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ISS National Lab Unveils Funding for STEM Projects

The ISS National Lab has announced an exciting funding opportunity aimed at boosting education programs related to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). This initiative is especially designed for U.S.-based organizations including academic institutions, corporations, government agencies, and non-profits that are dedicated to enhancing workforce development and STEM education.

Overview of the Funding Opportunity

The initiative encourages proposals that utilize the unique conditions of the International Space Station (ISS) to prepare students for careers in the burgeoning field of space exploration. With a total funding pool of up to $350,000, the ISS National Lab intends to support two to three educational projects. The focus is on creating opportunities that engage post-secondary students while also enhancing K-12 education and providing professional development for educators.

One of the standout features of this solicitation is an upcoming informational webinar scheduled for February 27, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. EST. This webinar will provide an avenue for prospective applicants to comprehend the goals of the funding announcement, learn about educational opportunities related to the ISS, and pose questions directly to ISS representatives. Those interested in joining can find the registration link on the ISS website.

Project Goals and Examples

Proposals will be evaluated based on their potential to establish or enhance educational programs and partnerships utilizing space-based research. The applicants are required to articulate how their project will benefit students in their pursuit of STEM careers. A previous project, called Tomatosphere, serves as a prime example of success through this initiative. It allows K-12 students to study the effects of microgravity on tomato seed germination, thereby engaging over 3 million students across more than 24,000 classrooms in North America since its inception in 2001.

Another significant program recently funded under a similar initiative includes a course at the Cleveland Clinic that introduces students in medical fields to the principles of space medicine. This training features a simulated environment and focuses on important subjects like orthostatic hypotension, a medical condition of relevance both for astronauts and the general public, thereby enriching their understanding of empirical lab methodologies.

Submission Process

The proposal submission process consists of two steps. Interested parties must first provide a Step 1 Concept Summary by March 26, 2025. Invited applicants will then be required to submit full proposals by June 2, 2025. Detailed guidelines for both submission steps can be found on the research announcement webpage.

Importance of the ISS National Laboratory

The ISS serves as an unparalleled laboratory that promotes research and technological advances that cannot be performed on Earth. Managed by the Center for the Advancement of Science in Space (CASIS), the ISS National Lab enables commercial, educational, and scientific endeavors that impact life on Earth and cultivate necessary skills for future generations.

Through partnerships with government agencies, educational institutions, and industry, the ISS National Lab continues to grow as a dynamic platform for research and innovation. By supporting STEM education programs, it aims to inspire the next generation to explore and contribute to the field of space exploration and related scientific endeavors.

To learn more about the ISS National Lab and this funding opportunity, visit the official website, where you can find additional resources and information about how to apply.