Issue 25-25, Oct 22, 2025
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- CONGRATULATIONS TO THE 2025 AGU UNION FELLOWS HONOREES
- CONGRATULATIONS TO THE 2025 AGU SECTION AWARDS AND LECTURES HONOREES
- AAS POLICY UPDATE – OCTOBER 15, 2025
- GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN: LET AAS KNOW HOW YOU HAVE BEEN IMPACTED
- APS WEBINAR ON US IMMIGRATION FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS – NOV 5
- AAS WORKING GROUP SHARES STATUS OF 2026 ASTRONOMY GRADUATE ADMISSIONS
- NEW HORIZONS SCIENCE SPOTLIGHT WEBINAR – TEMPORARILY SUSPENDED
- COSPAR SYMPOSIUM ON SPACE EXPLORATION: NOVEMBER 2025 IN NICOSIA, CYPRUS
- TEACHING STRATEGIES THAT WORK: ONLINE WORKSHOP
- HOW TO CREATE A SUPPORTIVE RESEARCH ENVIRONMENT FOR GRADUATE STUDENTS: ONLINE WORKSHOP
- CURRENT TABLE OF CONTENTS FOR ICARUS AND THE PLANETARY SCIENCE JOURNAL
- JOBS, POSITIONS, AND OPPORTUNITIES
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CONGRATULATIONS TO THE 2025 AGU UNION FELLOWS HONOREES
An AGU Union Fellow is a member of the American Geophysical Union (AGU) who has made exceptional and notable contributions to Earth and space sciences through achievements in research, innovation, or leadership. It is AGU’s highest honor, recognizing scientific eminence, and the title is awarded to a very small percentage of members each year.
This year we are excited to see our following DPS colleagues honored:
- Jon Linker, President of Predictive Science, Inc
- Agustin Sanchez-Lavega, Catedratico Emeritus Professor, University of The Basque Country
- Amy A. Simon, Senior Scientist for Planetary Atmospheres Research, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center
https://www.agu.org/honors/announcement/union-fellows
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CONGRATULATIONS TO THE 2025 AGU SECTION AWARDS AND LECTURES HONOREES
The AGU recognizes again in 2025 individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the Earth and space sciences through scientific research, education, science communication and outreach.
https://www.agu.org/honors/announcement
In particular, in the section for Planetary Sciences we are excited to see our following colleagues honored:
- James F. Bell is the 2025 recipient of the Eugene Shoemaker Lecture
- Christopher R. Glein is the 2025 recipient of the Carl Sagan Lecture
- Joshua Krissansen-Totton is the 2025 recipient of the Ronald Greeley Early Career Award in Planetary Sciences
- Scott L. Murchie, the new DPS Chair, is the 2025 recipient of the Fred Whipple Award and Lecture
https://www.agu.org/honors-home/announcement/section-awards-lectures
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AAS POLICY UPDATE – OCTOBER 15, 2025
The federal government is still shut down, and it remains unclear when or how a resolution will be reached. Recent reports indicate that the Office of Management and Budget has begun laying off thousands of federal workers across multiple agencies. At the time of writing this post, none of the science programs related to the astronomical sciences have been targeted. For more information, please check out:
- What’s Happening in Space Policy 12-18 October 2025 (SpacePolicyOnline)
- What’s Ahead, The Week of 6 Oct 2025 (AIP FYI)
Use this Action Alert, led by the American Physical Society, to reach out to your members of Congress and urge them to support our federal science agencies by ending the government shutdown. It only takes a few minutes.
Earlier this week, the AAS sent a letter to the leadership of the Commerce, Justice, and Science Appropriations Subcommittees in the House and the Senate, urging them to reach a conferenced agreement for FY2026 appropriations that includes the Senate levels of $7.3 billion for the NASA Science Mission Directorate and $9 billion for the National Science Foundation. The letter also urges that any future Continuing Resolutions protect our science agencies from irreversible funding cuts until Congress has had a chance to finalize FY2026 appropriations. You can read the letter here.
The Federal Communications Commission released a new satellite licensing proposal last week that would create an expedited licensing framework for satellites and Earth stations. The AAS policy team is currently reviewing the proposed rulemaking and its potential impacts on astronomy. The Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) also released a Request for Information on regulatory reform related to artificial intelligence. OSTP is seeking input from any interested parties, including academia and the public.
