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Partner with Us: Professional Learning

The logo for The New York Academy of Sciences.

Our Unique Approach to Career Development

The Academy offers early-career researchers unparalleled opportunities to learn and network across institutions, disciplines and industries. Our ultimate goal is to help them build the skills they will need to secure careers in the near-future as well as to prepare them for emerging roles in the ever-evolving workforce landscape. In addition to providing our own programming including workshops, courses and networking events, we also partner with a variety of non-profit organizations, academic institutions and for-profit companies to develop best-in-class professional development opportunities for more than 7,000 undergraduate and graduate students and postdoctoral fellows.  

Our Professional Learning programs include:  

  • Skill-Building Workshops include effective grant writing, securing research funding, communicating science, career planning and more. 
  • Online Courses enable researchers to earn career-building credentials in areas such as teaching and clinical research management. 
  • Leadership Training equips undergraduate/graduate students and postdocs with the soft skills they’ll need to succeed in today’s competitive marketplace. 
  • Fellowships attract talented international, interdisciplinary scholars to add to, and expand upon, the existing intellectual assets at the Academy through the exchange of new research and ideas from across the world.  
  • Mentoring allows young scientists to practice their science communication skills through outreach opportunities that connect them, either in-person or online, with STEM-interested students all over the world. 

Ways to Work with Us

There are several ways we partner with external organizations to offer our early career community with high-quality professional development opportunities:

  • Your organization can sponsor one of our established courses or workshops.
  • We can tailor your existing career-related course or workshop specifically for our network of early-career STEM professionals.
  • We can collaborate to develop a new course, workshop or event series that meets the needs of our community and aligns with your business objectives.
  • We can work together to develop a fellowship or awards program.

Impact Report

Download the New York Academy of Sciences STEM Education 10-Year Impact Report, 2024.

GENERATION STEM: Empowering Scientists of the Future

Download the Report

From the Academy Blog

Contact Us

To discuss ideas for partnering on a professional learning program, contact us at education@nyas.org.

IoT Smart Homes Challenge

Overview

In a two-year partnership with the Ericsson-created Center of Excellence (CoE), the Academy invited Omani youth to join the Junior Academy and participate in a series of Internet of Things (IoT) challenges and activities. Students and mentors from Omani industry and academia will participate in Challenges around the topic of ‘Internet of Things’ which will offer you opportunities to innovate and learn with peers and mentors around the globe.

Challenge

Design a smart home that integrates technology which collects, processes, and stores environmental and health information. The smart home you design should be sustainable and provide suitable feedback mechanisms for such information to promote sustainable energy use but also the physical and mental health of those living in the home. The design can include new innovations and/or alterations of existing technology.

In essence, the central challenge question you need to answer is:

How can a smart home create a healthier and more sustainable home environment?

Winners

The winning team, Smart Shelter, focused on using data—in particular, the interconnected web of computing devices and digital machines known as the Internet of Things (IoT)—to monitor energy, water and air quality/air usage and improve the efficiency of service provision in the shelters automatically. They also highlighted the use of data to enhance security, register new residents, and to keep track of unsheltered people at risk in order to direct them to shelters with available space.

Team members: Al-Zahraa A. (Team Lead) (Oman), Tahra A. (Oman), Miaad A. (Oman), Taher A. (Oman)

Mentor: Venkatesan Subramaniyan (India)

Read More

Sponsor

ericsson logo vertical

This program is made possible by a two-year partnership between the Academy and Ericsson-created Center of Excellence for Advanced Telecommunications and IoT. Throughout the program, Omani youth will build critically important 21st century skills, hone their entrepreneurial and innovation mindsets, and build their digital knowledge and leadership potential.

Urban Gardening – Get Growing!

Overview

Clifford Chance has partnered with The New York Academy of Sciences to launch innovation challenges in Kigali, Rwanda. The goal of this three-year program is to strengthen Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) education opportunities and enhance STEM workforce development in Kigali. We’re pleased to launch our latest Open Innovation Challenge and we seek innovative ideas for how to grow food in our own homes.

