Society for Science &the Public and Regeneron chooses 40 finalists for the 2018 Regeneron Science Talent Search on January 23, 2018. Twelve of these finalists are reportedly Chinese-American students. [Photo: student.societyforscience.org]

Twelve Chinese-American students are reportedly among 40 finalists for the prestigious Regeneron Science Talent Search competition (Regeneron STS), also known as the "Nobel Prize for high school seniors", reports China News, citing American sources.

The aspiring scientists have been selected from 300 semi-finalists, who themselves were chosen from among 1,800 entrants.

They will be presenting their research projects to the public in March during the final, which will be held in Washington D.C.

This year's top 10 winners will be announced on March 13.

First established in 1942 as the Westinghouse Science Talent Search, the competition is designed to inspire and reward the next generation of scientific leaders who have the potential to change the world.

At least 8 STS alumni have since become Nobel Prize winners.