Learning - NYAS

Overview

Call for Applications

The Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development (AMED) and The New York Academy of Sciences (NYAS) are inviting applications for the Interstellar Initiative. The Interstellar Initiative aims to increase international and interdisciplinary collaboration uniting scientists within the early stages of their careers and catalyzing scientific advancement. Early Career Investigators (ECIs) worldwide are invited to apply for a competitive application review process. Awardees will be invited to a three-day workshop in New York City where they will engage in in-depth discussions to identify research topics and develop research plans. Working in three-person international teams—formed by NYAS and AMED—participants will receive comprehensive support, including mentorship from distinguished researchers, specialized training, and funding (1.92 million Japanese Yen) to enhance collaboration. This support will help refine their research plans and strengthen their ability to secure future research funding.

The 2025-2026 Interstellar Initiative will address challenges in the area of basic research to elucidate the complex mechanisms of living organisms. Research topics may include biological functions or pathological conditions at all levels of analysis: for example, studies on genes and individual molecules, intracellular networks, intercellular associations in tissues and organs, and networks underlying the complex functions of entire organisms. Translational research topics are discouraged.

What is the Interstellar Initiative?

Collaboration is key to truly innovative scientific discoveries and advancement. The Interstellar Initiative connects Early Career Investigators (ECIs) with peers, in related but distinct disciplines, under the guidance of mentors who are established scientists at the forefront of their respective academic fields. This is a remarkable opportunity for ECIs to: (i) network with exceptional researchers from around the world; and (ii) build international research collaborations; (iii) receive expert guidance from leading senior scientists on the preparation of a compelling research proposal.

Why Apply for the Interstellar Initiative?

Scientists emerge from the Interstellar Initiative program with: a lifelong network of smart, ambitious peers from across the world, the recognition of being selected for this competitive program, experience working with others from a broad range of scientific disciplines, elevated communication and interpersonal skills gained through cross-cultural collaboration, knowledge of how to develop a stress-tested research proposal that is ready for submission, the gratification of working on a life-improving solution for a basic research challenge.

“International collaboration is critical in many fields. From infectious disease outbreaks to cancer treatment and drug development, we can accomplish much more when we reach out, shake hands, and collaborate.”
—Makoto Suematsu, MD, PhD, Former President of AMED and the Founder of Interstellar Initiative

Presented By

Key Dates

April 15, 2025: The application period opens 10:00 AM April 15 (JST), 9:00 PM April 14 (EDT).
May 22, 2025: The application period closes 1:00 PM May 22 (JST) 11:59 PM May 21 (EDT).
Mid July 2025: Successful applicants will be notified.
August 2025: Orientation session (virtual) will be held.
August-September 2025: ECIs will be matched and grouped into teams.
September 17-19, 2025: Interstellar Initiative workshop will be held in New York City.
After the workshop: Teams will continue to develop their research proposals with mentorship from senior scientists.

Eligibility and Proposal Guidelines

Eligibility

Applications are invited from ECIs who have backgrounds in the following broad categories:

Biomedical Research
Life Sciences
Physical/Natural Sciences
Biotechnology/Analytical technology (including data/computer science)

To be eligible, an applicant should have the following:

Hold a doctoral degree or equivalent (PhD, DPhil, MD, DDS, DVM, etc.)
Have obtained their last doctoral degree within the last 10 years*
Have been engaged in active research for 10 years or less since obtaining their doctoral degree or equivalent.
Have ever obtained research grant on their own to carry out their research projects for more than 2 years or hold a tenure-track or equivalent faculty position at a university, private research institution, academic medical center, or national government laboratory
Be proficient in speaking and writing in English for the purpose of professional science communication.
Have never participated in the Interstellar Initiative activities/workshops of the previous rounds.

Note: Exceptions to these requirements may be made on a case-by-case basis at the discretion of the organizers. If you have questions about your eligibility, please contact interstellar@nyas.org.

*Extensions to this timeline will be made in certain cases such as a pause for family leave.

Proposal Guidelines

The application includes a request for a short proposal as outlined below. In addition to application to the portal, applicants who belong to Japanese institutions should submit their application to the e-Rad portal (https://www.e-rad.go.jp/en/).

ECIs must prepare a proposal that addresses the following:

Identify a critical research question in basic science, emphasizing its significance and potential impact, and outline a research plan detailing how your expertise can contribute to addressing this question. Include how you would aim to enhance this proposal through your participation in the Interstellar Initiative. Please note that this proposal is a starting point for team matching and idea development and may not be the final project you work on during the initiative.

Proposals may not exceed 1,000 words in length, must be in English, and must address the evaluation criteria outlined below. A supplementary figure may be included but is not required. The proposal should also include a few sentences defining the methodology, why the proposal is unique or different from existing research, and what will be known once there is an answer from the experiments.