Students ages 13-17 in Kigali, Rwanda are invited to compete in an 10-week innovation challenge this Spring. During the challenge, students can form teams with peers and have access to research guidance from mentors via the Academy’s own virtual collaboration platform, Launchpad. The students then work together to develop an innovative, research-driven solution to address the challenge.

Challenge

Kigali, Rwanda has been hailed by the United Nations as a “model sustainable city” and is considered one of the most food-secure cities in Africa. Nonetheless, drought and competing needs for land-use continue to threaten food security. In the face of climate change and a growing urban population, students who take on this challenge will be tasked with considering how urban gardening can be a part of the solution. The need for low-cost or no-cost innovations will be critical.

Design an innovative approach to implement urban gardening in your home, school or neighborhood that increases access to nutritious food sources for your family and/or community.

Sponsor

The program is made possible through the support of Clifford Chance as a part of its Cornerstone initiative. Cornerstone is Clifford Chance’s flagship global pro bono and community investment initiative in Rwanda. The initiative is made up of a series of projects that are designed to help these communities overcome the barriers inhibiting improvements in well-being.

The Sciences

Featuring articles, news, and commentary on scientific developments of social and cultural interest, The Sciences magazine was a unique forum for examining issues in all areas of science—”a continuing feast for the mind and the eye.” Winner of seven National Magazine Awards, The Sciences was published from 1961 to 2001.

All 41 volumes of The Sciences are now available online. Access through the Wiley Online Library is free for Academy Members and subscribing libraries, and available on a pay-per-view basis for others.

Academy Members must first log in to access digital archives of The Sciences and other Academy publications.

View All Issues
A cover shot of the publication The Sciences.

The New York Academy of Sciences Digital Archive

A black and white photo of scientists in the early 20th century.

Request Access to the Digital Archive

The archive of The New York Academy of Sciences (spanning 210 years, from 1803 to 2013) encapsulates the history and development of natural science, technology, modern biomedical sciences, and educational engagement across the life span, while also documenting anti-intellectual sentiments — irrespective of national borders — toward science and scientists, providing a rich activist history of the pursuit of fact-based reasoning as well as equality and freedom from oppression.

If you are interested in accessing The New York Academy of Sciences Digital Archive, please email annals@nyas.org. Access to the Archive is limited to research purposes; any inquiry must be accompanied by a proposal for research.

Transactions

Transactions of the New York Academy of Sciences is a historical publication of The New York Academy of Sciences. Published as two series (Series 1, volumes 1–16, 1881–1897; and Series 2, volumes 1–41, 1938–1983), Transactions presents the scholarly and scientific proceedings of the Academy’s scientific Sections (e.g. anthropology, biology, physics and chemistry, oceanography and meteorology, mathematics and engineering, and geology and mineralogy) and of other scientific events and proceedings at the New York Academy of Sciences.

A sister journal to Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, Transactions provides a window on Academy scientific proceedings that cannot be found in Annals, and thus is a rich history of science in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries.

Browse Transactions
A cover shot of the publication Transactions of The New York Academy of Sciences.

Cybersecurity

Overview

The digital landscape is rapidly transforming as information, processes, and devices are increasingly connected in complex networks. Nearly everything is connected via the internet: homes, businesses, medical systems, monetary systems, infrastructure, and governments, just to name a few. At the same time, individual users of technology open themselves up to risks on a regular basis simply by using smartphones, tablets and laptops. These mobile computing devices are vulnerable to multiple types of cyber threats such as phishing, malicious apps, and ransomware. Relaxed security settings and the use of public Wi-Fi networks add on additional layers of risk. 

Thanks to our hyper-connectedness, these individual security breaches can have far-reaching consequences. With access to a singular password or social media account, cyber criminals have the potential to steal information and identities, crash networks, and even hold entire governments digitally hostage. Innovative cybersecurity solutions that address the vulnerabilities of mobile computing devices and their human users have the potential to make individuals, organizations, and the entire digital landscape more resilient and secure.

Winners

The winning team, Cybersafe, focused on developing software that enables Artificial Intelligence (AI) to interact with and enhance testing systems on smartphones, tablets, and laptops. In addition to this technological solution, the team members advocated for policy changes to better protect the public from cyberhackers.