Dozens of AAS members joined the Save NASA Science Day of Action last week to advocate for strong congressional support for the space sciences. Marcel Agüeros, AAS President-Elect, gave remarks at the press event and held high-level meetings with members of Congress and their staff. AAS members also made their voices heard from around the country by sending over 300 messages to their congressional offices at the same time. Thank you to all those who participated in person or virtually! AAS members from Alabama, Alaska, Kansas, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and West Virginia also visited the Hill this week to meet with their members of Congress, along with AAS President Dara Norman, and President-Elect Marcel Agüeros.
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GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN: LET AAS KNOW HOW YOU HAVE BEEN IMPACTED
Following the government shutdown on 1 October, the AAS policy team is closely monitoring its impact on our community. If you have been affected by the shutdown, e.g., through furloughs, reductions in force, grant cancellations, or otherwise, please share your story here. These stories will be crucial to our engagement with lawmakers in the coming weeks. All information gathered here will be used completely anonymously, unless you indicate that you are comfortable with your name being shared.
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APS WEBINAR ON US IMMIGRATION FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS – NOV 5
In response to ongoing uncertainty surrounding the student visa and immigration process, the American Physical Society (APS) will host a webinar to support prospective and current international students as they plan and pursue their studies in the US. Mentors who advise students are also encouraged to attend. The webinar will provide important updates on immigration matters, recent visa policy changes, and how those issues may impact international students as they navigate their academic journey in the US.
APS Webinar US Immigration for International students
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AAS WORKING GROUP SHARES STATUS OF 2026 ASTRONOMY GRADUATE ADMISSIONS
As graduate programs continue to be impacted by the current fiscal and policy climate, the AAS has convened a new Working Group on Graduate Admissions (WGGA) to monitor the status of astronomy graduate admissions and produce recommendations towards their improvement. This summer and fall, WGGA has surveyed over 150 astronomy and physics graduate programs. We have now released a list of astronomy graduate programs and their intended plans for graduate admissions this fall:
US Astronomy Graduate Admissions, AY 2025-2026
This list is meant to serve as a useful resource for applicants, advisers, and the astronomy community as a whole, offering clarity and a central information source to help understand the current state of graduate admissions in our field during an unusual year.
While a number of programs currently plan to proceed without any major changes, others intend to aim for a smaller-than-usual class size or have chosen to cancel/suspend admissions for this year; some are also still “TBD.” Due to ongoing uncertainty regarding the federal budget and other key issues that impact graduate program enrollment and funding, this list will continue to evolve over the coming days and weeks.
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NEW HORIZONS SCIENCE SPOTLIGHT WEBINAR – TEMPORARILY SUSPENDED
Our New Horizons spotlight seminars have been temporarily suspended, please feel free to avail yourself of previous recordings archived at:
https://pluto.jhuapl.edu/News-Center/index.php#Spotlight-Presentations
When seminars are resumed we will update both the website and via newsletters. Thanks for your continued interest.
For questions, contact New Horizons CoI Susan Benecchi.
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COSPAR SYMPOSIUM ON SPACE EXPLORATION: NOVEMBER 2025 IN NICOSIA, CYPRUS
COSPAR will hold its Sixth Symposium in Nicosia, Cyprus, 3 – 7 November 2025. The general theme will be “Space Exploration 2025: A Symposium on Humanity’s Challenges and Celestial Solutions.”
The Committee on Space Research (COSPAR) is proud to announce the COSPAR 2025 Scientific Symposium in cooperation with the Cyprus Space Exploration Organisation (CSEO).
This Symposium, themed “Space Exploration 2025: A Symposium on Humanity’s Challenges and Celestial Solutions”, will delve into critical global challenges such as climate change, resource depletion, and space weather, while exploring how space exploration and technology can offer solutions. It will present various matters related to ongoing and planned space programs, fostering discussions on international collaboration, responsible space endeavors, and the role of emerging nations in space exploration.
The event will bring together a diverse audience from around the world, including representatives from space and non-space companies, space agencies, international organizations, researchers, and the wider public.
Register at : https://cospar2025.org
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TEACHING STRATEGIES THAT WORK: ONLINE WORKSHOP
AAS and the American Physical Society (APS) are pleased to share our free online workshop, “Teaching Strategies that Work,” on Nov 13, 2025 from 2:00–4:00pm ET.