Evaluation Criteria

Clarity: There is a clear, well-defined question. The aims are structured so that they answer a specific question.
Scope: The extent to which the proposed research question represents a challenge impacting the entire field and not solely the interests of the applicant.
Quality: The extent to which the proposed research question is defended and the research solution is valid and scientifically rigorous.
Impact: The extent to which the proposed research solution may influence the field.
Novelty: The extent to which the proposed research solution challenges existing paradigms and employs new methodologies or concepts.
Promise: Future prospects in the field and potential for further significant contributions to science.

Details

Selection Process

Up to twenty-four applicants will be selected and grouped into international teams and interdisciplinary teams of three researchers, matched largely based on their areas of interest. Through participation in the workshop, each team is expected to identify a research topic that utilizes the expertise of all team members, and to develop a research proposal with guidance from mentors. All teams will consist of one member who belongs to a Japanese institution (the Principal Investigator) and two from different areas of the world.

Each team will receive a maximum funding of 1.92 million Japanese Yen (direct cost) from AMED, administered through the Principal Investigator’s institution in Japan, to strengthen their proposals. This support can be primarily used for travel to facilitate in-person meetings with team members, but also may be used to acquire reagents and supplies for generating preliminary data if needed. PIs will be responsible for managing the funding for the entire team.

View eligibility and proposal guidelines.

After Selection

Successful applicants will participate in an orientation session (virtual) in August and a three-day workshop in New York City in September 2025. All travel expenses to New York City will be covered.

Teams are carefully matched before the workshop and strongly encouraged to connect virtually ahead of the in-person event. During the New York City workshop, teams meet in person, build connections, and collaboratively identify complementary research areas to develop a joint research concept under the guidance of their mentors. At the end of the workshop, teams present their ideas to the mentors and fellow ECIs for feedback.

Please note that if one of the eligibility requirements is no longer met at any point after selection until the end of March 2025, the successful applicant will be deemed ineligible and withdrawn from the Interstellar Initiative Program.

If a team member cannot be contacted for 14 days, they shall be deemed to have withdrawn from the Interstellar Initiative.

At the end of the program, teams are encouraged to submit their proposals for funding, however this is not mandatory. Examples of agencies targeted by teams include the Human Frontier Science Program (HFSP), the National Research Foundation (NRF) Singapore, the Alzheimer’s Association, The Wellcome Trust (UK) and the Michael J. Fox Foundation, among others.

View important dates.

Travel and Accommodation

Breakfast and lunch will be provided for the duration of the workshop. Eligible participants will receive:

A 4-night stay at an Academy partner hotel for the September Workshop.
A $157.50 travel stipend for their transportation to and from airports and train stations for the September Workshop.
Reimbursement up to the maximum limits outlined below for economy class air travel (or train/car travel) and travel insurance for each workshop.

Airfare, Train fare, or Car Mileage/Parking Maximum Reimbursement Totals (includes travel insurance):

From the Tri-State Area (outside NYC) to NYC: Up to USD $168.00
From East Coast USA to NYC: Up to USD $420.00
From Middle USA to NYC: Up to USD $504.00
From West Coast USA to NYC: Up to USD $630.00
From Canada, Central/South America, Europe to NYC: Up to USD $924.00
From Africa, Asia, Africa, Australia, Middle East to NYC: Up to USD $1,932.00
From Japan: Up to USD $1,932.00

Please note that according to the Academy’s travel policy, participation in this workshop does not include travel reimbursements or accommodation for individuals who are local to metro New York City.

Program Successes

“In this stimulating environment, projects transformed, matured, and perfected right in front of our eyes. Everyone gained something from this eye-opening experience, including ideas, partnerships, and new collaborators.”
—Li Li, MD, Director of Laboratory of Translational Cancer Research and an Associate Director of Laboratory of Cellular Immunology, Ochsner Clinic Foundation

Finding a Common Thread

When mechanical engineer Carlotta Mummolo, PhD, neurobiologist Eleni Gourgou, PhD, and neuroscientist Teppei Matsui, PhD, teamed up in the Interstellar Initiative, their first task was finding common ground. “We have such diverse backgrounds that I initially joked we were speaking different languages,” Mummolo said in a group interview.

Mummolo, from the New Jersey Institute of Technology, is a roboticist who works with humans. Matsui, from the University of Tokyo, uses rodents to study brain imaging. Gourgou, from the University of Michigan, studies roundworms. How could they possibly tap their diverse expertise to find a research question in healthy aging, the focus of the 2019/2020 Interstellar Initiative?

“We tried to find a common thread that allows us to use three different organisms as three different approaches to address the same target, Gourgou said. “That thread turned out to be locomotion and cognition.” Mummolo added, “this is the novelty of our project, because assessments of motor and cognitive performance are usually done separately. But we wanted to integrate them and look for a methodology that translates across species.”