Team members: Jessica K. (Team Lead) (United States), Ritwik D. (United States), Neha B. (United States), Bhavya D. (United States), Farah M. (Jordan)

Read More

Sponsor

NEOM is an accelerator of human progress and a vision of what a new future might look like. It is a region in northwest Saudi Arabia on the Red Sea being built from the ground up as a destination and a home for dreamers who want to be part of building a new model for exceptional livability, creating thriving businesses and reinventing environmental conservation.

NEOM will include hyperconnected, cognitive cities, ports and enterprise zones, research centers, sports and entertainment venues and tourist destinations. As a hub for innovation, entrepreneurs, business leaders and companies will come to research, incubate, and commercialize new technologies and enterprises in groundbreaking ways. Residents of NEOM will embody an international ethos and embrace a culture of exploration, risk-taking and diversity. Some of the most recent cities and destination launched by NEOM include:

  • THE LINE – A linear, cognitive city without cars that redefines urban living
  • Oxagon – An advanced manufacturing and innovation city with a floating platform
  • Trojena – A sustainable year-round mountain tourism destination

Family Science Nights

A young student participates in an art project.

Inspire Tomorrow’s Scientists Today

Research shows that interactions with STEM professionals can transform kids’ views of science, and positively impact their career aspirations. But most students in the New York area rarely have the opportunity to meet and interact with real scientists. That’s why the Academy created an outreach effort called Family Science Night, which recruits Academy Members, grad students, postdocs, and STEM professionals to spend an evening working with elementary and middle school students and their families by leading interactive, hands-on activities. Family Science Nights are typically held during the summer in underserved communities throughout New York City and last between 90 minutes and 2 hours.

Pop! Whiz! Fun!

Activities are geared for kids ages 6 to 12 and are science-based but firmly grounded in kid-approved formats, featuring things that fly or pop, for example. Past activities have included creating balloon rockets, paper airplanes, and popsicle stick catapults. These events help parents feel more comfortable with STEM content, and more importantly, allow students to become the experts and to think of themselves as scientists.  

How to Volunteer 

Qualified Family Science Night volunteers are: 

  • Undergraduate or graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, or professionals in a STEM field 
  • Passionate about serving their communities and inspiring curiosity and excitement about STEM topics among students 
  • Located within commuting distance of the New York City metropolitan area 

Stay Connected

To receive the latest news and important announcements for our education initiatives, including Family Science Nights, please log in. Navigate to My Account and, under Contact Preferences, select STEM Education Updates to subscribe to our newsletter.

Contact Us

To host a Family Science Night in your community, or to inquire about upcoming volunteer opportunities, contact education@nyas.org.

Scientist-in-Residence

A bookshelf full of colorful books.

Applications for the 2026-2027 Scientist-in-Residence Program are now open!

Overview
Become a Scientist-in-Residence

Why should you become a Scientist-in-Residence?

If you are a graduate student, postdoc or STEM professional and want to make a difference in the lives of students in the NYC area, then this program is for you! We’ll match you with a motivated STEM teacher and together you’ll create a hands-on, research based project for your students to work on throughout the year.

By serving as a role model and an example of a real-world scientist, you can inspire curiosity and excitement about STEM topics, and positively influence the career aspirations of students from underserved communities. Through the program, you’ll receive training and hands-on experience in teaching methods and strategies, and get the chance to develop your own mentorship skills.

Need more incentive? Accepted scientists will also receive a stipend and a yearlong Membership to The New York Academy of Sciences!

