Issue 26-02, Mar 3, 2026
+————————————CONTENTS—————————————-+
- IN MEMORIAM: UWE FINK (1939-2026)
- IN MEMORIAM: ROGER-MAURICE BONNET (1937-2026)
- 2026 DPS TRAVEL GRANT APPLICATION IS OPEN
- DPS SEEKS A NEW SECRETARY
- AAS ACTION ALERT: PROVIDE INPUT TO THE FCC ON PROPOSED SATELLITE SYSTEMS
- SHARE YOUR STORY WITH THE AAS PUBLIC POLICY TEAM
- DPS PRIZE NOMINATIONS DUE MARCH 13, 2026
- RECOGNIZING BLACK HISTORY MONTH AND SCIENCE ADVANCEMENTS BY SOME AMAZING PHYSICISTS
- AAS JOURNALS WELCOME NEW SCIENTIFIC EDITORS
- NASA INFRARED TELESCOPE FACILITY – SEMESTER 2026B – CALL FOR PROPOSALS, OPEN TILL APRIL 1
- AAS ACTION ALERT: ASK YOUR MEMBERS OF CONGRESS TO SUPPORT SCIENCE THROUGH CONSTITUENT APPROPRIATIONS REQUESTS (ACT BY MARCH 6)
- 2026 NASA PLANETARY SCIENCE SUMMER SCHOOL APPLICATIONS
- COMMUNITY SURVEY: COSMOCHEMISTRY AND PLANETARY SCIENCE (2026)
- F.19 COMPASS FAQ POSTED AND OFFICE HOURS MARCH 13 AND 18
- STAND WITH ASTRONOMERS AFFECTED BY RECENT FEDERAL RULINGS
- NASA INFRARED TELESCOPE FACILITY STRATEGIC PLANNING – SEEKING COMMUNITY INPUT – SURVEY CLOSES MARCH 6
- TABLE OF CONTENTS FOR THE PLANETARY SCIENCE JOURNAL AND ICARUS
- JOBS, POSITIONS, AND OPPORTUNITIES
1———1———1———1———1———1———1———1———1——-
IN MEMORIAM: UWE FINK (1951-2025)
University of Arizona Lunar and Planetary Laboratory Professor Emeritus Uwe Fink passed away on 18 January 2026 after a brief illness. During his long career, Fink carried out laboratory spectroscopy and observations on all of the planets in the solar system and their satellites as well as asteroids and comets. During this golden age of planetary exploration, he developed and built instruments for laboratory use and telescopic observations using the technique of Fourier spectroscopy and later CCD spectroscopy. The laboratory work identified the opacity spectra of molecules that could then be searched for spectroscopically. He was the first to employ CCDs for planetary spectroscopy, enabling him to obtain the first good visible and near IR spectrum of Pluto. Highlights include the discovery of the icy composition of Saturn’s rings, measurements of ices on the Galilean satellites, and an early measurement of water vapor in the atmosphere of Venus from airborne spectra. A major advance was the first detection (in collaboration with Harold Larson) of water vapor in the atmosphere of Jupiter, particularly relevant today in the context of measurements of the atmospheric compositions of extrasolar giant planets. Also important was their first detection of the disequilibrium species GeH4 (germane, the germanium analog of methane) and PH3 (phosphine) in the atmosphere of Jupiter. His spectra of Jupiter and molecular detections are still often cited in the modern brown dwarf and extrasolar giant planet literature. Later in his career he carried out extensive observations of comets.
2———2———2———2———2———2———2———2———2——-
IN MEMORIAM: ROGER-MAURICE BONNET (1937-2026)
On January 19th, Roger-Maurice Bonnet passed away. With him, the scientific community lost one of the pillars of European space research. Scientific Director of the European Space Agency from 1983 to 2001, Roger Bonnet equipped the young agency (founded in 1975) with a coherent, balanced, and realistic long-term scientific program (“Horizon 2000”), capable of meeting the needs of all branches of astrophysics (Astronomy, the Solar System, the Sun and Sun-Earth interactions, and later, Fundamental Physics).
In 1969, Roger Bonnet took over the direction of a new laboratory, the Laboratory of Stellar and Planetary Physics (LPSP) in Verrières-le-Buisson, France. He was responsible for two ultraviolet spectrometers, one aboard the American satellite OSO-8 and the other aboard various sounding rockets, for the study of the chromosphere and the solar corona. In 1981, French scientists began preparing for the flyby of Halley’s Comet in March 1986 with instruments placed aboard the Soviet probes Vega 1 and 2, as well as the European probe Giotto.