The team said their research project was aided by mentors, who offered good advice to make their project as appealing as possible to grant reviewers. “One of our mentors told us something that I’ve kept in mind throughout this project,” Mummolo said. “She told us to focus on integration, innovation, and impact. That was very helpful.”

Matsui explained why he thought the global collaboration at the heart of the Interstellar Initiative was especially valuable for research in the life sciences. “Biology is becoming a ‘big science’ these days, and it is necessary to form a big team of experts to do cutting-edge science,” he said. “For small countries like Japan, it can be difficult to find experts within the country.”

Matsui also had a good final word in the discussion: “I’d encourage young scientists to apply for the Interstellar Initiative.”

Coming up with a New Approach

When a radiation oncologist, an immunologist, and a mechanical engineer teamed up during the 2018/2019 Interstellar Initiative, they pulled themselves out of an early failure. “During preliminary experiments, we found that our initial proposal wouldn’t have worked,” said Michael Pacold, MD, PhD, of New York University. Taisuke Kondo, PhD, of Keio University, elaborated: “The therapy we were proposing was potentially very dangerous because of adverse effects for normal lung tissues.”

The pair, and Edmond Young, PhD, of the University of Toronto, were looking for a research project in the field of pancreatic cancer. As they collaborated virtually, after their first in-person workshop, they settled on an alternative approach. They would study metabolic features of the disease that make it insensitive to therapies that can be effective against other types of cancer.

“This new approach makes for a more focused grant,” said Young. “We’re answering a basic question that could have major impact across the board in basic science. The Interstellar Initiative has been very helpful. The first workshop was a meet-and-greet, shaking hands and getting to know one another. Six months later we have met again to parse out further details and receive mentored feedback.”

Pacold summed things up: “In science you have to be comfortable with the realization that you will be wrong. Often. Don’t be afraid of being wrong, look at what the data is telling you and adjust accordingly.”

New Strategies to Restore Neuronal Function

When Japanese physicist Kumiko Hayashi of Tohoku University and neuroscientist Ephraim Trakhtenberg of the University of Connecticut met during the 2017 Interstellar Initiative, the synergies between their work were not immediately obvious. Through the Interstellar Initiative program, they discovered common ground that led to an exciting new research proposal. Hayashi and Trakhtenberg aimed to devise new strategies to restore neuronal function following injury. As human cells mature, their ability to replicate is severely reduced. This phenomenon is especially prevalent in the brain, where the creation of new neurons exists only at very low levels in adulthood. Trakhtenberg’s work suggests that motor proteins may be involved in this loss. “If we can understand the dynamics of these proteins, we may be able to reverse the process,” he said., During the past several years, Hayashi developed novel algorithms that can be applied to motor protein measurement and analysis. “I don’t know much about neuroscience,” she said, “but it turns out that my algorithms can illuminate some mechanisms of the brain.” Using Hayashi’s algorithm and Trakhtenberg’s motor proteins expertise, the two hope to identify new therapeutic approaches that will help to increase the regeneration of neuronal function following injury.

Questions

Please email interstellar@nyas.org with any questions.

Innovation Challenges

Overview

For over a decade, the Academy has worked with partners across industry, academia, and government to offer Innovation Challenges, virtual competitions that engage student innovators to apply their curiosity and creativity to solve real-world problems. Using the Academy’s unique online platform, Launchpad, participants collaborate on project-based activities while spanning time zones and cultures. Browse our current Innovation Challenges as well as past Challenges below.

Active Challenges

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The construction and presence of wind turbines can disrupt marine life behavior and more. Design and plan offshore wind farms with the least negative impact on marine life that support and even increase biodiversity."},{"id":29273,"link":"https:\/\/www.nyas.org\/learning\/high-school-research-programs\/innovation-challenge\/energy-infrastructure-solar-power\/","name":"energy-infrastructure-solar-power","thumbnail":{"url":"https:\/\/www.nyas.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/energy-infrastructure-innovation-challenge.jpg","alt":"Solar panels."},"title":"Energy Infrastructure: Solar Power","author":{"name":"The New York Academy of Sciences","link":"https:\/\/www.nyas.org\/author\/klam\/"},"date":"Sep 4, 2025","dateGMT":"2025-09-04 18:52:52","modifiedDate":"2025-09-04 20:44:06","modifiedDateGMT":"2025-09-04 20:44:06","commentCount":"0","commentStatus":"closed","categories":{"coma":"","space":""},"taxonomies":{"feature":"","ic-stage":"<a href='https:\/\/www.nyas.org\/ic-stage\/challenge-is-active-and-open-for-applications\/' rel='ic-stage'>Challenge is Active and Open for Applications<\/a>","program-category":"<a href='https:\/\/www.nyas.org\/program-category\/innovation-challenge\/' rel='program-category'>Innovation Challenge<\/a><a href='https:\/\/www.nyas.org\/program-category\/junior-academy\/' rel='program-category'>Junior Academy<\/a><a href='https:\/\/www.nyas.org\/program-category\/learning\/' rel='program-category'>Learning<\/a>","scientific-theme":"<a href='https:\/\/www.nyas.org\/scientific-theme\/health-disease\/' rel='scientific-theme'>Health & Disease<\/a><a href='https:\/\/www.nyas.org\/scientific-theme\/sustainable-planet\/' rel='scientific-theme'>Sustainable Planet<\/a>"},"readTime":{"min":2,"sec":23},"status":"publish","excerpt":"In an increasingly electrified world, shifting from fossil fuel dependence to renewable energy is necessary to sustainably meet the growing demand. Making this transition will require 2 areas of innovation. What innovative solution could you design to make the shift from traditional energy sources to renewable solar energy a reality?"}]