Looking for ways to help your students improve their understanding of course topics, as well as their critical thinking and problem-solving abilities? In this two-hour online workshop, led by facilitators from the AAPT/APS/AAS Physics and Astronomy FTI, participants will learn the principles of teaching and learning to guide their teaching choices, gain access to valuable instructional resources, and receive support in planning a feasible classroom change that will improve learning for all students. This workshop is suitable for instructors of all levels of experience, regardless of whether your classes are large or small, introductory or upper-division, in-person, virtual, or hybrid. We look forward to working with the broader AAS education community on structuring their learning environments to support the success of all learners. Presenters: Rachel Scherr (University of Washington Bothell) and Ed Prather (University of Arizona). Register Here
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HOW TO CREATE A SUPPORTIVE RESEARCH ENVIRONMENT FOR GRADUATE STUDENTS: ONLINE WORKSHOP
AAS and the American Physical Society (APS) are pleased to share our free online workshop, “How to Create a Supportive Research Environment for Graduate Students,” on Nov 20, 2025 from 3:00–5:00pm ET.
How does your program support graduate students as they navigate their growth as researchers? How do you structure the experience of graduate students in research groups to support their needs? How does the mission and vision of your graduate program contribute to the goals of you, your students, and your institution? How does it shape your mentoring of graduate students? In this two-hour, interactive virtual session, individuals associated with the EP3 Initiative will facilitate a panel discussion on strategies and practices for effective leadership of scientific research groups. The panel includes experts from a range of disciplines (physics, education research, and astronomy) and group sizes. Discussion topics will include the mission and vision of graduate programs and research groups; expectations for group leaders and members; career pathways for research students; mentoring and professional development of graduate students; transitions into and out of research groups; research group management; and group culture and environment. Participants will have opportunities throughout the session to ask questions to learn from the panelists’ expertise. (Please note: the workshop will not directly address seeking grant funding, student financial support, or graduate program admissions.) Register Here
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CURRENT TABLE OF CONTENTS FOR ICARUS AND THE PLANETARY SCIENCE JOURNAL
The current issues for both DPS-affiliated journals are here:
Icarus:
Icarus | Vol 439, October 2025 | ScienceDirect.com by Elsevier
The Planetary Science Journal:
Issue 10 – Volume 6 – The Planetary Science Journal – IOPscience
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JOBS, POSITIONS, AND OPPORTUNITIES
Job seekers and employers are encouraged to browse DPS’s job listings and advertise open positions **for free** on the DPS job board.
Full details for several new positions can be found on the DPS job board.
A summary of recent job announcements and postdoc opportunities is listed below.
- Postdoctoral position in Planetary Astronomy and Public Outreach at Boise State University
The Department of Physics at Boise State University invites applicants for a postdoc in Brian Jackson’s group. Expertise in exoplanet transit photometry or martian atmospheric science desired. The postdoc will also participate in outreach efforts and student advising.
Intended start date is Fall 2025 but can be negotiated. Compensation includes about $55k in salary plus benefits, as well as conference travel, publication charges, and moving expenses. The appointment is for one year with a likely renewal for a second year subject to performance and funding availability. Applicants must have a Ph.D. in physics, astronomy, planetary science, or a related field at appointment.
Boise State University is located in downtown Boise, which is rapidly growing and frequently ranked among the best cities in which to live and work in the US.
Please submit a CV, a 3-page research statement, 1-page outreach statement, & contact information for professional references to https://jobs.boisestate.edu/en-us/job/499279/post-doctoral-research-fellow.
Application review is expected to begin the first week of November with an offer by the end of November. Direct questions to Prof. Brian Jackson – [email protected].
- Postdoctoral Research Associate (Planetary Atmospheres)
Postdoctoral Research Associate I (Planetary Atmospheres)
The Lunar & Planetary Laboratory at the University of Arizona has an opening for a Postdoctoral Research Associate I in the field of modeling of planetary atmospheres. Research areas include hydrodynamic atmospheric escape from rocky exoplanets, nitrogen and sulfur cycling on early Mars and Earth, chemical kinetics of early Earth, Venus, Mars, and analogous exoplanets, and interior-atmosphere interactions on rocky worlds. Candidates are encouraged to reach out to Prof. Ranjan in advance of their application to cooperatively identify specific research topics of mutual interest. Applicants should have previous experience modeling the atmospheres of planets or exoplanets, although a variety of backgrounds may be relevant. Candidates with expertise in 1D hydrodynamic escape of rocky planet atmospheres and/or in modeling early terrestrial or Martian geochemistry are especially encouraged to apply. The position is for a period of up to three years, renewable annually contingent on satisfactory performance reviews.
First review of applications will begin 12/15/2025. UA LPL is a stimulating, world-class department with strong connections to missions and the next generation of telescopes, as well as to our colleagues in Astronomy and Geoscience. Tucson is a great place to live, with excellent hiking, great food, and a low cost of living. Please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions!