Roger’s laboratory, in partnership with others, developed an infrared spectrometer (IKS) for the Soviet Vega probes and the telescope of the Halley Multicolor Camera (HMC) aboard the Giotto probe, which would capture the now-famous image of the nucleus of Halley’s Comet.
In March 1983, Roger was appointed Director of Science at the European Space Agency and ensured the success of the Giotto mission, ESA’s first mission to the Solar System. Simultaneously, upon taking office at ESA, Roger established an ambitious long-term strategic program designed to shape European space policy over a period of twenty years and more: “Horizon 2000.” This program would give rise to four major missions, considered “cornerstones”: SOHO-Cluster, XMM-Newton, Rosetta, and Herschel. The program is complemented by missions such as Hipparcos, Infrared Space Observatory (ISO), the Huygens lander of the Cassini-Huygens mission and finally INTEGRAL.
The Horizon 2000 program was followed in 1996 by its successor, Horizon 2000+ (2006-2015), then later in 2004 by Cosmic Vision (2015-2025), and finally, in 2019, by Voyage 2050 (2035-2050), and was a resounding success.
In 2001, after 18 years of service, Roger left his position as Director of Science at ESA. For two years, he was Deputy Director of Scientific Research at CNES, then from 2002 to 2010, he chaired the Committee for Space Research (COSPAR). From 2003 to 2013, he directed the International Institute for Space Sciences (ISSI) in Bern, and made a significant contribution to expanding its international reach by opening it up to all disciplines of astrophysics. The international community has paid tribute to him on several occasions, including with the Jules Janssen Prize in 2005 and the SAF International Astronautical Prize.
Roger Bonnet was a visionary who, through space research, made a major contribution to international cooperation within Europe. He will long be remembered.
Th. Encrenaz and A. Coustenis
3———3———3———3———3———3———3———3———3———
2026 DPS TRAVEL GRANT APPLICATION IS OPEN
The Division for Planetary Sciences (DPS) offers two types of travel grants to support attendance at the annual DPS conference, to be held this year 25-30 October 2026 in Spokane, Washington, U.S.A. Approximately 30 travel grants may be awarded at $500-$1500 each. Continue reading for information on how to apply.
The Hartmann Student Travel Grant supports student presentations at the annual DPS meeting. (Postdoctoral scholars may also be eligible, but students are prioritized.) These travel grants are intended to provide a supplement that enables the student to be able to present at the annual meeting, especially in person. Award of a travel grant assumes submission of a DPS abstract, to be described in the application.
The Underrepresented Minority (URM) Communities in Planetary Science Travel Grant supports attendance by students and professionals who are members of groups that have had inadequate access to the planetary science community. Applications are especially encouraged from members of group(s) whose contributions to STEM may have been overlooked, students and professionals hailing from colleges and non-R1 academic or research institutions that have not traditionally benefited from connections to the planetary science community, and/or students and professionals with degrees in broader STEM disciplines (e.g., chemistry, physics, engineering, mathematics) who are new to the planetary science community. The aim of these grants is to enable in-person or virtual participation at DPS or National Society of Black Physicists (NSBP) – National Society of Hispanics Physicists (NSHP) meetings. Presentation by the applicant is not required but is prioritized.
Applicants for DPS travel grants do not need to be U.S. citizens or permanent residents. Eligible candidates are welcome to apply for both grants, but if selected would receive only one.
The 2026 DPS travel grant application form is now open. The deadline is 1 July 2026. Award notifications are planned during July (before the early registration deadline), but the award team will work with the DPS and NSBP-NSHP meeting organizers to accommodate the various registration deadlines/costs should there be delays. Apply at DPS Travel Grants Application | AAS Division for Planetary Sciences
4———4———4———4———4———4———4———4———4———
DPS SEEKS A NEW SECRETARY
As she nears the completion of a 3-year term as DPS Secretary, Dr. Denise Stephens has announced that she will be stepping aside from that position to focus on research and teaching.