Previous Challenges with Resources

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In this challenge, you will focus on one \u201cextreme environment\u201d and propose a comprehensive solution to sustain life there."},{"id":23521,"link":"https:\/\/www.nyas.org\/learning\/high-school-research-programs\/innovation-challenge\/air-quality-health\/","name":"air-quality-health","thumbnail":{"url":"https:\/\/www.nyas.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/ja-air-quality-health-scaled.jpg","alt":""},"title":"Air Quality & Health","author":{"name":"The New York Academy of Sciences","link":"https:\/\/www.nyas.org\/author\/klam\/"},"date":"Feb 13, 2025","dateGMT":"2025-02-13 17:40:37","modifiedDate":"2025-09-04 16:19:59","modifiedDateGMT":"2025-09-04 16:19:59","commentCount":"0","commentStatus":"closed","categories":{"coma":"","space":""},"taxonomies":{"feature":"","ic-stage":"<a href='https:\/\/www.nyas.org\/ic-stage\/challenge-is-complete-resources-are-available\/' rel='ic-stage'>Challenge is Complete; Resources are Available<\/a>","program-category":"<a href='https:\/\/www.nyas.org\/program-category\/innovation-challenge\/' rel='program-category'>Innovation Challenge<\/a><a href='https:\/\/www.nyas.org\/program-category\/junior-academy\/' rel='program-category'>Junior Academy<\/a><a href='https:\/\/www.nyas.org\/program-category\/learning\/' rel='program-category'>Learning<\/a>","scientific-theme":"<a href='https:\/\/www.nyas.org\/scientific-theme\/health-disease\/' rel='scientific-theme'>Health & Disease<\/a><a href='https:\/\/www.nyas.org\/scientific-theme\/sustainable-planet\/' rel='scientific-theme'>Sustainable Planet<\/a>"},"readTime":{"min":2,"sec":51},"status":"publish","excerpt":"Air quality has been a known health issue to people and cultures around the world for hundreds of years. Today air pollution is believed to account for 7 million deaths annually, most of which are the result of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Design a technical solution to address a key source of pollution."},{"id":18867,"link":"https:\/\/www.nyas.org\/learning\/high-school-research-programs\/innovation-challenge\/ethical-ai\/","name":"ethical-ai","thumbnail":{"url":"https:\/\/www.nyas.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/2024-Fall-Innovation-Challenge-Ethical-AI.jpg","alt":""},"title":"Ethical AI","author":{"name":"The New York Academy of Sciences","link":"https:\/\/www.nyas.org\/author\/klam\/"},"date":"Sep 20, 2024","dateGMT":"2024-09-20 19:29:39","modifiedDate":"2025-09-03 20:43:18","modifiedDateGMT":"2025-09-03 20:43:18","commentCount":"0","commentStatus":"closed","categories":{"coma":"","space":""},"taxonomies":{"feature":"","ic-stage":"<a href='https:\/\/www.nyas.org\/ic-stage\/challenge-is-complete-resources-are-available\/' rel='ic-stage'>Challenge is Complete; Resources are Available<\/a>","program-category":"<a href='https:\/\/www.nyas.org\/program-category\/innovation-challenge\/' rel='program-category'>Innovation Challenge<\/a><a href='https:\/\/www.nyas.org\/program-category\/junior-academy\/' rel='program-category'>Junior Academy<\/a><a href='https:\/\/www.nyas.org\/program-category\/learning\/' rel='program-category'>Learning<\/a>","scientific-theme":"<a href='https:\/\/www.nyas.org\/scientific-theme\/science-in-society\/' rel='scientific-theme'>Science in Society<\/a>"},"readTime":{"min":2,"sec":24},"status":"publish","excerpt":"AI is changing the landscape of the world as we know it. How can we maximize the benefits of AI while also implementing useful boundaries to minimize the disadvantages and dangers? In this challenge, you will develop a solution to address one specific issue that AI poses."}]

From the Academy Blog

An inside look at our innovation challenges teams and their impressive accomplishments.