Apply to be a Scientist-in-Residence

Important Dates for 2026-2027*

  • May 29: Application deadline (note: all applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and qualified applicants will be contacted for a phone interview)
  • July 6: Accepted applicants notified

Mandatory events:

  • August 6: Scientist Orientation (virtual, 5:30-7:30 PM; scientists only)
  • August 29: Summer Institute Orientation Group 1 (in-person, 10 AM – 4 PM)
  • August 30: Summer Institute Orientation Group 2 (in-person, 10 AM – 4 PM)
  • October 20: Fall Individual Check-In (virtual, 5:30-7:30 PM)
  • November 10, 12, 16, or 18: Cluster Sessions (virtual, 5:30-6:30 PM)
  • January 27: Winter Institute Group 1 (in-person, 5:30-7:30 PM)
  • January 28: Winter Institute Group 2 (in-person, 5:30-7:30 PM)
  • March 16, 18, 22, or 24: Cluster Sessions (virtual, 5:30-6:30 PM)
  • May: Student Showcase (in-person, date TBD)

*This timeline is subject to change and will be confirmed before the start of the program.

It was exciting for me to see the enthusiasm of students when we first gave them their [laser thermometers]. We spent time on the school roof taking temperatures and learning how to best record data. I think the active nature of this exercise really helped students stay engaged.

—Scientist Participant, SiR 2022-23

Frequently Asked Questions

How much time is involved?
  • The program year runs from approximately Sept – May, during which time each SiR team will schedule at least 10 sessions for the scientist to visit the classroom.
  • Scientists and teachers will also meet outside of class time to develop their project and teaching as needed.
  • Scientists will attend training sessions (both virtual and in-person) in August as well as a planning session in October and January (see timeline above for more details).
  • All participants should also plan on attending the End-of-Program Celebration in May.
What are my responsibilities as a Scientist-in-Residence?
  • Specific responsibilities will differ depending on the circumstances of each teacher and classroom. At a minimum, scientists will collaborate with the teachers to develop a research project, supervise experiments, and support classroom instruction on project design and implementation, and in creating a final presentation.
  • Teams will be asked to submit regular progress reports and check in with the Program Manager as needed.
How much is the scientist stipend and will I be reimbursed for anything else?
  • Each SiR team will have a $500 budget for their project materials.
  • Upon completion of the program, participants will receive a stipend of $500. Limited travel reimbursements are also available for scientists to support travel to schools.
  • All participants will also receive a complimentary Membership to The New York Academy of Sciences.

Note: All participants will be required to complete necessary tax forms prior to receiving a stipend.

Who is eligible to apply?

Qualified Scientists are:

  • Graduate students, postdocs, or professionals from STEM disciplines who are interested in improving their pedagogical and communication skills and expanding their teaching experience
  • Located within commuting distance of New York City and/or willing to travel within the five boroughs
  • Available and committed to attend all trainings and meetings

Before entering schools, all applicants are subject to a background check, administered by the Department of Education using their social security number (at no cost to the scientist).

How do I apply?

Applications are open from April to June for the 2026-2027 program year.

Become a Host Teacher
Elizabeth, NJ
Program Sponsors

Stay Connected

To receive the latest news and important announcements for our education initiatives, including Scientist-in-Residence, please log in. Navigate to My Account and, under Contact Preferences, select STEM Education Updates to subscribe to our newsletter.

Contact Us

For more information, contact sir@nyas.org.

Afterschool STEM Mentoring Program

The logo for The New York Academy of Sciences.

We’re now recruiting mentors for the Fall Semester of the 2026–27 School Year!

Overview

Ignite Their Love for STEM!

Remember the pure curiosity of asking questions and finding new answers? Give that feeling to middle school students around New York City by conducting engaging extracurricular activities with them throughout the school year. In partnership with the NYC Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD), the Academy recruits STEM professionals to act as mentors in the Afterschool STEM Mentoring Program (ASMP). ASMP mentors are placed at one of our many afterschool sites around New York City.

Our Impact

Since our launch, we have placed almost 1,700+ scientists at afterschool programs around NYC, and impacted 23,000+ students. Check out the map below to see some of the schools where we’ve put an Afterschool STEM Mentor.

A logo for the "Anthem Awards 2025 Finalist"
Become a Mentor
Program Sponsors

Stay Connected

To receive the latest news and important announcements for our education initiatives, including the Afterschool STEM Mentoring Program, please log in. Navigate to My Account and, under Contact Preferences, select STEM Education Updates to subscribe to our newsletter.

Contact Us

For more information, contact asmp@nyas.org.

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