The DPS seeks a motivated, organized candidate to succeed Dr. Stephens as DPS Secretary. If this impactful position interests you, submit a letter of interest and a CV to DPS Chair Scott Murchie at [email protected] or [email protected]. As DPS Secretary, you would be part of the DPS Executive Committee, helping to lead the division and to formulate rapid responses to planetary community events. Regular duties of the DPS Secretary are to:
- Compile and distribute eNews to DPS members;
- Take minutes of meetings and archive them;
- Maintain DPS records and documents including the DPS Meeting Guide, instruction guides for subcommittees, official Committee and Subcommittee membership lists, letterhead, bylaws, and membership data;
- Oversee membership applications and the membership roster;
- Collected statements from candidates for elected DPS offices identified by the Nominating Subcommittee, circulate them, conduct the annual election, and announce the results;
- Prepare prize certificates and citations; and
- Contribute to the corporate memory of DPS along with other officers.
Nominees are reviewed by the DPS Committee and one candidate will be elected to a 3-year term.
5———5———5———5———5———5———5———5———5———
AAS ACTION ALERT: PROVIDE INPUT TO THE FCC ON PROPOSED SATELLITE SYSTEMS
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has recently opened comment periods for two satellite systems of interest to the astronomical community: (i) a filing for a single demonstration satellite from Reflect Orbital, which aims to sell sunlight at night, and (ii) a filing for one million orbital data centers by SpaceX. Both raise major concerns regarding light pollution and satellite proliferation. Any member of the public has the right to weigh in as the FCC considers whether to grant these and other applications (note that the FCC must consider whether a given proposed system is in the public interest). There are additional details about these satellite systems and a step-by-step guide to submit comments to the FFC at this AAS link: https://aas.org/action-alert-provide-input-fcc-proposed-satellite-systems/
Please email [email protected] if you have any questions, and be respectful in any comment(s) you choose to submit. It is strongly recommended that messages align with the AAS Mission and Vision Statement and AAS Code of Ethics. While AAS is still preparing its organizational responses to these two filings, you may find it helpful to refer to the Society’s statements on light pollution and satellite proliferation.
6———6———6———6———6———6———6———6———6———
SHARE YOUR STORY WITH THE AAS PUBLIC POLICY TEAM
The DPS and the AAS public policy team are grateful for the outpouring of support from DPS members in communicating to elected officials the importance of planetary science to U. S. national standing and economic development and health of the U. S. STEM workforce. As we continue to engage in advocacy in support of our members, we are asking for your help. Please take some time to share with us how the federal funding and support for planetary programs (or potential lack thereof) has impacted or could impact your scientific career. These stories will be crucial to continued engagement with lawmakers as the policy landscape continues to evolve. Any and all information gathered here will be used completely anonymously in any communications with government leaders, unless you indicate that you are comfortable with your name being shared. Please encourage others at any career stage to provide their stories as well. The online form to provide inputs (https://aas.org/form/share-your-story/) requires signing in with your AAS username and password.
7———7———7———7———7———7———7———7———7———
DPS PRIZE NOMINATIONS DUE MARCH 13, 2026
Every year the DPS recognizes exceptional achievement in our field. Please consider nominating a respected colleague for one of the annual DPS prizes. The 2026 Prize Nominations are due by March 13, 2026.
DPS Prize Nomination Form | AAS Division for Planetary Sciences
The DPS sponsors six prizes:
- The Gerard P. Kuiper Prize recognizes and honors outstanding contributors to the field of planetary science.
- The Claudia J. Alexander Prize recognizes excellence and achievements by a mid-career scientist.
- The Harold C. Urey Prize recognizes and encourages outstanding achievements in planetary research by an early-career scientist.
- The Harold Masursky Award recognizes and honors individuals who have rendered outstanding service to planetary science and exploration through – but not limited to – engineering, managerial, programmatic, editorial, or public service activities.
- The Carl Sagan Medal recognizes and honors outstanding communication by an active planetary scientist to the general public.
- The Jonathan Eberhart Planetary Sciences Journalism Award recognizes and stimulates distinguished popular writing on planetary sciences.
DPS members and the planetary science community-at-large are encouraged to submit nominations for DPS prizes.
A complete nomination submitted by the deadline will be considered by the DPS Prize subcommittee for 3 years (i.e. for this year’s award, next year’s award, and the year after that), or for the duration of a candidate’s eligibility, whichever is less. Please fill out the DPS Prize Nomination Form | AAS Division for Planetary Science, and it will be submitted to the prize subcommittee. The Eberhart Award has different rules and procedures than the other DPS Prizes, please see its page https://dps.aas.org/prizes/eberhart-nomination-form for more information.