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Ecosystems\u201d"},{"id":9784,"link":"https:\/\/www.nyas.org\/ideas-insights\/blog\/students-team-up-to-solve-global-stem-alliance-challenges\/","name":"students-team-up-to-solve-global-stem-alliance-challenges","thumbnail":{"url":"https:\/\/www.nyas.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/hands-1024x354.jpg","alt":""},"title":"Advancing Science of the Global Public Good","author":{"name":"The New York Academy of Sciences","link":"https:\/\/www.nyas.org\/author\/nyas_dev_admin\/"},"date":"Aug 12, 2020","dateGMT":"2020-08-12 17:55:08","modifiedDate":"2025-11-04 20:30:11","modifiedDateGMT":"2025-11-04 20:30:11","commentCount":"0","commentStatus":"closed","categories":{"coma":"<a href=\"https:\/\/www.nyas.org\/category\/covid\/\" rel=\"category tag\">COVID<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nyas.org\/category\/dei\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion<\/a>","space":"<a href=\"https:\/\/www.nyas.org\/category\/covid\/\" rel=\"category tag\">COVID<\/a> <a 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students from 11 countries win international challenges in various categories."},{"id":2927,"link":"https:\/\/www.nyas.org\/ideas-insights\/blog\/can-these-high-school-students-improve-the-diagnosis-of-rare-diseases\/","name":"can-these-high-school-students-improve-the-diagnosis-of-rare-diseases","thumbnail":{"url":"https:\/\/www.nyas.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/Can-These-High-School-Students-Improve-the-Diagnosis-of-Rare-Diseases.png","alt":"Five high school students pose for the camera."},"title":"Improving the Diagnosis of Rare Diseases","author":{"name":"The New York Academy of Sciences","link":"https:\/\/www.nyas.org\/author\/nyas_dev_admin\/"},"date":"Oct 18, 2019","dateGMT":"2019-10-18 12:55:31","modifiedDate":"2025-11-04 20:38:13","modifiedDateGMT":"2025-11-04 20:38:13","commentCount":"0","commentStatus":"closed","categories":{"coma":"<a href=\"https:\/\/www.nyas.org\/category\/neuroscience\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Neuroscience<\/a>","space":"<a 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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)

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.

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)

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

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

Applications for the 2026–2027 Scientist-in-Residence Program will open in Spring 2026.

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!

Important Dates for 2025 – 2026:

June 13: Applications deadline (note: all applications are reviewed on a rolling basis and qualified applicants will be contacted for a phone interview)
July 25: Accepted applicants notified

Mandatory events:

August 8: Scientist Orientation (virtual; scientists only)
August 23: Summer Institute Orientation Group 1 (in-person)
August 24: Summer Institute Orientation Group 2 (in-person)
October 20: Fall Individual Check-In (virtual)
November 12, 13, 18, 20: Cluster Sessions (virtual)
February 4: Winter Institute Group 1 (in-person)
February 5: Winter Institute Group 2 (in-person)
March: Cluster Sessions (virtual)
May: Student Showcase (in-person, date TBD)

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

How do I apply?

Applications are open from approximately May – June each year.
Prior to entering schools, all applicants are subject to a background check, administered by the Department of Education and the Department of Health (at no cost to the scientist).

Become a Host Teacher

Why should you become a SiR Host Teacher?

By becoming a Scientist-in-Residence Host Teacher you’ll have the chance to bring a real Scientist into your classroom to help motivate and inspire your students. Together, you and your partner will develop an inquiry-based project that encourages students to think critically using the scientific method, while also expanding your repertoire of replicable STEM lesson plans. Host Teachers in past cohorts have reported higher engagement with their students and the added benefit of updating their curricula to incorporate current scientific topics and methodologies.

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

Important Dates for 2025 – 2026:

June 13: Applications deadline (note: all applications are reviewed on a rolling basis and qualified applicants will be contacted for a phone interview)
August 1: Accepted applicants notified

Mandatory events:

August 23: Summer Institute Orientation Group 1 (in-person)
August 24: Summer Institute Orientation Group 2 (in-person)
October 20: Fall Individual Check-In (virtual)
November 12, 13, 18, 20: Cluster Sessions (virtual)
February 4: Winter Institute Group 1 (in-person)
February 5: Winter Institute Group 2 (in-person)
March: Cluster Sessions (virtual)
May: Student Showcase (in-person, date TBD)

I got to enhance our Human Body System unit, which felt a bit dense and abstract for our students last year. I’m excited to introduce it through the lens of neuroscience thanks to the partnership with our scientist.
—Teacher 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.
Teachers will attend an in-person training session in August, as well as a planning sessions in October and January (see above timeline for more details).
All participants should also plan on attending the End-of-Program Celebration in May with representatives from their class.

