Competition Process

Genes in Space invites students to submit a brief (one-page) proposal for a biology experiment that would address a challenge faced by space travelers. Proposals may be submitted by individuals or pairs of students, and must use the International Space Station (ISS) as a testbed for space exploration. Students must explain a) the problem their experiment will address, b) their hypothesis, c) their experimental plan, and d) the tools they will use to have their experiments carried out. The contest is free to enter, and does not require equipment. 35 student groups will be granted award packages, and five of those will be named Finalists. Finalists will be paired with mentors to help them refine and develop their experiments before they present their ideas to our contest judges at the ISS Research & Development Conference. The judges will choose one experiment to launch to the ISS.

Judging Criteria

Submissions will be evaluated on the following questions. More details can be found on the competition's website.

1. Have you identified an interesting question? (20 points)
2. Have you stated a clear and well-reasoned hypothesis? (20 points)
3. Do you present a clear and actionable experimental plan? (15 points)
4. Does your experimental design make sensible and creative use of the Genes in Space toolkit? (15 points)
5. Do you make a strong case for the benefits your work will bring to future generations of space travelers? (25 points)
6. Does your proposal inspire enthusiasm for your selected topic? (5 points)

Participate

Website: www.genesinspace.org

Managing Organization: miniPCR bio

Registration Dates