Web Link: https://arizona.csod.com/ux/ats/careersite/4/home/requisition/23799
- Carnegie Postdoctoral Fellowships at the Earth and Planets Laboratory
The Earth and Planets Laboratory (EPL), a division of the Carnegie Institution for Science, invites applications for postdoctoral fellowships at its campus in Washington, DC. Multiple independent research fellowships are available in our interdisciplinary basic research laboratory covering a wide range of fields. EPL scientists engage in observational, experimental and theoretical research in fields including astronomy, cosmochemistry, data science, experimental petrology, geobiology, geochemistry, geodynamics, geophysics, mineral physics, planetary science, physics and chemistry of materials (including materials at extreme conditions, superconductors and ferroelectrics at the atomic scale), seismology, and volcanology. Applicants’ primary field of research should overlap with one or more of these areas. Interdisciplinary research and collaboration with multiple research areas on campus is encouraged.
Carnegie Postdoctoral Fellowships are awarded once a year, with allowed start dates between July 1st and December 31, 2026. New fellows will join a supportive community of about 25 postdoctoral scientists and 30 staff and research scientists engaged in understanding the origin and evolution of Earth and planets and materials under extreme conditions. More information about our research and facilities can be viewed at https://carnegiescience.edu/epl and about our postdoctoral fellowships and postdoctoral experience at https://carnegiescience.edu/about/working/postdocs/epl.
Applicants should have a Ph.D. in a relevant field at the time of the start of the fellowship. The principal selection criteria will be research accomplishment, promise of future achievement, originality and achievability of the research proposal, independence, and relevance to the ongoing scientific pursuits at EPL. Advice for crafting a compelling application and sample applications are available on our postdoctoral website.
Web Link: https://apply.interfolio.com/172660
- NOMIS-ETH Postdoctoral Fellowships
NOMIS-ETH Postdoctoral Fellowships | AAS Division for Planetary Sciences
The NOMIS Foundation ETH Fellowship Programme supports postdoctoral researchers at ETH Zurich within the Centre for Origin and Prevalence of Life (COPL). The programme is intended to foster the development of young interdisciplinary researchers in the field of the origin and prevalence of life who have demonstrated scientific excellence in the early stages of their careers, and to enable the conditions necessary to conduct interdisciplinary, fundamental and high-risk research with some level of independence and autonomy.
Once appointed, NOMIS–ETH Fellows become an integral part of and have direct access to an international network of leading interdisciplinary researchers and institutions through the NOMIS collaborative research network and the Origins Federation.
The duration of a NOMIS–ETH Fellowship is three years plus one extension year and cannot be prolonged. The fourth year is granted only following a review 18 months after the start of the fellowship and must be funded by the host professor(s). The fellowship is competitive with a limited number of fellowships available each year. For a start in 2025, up to three new NOMIS– ETH Fellows will be selected.
Applications within three years of obtaining a doctorate will be considered. In duly justified cases, applications falling outside this criterium may also be considered. Preferably, you already will have acquired your first postdoctoral experience and/or interdisciplinary training. You must have an existing affiliation to an academic/research institution.
In each evaluation round, a professor may only submit one candidate as host. A potential host may be co-host of another candidate for the same evaluation round. At least one of the host or co-host professors (mentors) must have a guaranteed ETH position for the entire duration of the proposed fellowship. The hosts and co-hosts shall be members of the Centre; see the COPL website for affiliated professors.
Web Link: https://jobs.ethz.ch/job/view/JOPG_ethz_F0rCyzUUQDlXzSHyku
- NASA Postdoctoral Fellowship – Application Deadline November 1
The NASA Postdoctoral Program offers US and international scientists the opportunity to advance their research while contributing to NASA’s scientific goals.
The NPP supports fundamental science; explores the undiscovered; promotes intellectual growth; and encourages scientific connections.
Selected by a competitive peer-review process, NPP Fellows complete one- to three-year Fellowship appointments that advance NASA’s missions in Earth science, planetary science, heliophysics, astrophysics, biological and physical science, aeronautics and engineering, human exploration systems, space operations, space technology, and astrobiology.
Search for NPP research opportunities here:
Current Fellowship Opportunities | NASA Postdoctoral Program
Applicants must have a Ph.D. or equivalent degree in hand before beginning the fellowship, but may apply while completing the degree requirements. Please see current eligibility requirements: Eligibility and Requirements | NASA Postdoctoral Program
Stipends start at $70,000 per year, with supplements for higher cost-of-living areas and for certain academic specialties. Financial assistance is available for relocation and health insurance, and $10,000 per year is provided for travel and professional development.