Questions: Email [email protected]
8———8———8———8———8———8———8———8———8———
RECOGNIZING BLACK HISTORY MONTH AND SCIENCE ADVANCEMENTS BY SOME AMAZING PHYSICISTS
DPS has been proud to partner with the Earth and Planetary Systems Sciences (EPSS) section of the National Society of Black Physicists (NSBP), and in celebration of Black History Month we highlight the excellent, daily writeups about past and present-day physicists, including many supporting space exploration and research, such as Prof. Demetrius Venable (Howard University) and Dr. Eileen Gonzales (San Francisco State University): https://nsbp.org/blogpost/2195972/Black-History-Month-2026
We also encourage community support for the DPS URM Travel Grant, as this brings more excellent science to our DPS community. Many thanks to all who support these future planetary scientists! To donate to the DPS URM travel grant: https://dps.aas.org/Inclusivity/support-underrepresented-minority-communities-planetary-science
For more on the DPS-NSBP partnership: https://dps.aas.org/leadership/nsbp_parnership
9———9———9———9———9———9———9———9———9———
AAS JOURNALS WELCOME NEW SCIENTIFIC EDITORS
We’re pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Kat Volk and Dr. Jennifer Hanley as scientific editors for the Planetary Science Journal (PSJ).
Volk, a senior scientist at the Planetary Science Institute, brings expertise in small bodies within our solar system, such as comets, trans-Neptunian objects, and the distant, icy denizens of the Kuiper Belt. Volk’s work combines observations and theory to study the orbits of small bodies and the dynamical histories of the giant planets, with implications for planetary migration in the solar system as well as in exoplanetary systems. Volk is also a member of the Legacy Survey of Space and Time Solar System Science Collaboration.
Hanley, a staff astronomer at Lowell Observatory working in collaboration with the Northern Arizona University Astrophysical Materials Lab, uses laboratory astrophysics techniques to study the properties of ices at the low temperatures and pressures relevant to outer solar system bodies like Pluto and Titan. Hanley is also interested in how the presence of chlorine salts affects the stability of water on worlds across the solar system. Hanley also serves as the
chair of the DPS Professional Development Subcommittee.
Volk and Hanley join Dr. Edgard G. Rivera-Valentín as scientific editors for the PSJ. Along with PSJ Editor Dr. Brian Jackson, the scientific editors work to maintain the high standards of science and author support that have exemplified the PSJ since its launch in 2019. With an annual publication rate of 300 articles and an impact factor of 4.3, The Planetary Science Journal has, in less than six years since its first issue, become one of the premier journals in the world devoted to recent developments, discoveries, and theories in planetary science.
10———10———10———10———10———10———10———10———
NASA INFRARED TELESCOPE FACILITY – SEMESTER 2026B – CALL FOR PROPOSALS, OPEN TILL APRIL 1
The Call for Proposals for the NASA Infrared Telescope Facility (IRTF) is open March 1 until April 1, 5pm Hawaii Standard Time.
https://irtfweb.ifa.hawaii.edu/observing/callforproposals
IRTF supports facility and visitor instruments that offer a unique range of imaging capabilities with broad and narrow band filters and spectroscopic observing capabilities covering wavelengths from 0.4µm to 25µm with low resolution of 50 to high resolution of 85,000. Non-sidereal tracking of solar system objects, including near-Earth objects, and non-standard tracking and scanning modes are particular strengths. A co-axial wide field optical imager provides contemporaneous photometric monitoring and ToO target identification.
Excellent pre-observing training and supports are available for new observers and those unfamiliar with the instruments.
ToO interrupt and time critical programs are supported. Observing is usually conducted fully remotely. In-person observing to build experience or conduct particularly challenging programs is available, accommodation is included and transportation between the observatory and accommodation may also be provided.
For more information about proposing to time on IRTF, full details on the instruments, exposure time calculators and all other information needed for proposal preparation, visit https://irtfweb.ifa.hawaii.edu/observing/callforproposals/
11———11———11———11———11———11———11———11———11———
ACTION ALERT: ASK YOUR MEMBERS OF CONGRESS TO SUPPORT SCIENCE THROUGH CONSTITUENT APPROPRIATIONS REQUESTS (ACT BY MARCH 6)
Take action to support the sciences by filling out a constituent request form with one or more of your members of Congress. This is one of the most effective ways to make your voice heard! For detailed information on how to do this, see Action Alert: Ask Your Members of Congress to Support Science Through Constituent Appropriations Requests | American Astronomical Society
Please take action by March 6.
