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NASA awards about 23 million dollars to open science to communities

NASA selected 24 organizations for a new Science Activation portfolio, awarding about 23 million dollars to connect communities with scientific data and researchers. The projects span the agency’s five science divisions and aim to reach all 50 US states and territories. Planned activities include robotic telescope observations, plant research and local environmental data work.

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Seedlings growing beneath a lamp in a sunlit science classroom.

Twenty-four organizations receive science-engagement funding

NASA awarded approximately 23 million dollars to 24 organizations selected for its next Science Activation portfolio. The projects aim to connect people with the US space agency’s scientific data, experts and hands-on research opportunities. Selection took place through the ROSES-25 call. The new cohort includes programmes for students, teachers, community participants and amateur researchers, with scientific engagement extending beyond a single age group or classroom setting.[1], [2]

Science Activation is NASA’s collaborative network for bringing science into community settings. The portfolio spans astrophysics, biological and physical sciences, Earth science, heliophysics and planetary science. Its intended reach covers all 50 US states and US territories. Schools and informal learning organizations can participate through local partnerships, with national projects distinguished from regional networks built around particular communities and places.[1]

Local water and food questions shape regional projects

Arctic LENS, led by the University of Alaska Fairbanks, uses NASA Earth science data in learning activities connected to local food, energy and water challenges. RIPPLES, led by the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, centres on local lakes and the water cycle. Its planned activities involve educators, citizen scientists and other community members in place-based scientific learning.[1]

The NASA Starlight Parks Network, led by the California Institute of Technology, links science activities with national parks. Other selected projects use regional learning networks, teacher training or interactive data resources. The programme’s structure gives local partnerships a role alongside projects designed for broad distribution, while the awards allow the newly selected organizations to begin their work.[1]

Robotic telescopes and plant research invite participation

Growing Beyond Earth, run by Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, involves students and educators in plant-growth research informing early-stage evaluation of space crops. The Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory leads a project expanding public access to robotic telescopes for observation and analysis. The SETI Institute’s community-college network connects science instructors with resources and colleagues. These activities are planned routes into scientific work, within the newly funded portfolio.[1]

References

  1. News sourceNASANASA awards about $23 million to 24 organizations connecting communities with science↩1↩2↩3↩4↩5
  2. News sourceThe Economic TimesNASA backs 24 public science projects with about $23 million↩
Space and explorationEnergy transition and climate

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