Applications are accepted three times each year: March 1, July 1, and November 1
For further information and to apply, visit:
Information for Applicants | NASA Postdoctoral Program
Questions: [email protected]
- NASA Hubble Fellowship Program (NHFP) Application Open
On behalf of the NASA Astrophysics Division, the Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI) announces the call for applications for postdoctoral fellowships under the NASA Hubble Fellowship Program (NHFP) beginning in the fall of 2026. http://nhfp.stsci.edu
The NHFP supports postdoctoral scientists performing independent research that contributes to NASA Astrophysics (see https://science.nasa.gov/astrophysics/ for more information). The research may be theoretical, observational, and/or instrumental. If your application is successful and you accept our offer, you will become an NHFP Einstein, Hubble or Sagan fellow depending on the area of your research.
The NHFP is open to applicants of any nationality who have or will have completed all requirements for their doctoral degree on or after January 1, 2022 in astronomy, physics or related disciplines. The duration of the Fellowship is up to three years: an initial one-year appointment, and two annual renewals contingent on satisfactory performance and availability of NASA funds. The NHFP is administered for NASA by the Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI) in collaboration with the Jet Propulsion Laboratory and NASA Exoplanet Science Institute (NExScI) at the California Institute of Technology and the Chandra X-ray Center at the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory.
Important dates:
- Applications are due Wednesday, October 29, 2025 (7 PM EDT, 4 PM PDT, 23:00 UTC)
- Letters of reference are due Wednesday, November 5, 2025. (Note that the applications are due one week before the letters.) Applicants should emphasize to their letter writers that the letters must be uploaded as PDF files by the November 5th deadline using the submission form (https://catcopy.ipac.caltech.edu/nhfp/letter.php). Letter writers will not receive an automated email with a link to upload their letter.
- Offers will be made in early February 2026 and new appointments should begin on or about September 1, 2026. NHFP Fellowships are open to English-speaking citizens of all nations.
We anticipate offering up to 24 NHFP Fellowships this year. The Fellowships are tenable at a U.S. host institution of the fellow’s choice, subject to a maximum of two new fellows per host institution per year, and no more than five fellows at any single host institution, except for short periods of overlap. Host institutions must have verified their compliance with the NHFP employment policy. The policy and a list of those hosts can be found at https://www.stsci.edu/stsci-research/fellowships/nasa-hubble-fellowship-program/nhfp-host-institution-employment-policy/host-institutions.
The Announcement of Opportunity, which includes detailed program policies and application instructions, is available at the NHFP website: http://nhfp.stsci.edu. The application submission page will be open from September 2 until the application deadline on October 29, 2025.
Applicants should follow the instructions given in the Announcement of Opportunity and also examine the Frequently Asked Questions linked from the main NHFP page. Please send any further inquiries about the NHFP to [email protected].
- Assistant Professor, Computational Earth and Planetary Materials, Stony Brook University
The Department of Geosciences at Stony Brook University invites applications for a full-time tenure-track faculty position at the Assistant Professor level in computational Earth and planetary materials. We seek a candidate with the potential to carry out a program of research in the broadly-defined area of computational materials chemistry with applications to the geosciences that may complement one or more of the Department’s current and traditional
research strengths, and who will be an effective teacher in undergraduate and graduate courses. Details of the Department’s areas of research emphasis and current facilities can be found at: Home | Department of Geosciences
Interested applicants can apply at: Assistant Professor – Computational Earth and Planetary Materials, Department of Geosciences, College of Arts and Sciences
- Spaceflight Operations Position at the Open University, UK
Do you like the idea of controlling spaceflight instruments that are many millions of kilometres away?
If so, we are delighted to advertise a Spaceflight Instrument Operations role. The group, led by Manish Patel at the Open University, UK, are involved in a range of missions, including co-leading the NOMAD spectrometer (ExoMars TGO), the CaSSIS stereo camera (also TGO), the JANUS camera (JUICE) as well as leading future instrument developments such as the ESA-funded Phase A study for a High-resolution Imager for Mars Exploration (HiRIME).
This post relates to the operations planning and observation strategy across the portfolio of spaceflight instruments that the group is involved with, including live operations of active missions as well as development of future operations strategies and systems.
Details here: Spaceflight Operations Engineer Job Details | OU
Closing date for applications is Monday, 3 November at midnight (UK time).
This is a 1-year post in the first instance, with the possibility of longer-term continuation pending additional funding.
Come join our diverse, dynamic and daring group of scientists and engineers that are exploring the Solar System whilst having a lot of fun.
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