What is my responsibility as a SiR Host Teacher?

Prior to the scientist’s first visit, Host Teachers will prepare students and the school for the implementation of the Scientist-in-Residence program.
Teachers will collaborate with their partner scientist to ensure the project and related activities are aligned with STEM standards and provide support in classroom management and content delivery.
Teachers will coordinate the attendance and participation of students in our End-of-Program showcase.
Teams will also be asked to submit regular progress reports and check in with the Program Manager as needed.

How much is the teacher stipend and will I be reimbursed for anything else?

Each SiR team will have a $500 budget for their project materials and supplies.
Upon completion of the program, participants will receive a stipend of $500.
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 receiving a stipend.

Who is eligible to apply?

Qualified Host Teachers are:

New York City public/charter school science teachers in grades 2-12, who are interested in implementing a year-long STEM project and welcoming a scientist into their classroom
Have at least 1 full year of teaching experience
Available and committed to attend all trainings and meetings
Dedicated teachers who are open to continuing the project or implementing it with different cohorts of students after the program

How do I apply?

Applications are open from approximately May – June each year.

Program Sponsors

Overview

Building on over a decade of programming success in NYC, the Scientist-in-Residence (SIR) program expanded to Elizabeth, New Jersey, in 2023. This exciting growth marks a new chapter for the program, where we hope to bring authentic mentorship and hands-on STEM experiences to students beyond the five boroughs.

Impact

Through SIR NJ, students have the opportunity to meet and engage with scientists who share their passion for STEM and their own career journeys. Students participate in hands-on activities that allow them to discover the joy and creativity inherent in scientific thinking, and to see themselves as capable science thinkers and learners.

During the 2024-25 school year, one third-grade classroom had students go beyond traditional textbook learning and build coastal models with real sand to help them understand concepts of beach erosion and its impact on human and animal communities. Another fifth-grade class was able to incorporate a field trip to Kean University, where they toured a greenhouse and a geology and biogeochemistry lab, allowing them to see firsthand the work scientists in their area are engaged in.

Through these experiences, students can connect what they learn in the classroom with real-world applications.

“[The] program seamlessly integrated with our existing curriculum. The scientist was excellent at developing and delivering lessons that directly aligned with our learning standards…. The excitement and engagement from my students during the scientist’s visit were palpable, and it reinforced the value of bringing real-world scientific expertise into the classroom. I’m very much looking forward to my students participating in the program again next year.”
—SIR NJ Teacher

Applications for SIR NJ are currently closed. Educators and Scientists interested in participating should check back in Summer 2026 to apply for the next cohort.

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

Overview

Become a Mentor

Why should you become a Mentor?

Young people who have the opportunity to meet real scientists and engineers — and who are exposed to science through active inquiry-based learning — are more likely to pursue careers in STEM. Yet many children have never met or interacted with a “real” scientist, particularly in the most underserved neighborhoods. By being students’ positive role model as a real-world scientist or engineer, you can inspire curiosity and excitement about STEM topics, and positively influence the career aspirations of young minds.

Mentor Qualifications

ASMP Mentors are research fellows, undergraduate and graduate students, postdocs, transitional scientists, or R&D specialists.
Must be passionate about inspiring youth to pursue STEM mindset, studies, and careers
Must be willing to complete the program training and adhere to the mentorship schedule
Must be local to the NYC area
Must be prepared to complete a background check administered by the Department of Youth and Community Development (at no cost to you).
Willing to complete an online compliance training, adhering to local and state policies regarding working with minors. (These are done at no cost to you.)
Note that some sites may also require a health form signed by a doctor.

Apply Today

We’re now recruiting mentors for the Spring Semester of the 2025–26 School Year!

For the Spring 2026 term, mentors commit to facilitating one-hour STEM sessions once per week for 10 weeks between February and June 2026.

Mentors receive training in STEM curriculum and youth development and work alongside Classroom Specialists and site staff to co-implement engaging, hands-on activities.

In addition to completing the online application, mentors are encouraged (but not required) to submit a brief letter of acknowledgment from their PI or supervisor confirming awareness of the once-a-week commitment.

Benefits include:

$500 stipend upon completion of service
Up to $150 in travel reimbursement per semester
Complimentary year-long membership to The New York Academy of Sciences

Apply to be a Mentor

Spring 2026 program timeline*

January 20, 2026: Applications close (rolling interviews and acceptance)
February 2, 2026: Mentor onboarding begins (virtual)
February 7, 2026, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM: Scientists Curriculum Workshop (in-person)
February 23, 2026: Weekly in-class sessions begin
March 24 or 25, 2026 (TBD): Midpoint check-ins (1.5-hour virtual workshop)
June 12, 2026: Final in-class session
June 19, 2026: Certificates and stipends are awarded

*Timeline subject to change

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.

