an undergraduate-level paper I could proudly showcase."

Nova Research Student
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Rajesh

PhD candidate at Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Economics

Game Theory

Finance

Artificial Intellegence

"The one-on-one sessions with my mentor were the highlight of the program. They tailored their teaching to my learning style and helped me develop a comprehensive research strategy. This personalized attention was key to the success of my project."

Nova Research Student

Jesse

PhD candidate at Princeton University

Music Theory

Art History

Social Psychology

Data Science

”Working with Jesse was a transformative experience. They not only guided me through complex research methodologies but also inspired me to think critically and creatively. Thanks to her, I was able to publish my paper and gain confidence in my future in research.”

Nova Research Student

Arun

PhD candidate at Stanford University

Artificial Intelligence

Generative AI

Computational Biology

Computer Science

"Arun was an incredible research mentor and the best teacher I’ve ever had! He transformed complex concepts into achievable steps and shared insights from his own cutting-edge analyses that hadn’t even been published yet. Arun’s guidance not only pushed me to think critically but also made the journey enjoyable."

Nova Research Student

Carrie

PhD candidate at Harvard University

Classical History

Philosophy

Ancient Architecture

Archeology

"I was amazed to find a mentor who could support my specific interests in Greek history and philosophy. They balanced academic rigor with genuine care for my personal growth, providing both technical guidance and insightful career advice. Their mentorship helped me set and achieve long-term goals, and I'm amazed by how much I've grown through this experience."

Nova Research Student

Katherine

JD candidate at Harvard University

Law

Voter Participation

Democracy

United States Politics

"My mentor was incredibly supportive and approachable. They provided clear direction on my research project and helped me navigate the challenges of writing for publication. Their encouragement motivated me to strive for excellence and believe in my potential."

Nova Research Student

Meera

PhD Candidate at Stanford University

Computer Science

Artificial Intellegence

Human-Centered Interaction

”Having a mentor who has real-world industry experience made all the difference. They shared insights from their time at leading tech companies and helped me apply theoretical knowledge to practical projects. This guidance was crucial in developing my mobile app.”

Nova Patent Student

Want to hear more about mentors?

Read about them here ↗

Competition Pathway

For standout STEM projects, Nova offers a selective add-on that helps students prepare for top research competitions. From project refinement to presentation coaching, our mentors equip students with the skills to excel on competitive stages.

Ready to Compete?

Learn About the Competition Pathway ↗

Hear from our students

Jess

Nova AI Fundamentals

Washington, USA

I thought I needed a strong programming background to understand AI, but Nova’s structured approach made it easy to learn, no matter my starting point.

Brianna

Nova AI Fundamentals

Illinois, USA

Learning AI at Nova helped me see how it connects with my passion for healthcare. I now understand how AI can be used for medical diagnostics and research.

Priya

Nova AI Fundamentals

Arizona, USA

I'm glad I did something productive over break! I also liked my cohort

Elena

Nova Research

Texas, USA

I’ve always loved problem-solving, and AI opened up a whole new way to approach challenges.

Kate

Nova AI Fundamentals

Washington, USA

Learning AI at Nova helped me see connections to fields I never expected—like environmental science, policy, and social impact.

Divya

Nova AI Fundamentals

New York, USA

I used to think AI was just for engineers, but Nova showed me how AI intersects with business, law, and even social justice.

Jessica

Nova Research

New Jersey, USA

My mentor at Nova Research was more than just a guide—they were a true collaborator. Their expertise and encouragement pushed me to think deeper, work smarter, and grow as a researcher.

Taylor

Nova Research

Arizona, USA

The mentorship at Nova Research is unmatched. My mentor took the time to challenge my ideas, refine my methodology, and help me develop as both a thinker and a scientist.

Grace

Nova Patent

Washington, USA

Druv

Nova Patent

New York, USA

Keshav

Nova AI Fundamentals

California, USA

We learned really cool things - from coding to GenAI. I wanted to learn about AI do this was a great experience.

Anna

Nova AI Fundamentals

California, USA

Maya was amazing - she knew a lot about AI and convinced me that electrical engineering was the path I wanted to explore next!

Sia

Nova AI Fundamentals

Texas, USA

All the hands-on projects made learning computer science and AI fun and exciting

Richard

Nova Research

Washington, USA

I’ve never been in an environment where learning felt so engaging. My Nova Research Mentor gave me the tools and confidence to tackle complex problems with creativity and rigor.

Cassie

Nova AI Fundamentals

New York, USA

AI is changing the world, and Nova helped me understand how I can be part of that change. Now, I want to explore AI in environmental science!

Raj

Nova AI Fundamentals

Texas, USA

I really liked it - I learned so much! I'm excited to do research next

Bella

Nova Research

Rhode Island, USA

My mentor went above and beyond, providing personalized feedback, thoughtful discussions, and invaluable career advice. Their passion for research was contagious.

Other Nova testimonials

Explore Our Reviews

Hear from Our Publication Experts

At Nova, students are guided not only by academic mentors but also by publication specialists—peer reviewers and published researchers who help shape papers into journal-ready work. See how our experts support students from first draft to confident submission.
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