The Junior Academy

Students smile and pose together during an Academy event.

Program Overview

Benefits

The Challenge Process

Recruitment

Acceptance

Onboarding

Students are recruited internationally during either the spring or winter recruitment periods. Students can expect their notifications of acceptance or rejection in either August or January depending on their recruitment cycle. After acceptance to the program, students must create a profile on our Launchpad platform to effectively accept their spot in the Junior Academy.

Resource Library

Challenge Launch

Team Formation

Challenges take place twice a year, in September and in February. They are first introduced by sharing a Resource Library. This is a list of interesting articles and papers connected to the challenge so students can begin their investigation into which challenge they are interested in tackling. Challenge Launch begins the first day of Kick-Off Week all of the available challenges are open and student can begin to create teams and projects. Team Formation is an important step in the Junior Academy. Students create their own teams by either creating their own project or asking to join others!

Mentor Matching

Solution Design &
Challenge Phases

Solution Presentation

Mentors are on the Launchpad platform to aid students in their project. Remember they do not do the project for you- they are just therefor guidance. Mentors are not required nor are they guaranteed. After team formation ends, the challenge phases begin. It is important to pay attention to due dates of each milestone as they are important steps to achieve your solution presentation! Finally at the end of either November or April, depending on which semester you are participating in, you will turn in your solution presentation. Remember, no late work!

Judging

Winner Announcement

Certificates &
Young Memberships

After you turn in your final solution presentation each challenge enters a judging period. This judging period is both internal and external. During this time, internal judges review all of the submitted work and move 10 projects of distinction to external judging. External judges are professionals and experts who judge the projects of distinction and declare a winner and two finalist teams. After the results are gathered, we announce who the winning team of each challenge is during December or May, depending on the semester! At the very end of the year, in the summer of 2026, all of the students who fully participated in one of the fall or spring innovation challenges, meaning they turned in all of their milestone work ON TIME, will receive a certificate and a Young Membership to The New York Academy of Sciences.

For Students

A Junior Academy participant sits at a desk, typing on a laptop.

Junior Academy participants are enthusiastic learners and problem solvers with a passion for science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). They have a desire to collaborate with international peers to address the world’s most pressing challenges.

Student Eligibility Requirements

Age: 13–17 years old.
Location: Virtual programming takes place online through our Launchpad platform.
Language: All program content and communication on the platform is in English, and a strong level of English proficiency is required. Students’ English proficiency will be assessed during the application process. Applications must be submitted in English and parental or guardian consent forms must be signed.
Time Commitment: Three to four hours each week during challenge periods.
Cost: None. The Junior Academy is completely free for participating students.

Application Process

The Junior Academy applications for students interested in joining the Junior Academy in the Spring of 2026 will open on October 30, 2025 and will close on January 6, 2026. Please note: this is a special student application cycle for the following countries: Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Oman, Palestinian Territories, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates, United States of America (including Puerto Rico), and Yemen. Students who are not from the countries listed above will not be considered during our special recruitment cycle.

Please Note: Students who are already part of the Junior Academy on Launchpad do NOT need to apply again in order to participate the following year.

Apply Today

Selection Process

To build a community of exceptional young minds, we take the application process very seriously. Each year, we receive thousands of applications from all over the world. Every application undergoes a review to ensure passionate students are offered the opportunity to join the Junior Academy.

Onboarding

Admission decisions for the Spring 2026 recruitment period will be sent out on January 30, 2026. Be sure to check your email!

For Mentors

STEM experts and professionals who are STEM enthusiasts can engage with the Junior Academy community by serving as Mentors. Mentors work with student teams on virtual Innovation Challenges by encouraging and supporting the students as they move through the different phases of the scientific process—researching and brainstorming, proposing an innovative design, experimenting to test their hypothesis, analyzing feedback and preparing a final presentation about their solution.

Innovation Challenges are offered twice during the program year. Fall Challenges take place from mid-September to mid-November. Spring Challenges take place from mid-February to mid-April. Mentors may choose to participate in the Fall, the Spring, or both.

Mentors can choose to engage in two ways: 1) As a Dedicated Mentor to one or more teams, guiding them through the process and providing in-depth feedback. 2) As a Floating Mentor to support all challenge participants by answering questions and providing expert feedback upon request.

Applications Temporarily Paused

We’re currently improving our application process. Please check back in Spring 2026 for the next opportunity to apply.

Mentor Eligibility Requirements

Qualified mentors for the Junior Academy are:

Undergraduate students, graduate students, postdocs or professionals working in a STEM-related field
Passionate about engaging and inspiring the next generation of STEM innovators
Able to access at least one communication device with internet capabilities
Able to communicate clearly in spoken and written English
At least 18 years of age
Experienced in conducting original scientific research (preferred but not required)

Time Commitment

All Mentors accepted to the program should expect to spend 1-2 hours on orientation and training at the start of their first program term.

During the challenge period, mentors should generally expect to spend 1–2 hours per week answering student questions, providing input on projects, or meeting with teams. The timing of this is flexible, and is based on your schedule. This work and communication can be done both synchronously and asynchronously.

Throughout the year, we may ask mentors to participate in focus groups and surveys. These are optional, and can range from a few minutes to a couple of hours.

Application Process and Program Participation

Mentor applications are accepted on a continuous basis. All submitted applications will be reviewed twice a year and decisions will be shared prior to the upcoming term.
- Application Review and Decisions will take place each August for the upcoming Fall Challenges.
- Application Review and Decisions will take place each January for the upcoming Spring Challenges.
We will complete background checks on all mentors.
Mentors are expected to complete program training and orientation.

FAQ

When are applications open for students?

Applications for the Junior Academy are open twice a year. For the Fall semester, the application period typically runs from March to July. For the Spring semester, we hold special application periods from November to January.

What are the current important dates for students?

Spring 2026

Applications open: October 30, 2025
Applications close: January 6, 2026
Admission decisions sent out: by January 30, 2026

How do I apply for the Junior Academy?

If you are interested in joining the Junior Academy community, you can apply by filling out an application during the two recruitment periods for the Fall and Spring semesters: https://gsa.smapply.io/prog/student_programs_/

Please note: Students who are already part of the Junior Academy on Launchpad do NOT need to apply again in order to participate the following year.

When will I know if I am accepted to the Junior Academy?

Depending on which enrollment period you are submitting your application, you will typically receive notification of your acceptance or rejection by email by January 31st or August 31st. We do not notify applicants before that time.

What is the official language of the program?

English is the official language of the Launchpad platform and the Junior Academy.

We encourage you to practice English communication on Launchpad. You are allowed to communicate in your native language with team members who share your language. Keep in mind that everyone accepted into the program is required to have a basic understanding of English and ability to communicate in English. The work that you submit in Launchpad for your challenges, milestones, and projects must be in English.

What are the age requirements?

All Junior Academy applicants must be aged 13-17 to be approved to be on the Launchpad platform.

If you are turning 18 during the challenge, unfortunately you cannot participate. We are not able to allow students under the age of 18 to participate with students over the age of 18.

Junior Academy students who turn 18 automatically get placed into an Alumni Community on Launchpad.

Does participation cost anything?

No. The Junior Academy is free of charge to all students and mentors. No purchase or payment of any kind is necessary to enter or win a Challenge.

Do I need to travel anywhere to participate in the challenge?

No travel is necessary to participate. Challenges and events take place virtually and all communication can be done via Launchpad.

What do I get for participating in a challenge?

Students who fully complete a Junior Academy challenge, meaning they have turned in all milestones and a final solution within the 10 week challenge, will receive a certificate of completion and a complementary Young Membership to The New York Academy of Sciences. ONLY students who have fully completed a challenge will receive a certificate and a Young Membership to the Academy.

Do winning teams receive a prize?

Yes, one winning team and two finalist teams will be decided upon by a panel of expert judges at the end of each challenge period. Prizes are educational and are only provided to winning teams. There are NO travel components. The entire program and events are held virtually.

Is there an end of year celebration?

Yes, there is a celebration called The Virtual Student Symposia. Challenge winners from the academic year present their solutions to sponsors, challenge experts, The New York Academy of Sciences staff, program staff, mentors, and peers.

Where is the Virtual Student Symposia held?

The Virtual Student Symposia is held online. It is completely virtual and there are no travel components.

Stay Connected

To receive the latest news and important announcements for our education initiatives, including The Junior Academy, 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 education@nyas.org.

Partner with Us: High School Research Programs

Our Unique Approach to Engaging Teenagers

Our high school programs are designed for students who have a curiosity about science but don’t have opportunities in their own school to work with a scientist on a real research project. We aim to bridge the gaps and welcome all high school students worldwide who have a desire to use STEM to tackle challenges in their communities.

Ways to Work with Us

There are several ways we partner with external organizations to offer high school students exciting opportunities to deepen their understanding of STEM.

You can sponsor an Innovation Challenge for high school students. Level up the partnership by creating an employee engagement program, where you not only sponsor the project but also encourage your staff to serve as mentors to the high school student teams.

We can collaborate to develop an event series tailored to the interests of our high school community that meets your organizational objectives.

You can support our annual Virtual Student Symposium through sponsorship and/or providing speakers from your organization.

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

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To partner on a program aimed at engaging STEM-interested high school students, contact education@nyas.org.

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