12———12———12———12———12———12———12———12———12———
2026 NASA PLANETARY SCIENCE SUMMER SCHOOL APPLICATIONS
Dear Colleague,
I’d like to call your attention to the deadline of March 23, 2026, for application to the 38th Annual Planetary Science Summer School (PSSS) experience at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena CA. I would appreciate your support in getting the word out to grad-level students, post docs, faculty members, and early career scientists and engineers, to help us gather a qualified pool of candidates. Please share the announcement to your contacts who may have an interest or can suggest other qualified candidates to apply. Thanks so much for your support!
Rosaly Lopes/ja
Manager, NASA Science Mission Design Schools
Jet Propulsion Laboratory
M/S 180-109
4800 Oak Grove Drive
Pasadena CA 91109
(818) 393-4584
Now through March 23, 2026, NASA is encouraging applications for its 38th Annual Planetary Science Summer School. Offered by the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California, PSSS is a 3-month long early career development experience to help prepare the next generation of planetary science and engineering mission leaders. Participants learn the process of developing a science hypothesis-driven robotic space mission in a concurrent engineering environment while getting an in-depth, first-hand look at mission design, mission life cycle, costs, schedule and the trade-offs inherent in each.
Applicants with the following education and career experience are eligible: Science and engineering Doctoral Candidates (advancement to candidacy required), recent Ph.D.’s (up to five years beyond their Ph.D.), Postdocs, Junior Faculty with a Ph.D., and Non-research Engineering Master-level students within six to nine months of graduation will be considered on a space-available basis.
Open to U.S. Citizens and legal permanent residents and a limited number of Foreign Nationals from non-designated countries living with continuous residence in the U.S at the time of application and extending through the full program period. There is no charge to attend. We strive to create a welcoming environment where participants’ contributions and unique perspectives are valued.
- Session 1: Preparatory Sessions May 14 – July 24. | Culminating Week with JPL’s Team X July 27 – July 31.
- Session 2: Preparatory Sessions May 28 – August 7. | Culminating Week with JPL’s Team X August 10 – 14.
PSSS is roughly equivalent in workload to a rigorous 3-credit graduate-level course, requiring an average effort of 10-12 hours per week. Participants spend the majority of the first 10 weeks in preparatory webinars acting as a science mission team, prior to spending the final culminating week being mentored by JPL’s Advance Project Design Team, or “Team X” to refine their mission concept design, then present it to a mock review board of NASA Center experts.
Register here for PSSS Pre-application Q&A Webinar on March 4, 2026, from 2:30 – 3:30 pm Pacific Time.
To apply and learn more about the NASA Science Mission Design Schools: http://go.nasa.gov/missiondesignschools
13———13———13———13———13———13———13———13———13———
COMMUNITY SURVEY: COSMOCHEMISTRY AND PLANETARY SCIENCE (2026)
The Cosmochemistry and Planetary Science (2026) survey seeks to capture a snapshot of current perspectives across the cosmochemistry and planetary science community. Responses will inform a forward-looking review chapter for the upcoming book Meteorites the Early Solar System III.
The questionnaire is anonymous, all questions are optional, and it takes approximately 5–10 minutes to complete.
14———14———14———14———14———14———14———14———14———
F.19 COMPASS FAQ POSTED AND OFFICE HOURS MARCH 13 AND 18
F.19 Collaborative Opportunities for Mentorship, Partnership and Academic Success in Science (COMPASS) funds collaborations between NASA Centers and academic institutions that will advance NASA’s scientific priorities and train the future STEM workforce. COMPASS prioritizes collaborations with academic institutions that have not traditionally been funded by NASA as part of an effort to provide funding to a broad range of recipients rather than to a select group of repeat players. COMPASS prioritizes research that reflect NASA and the Administration’s priorities and advance the Science Mission Directorate and NASA’s research goals. COMPASS creates undergraduate and graduate student research opportunities that provide professional development opportunities for students that help to build the United States’ STEM workforce.
Links for virtual office hours Friday, March 13, 2026, 10 AM Eastern Time and Wednesday, March 18, 2026, 4 PM Eastern Time are available from the file posted under other documents on the right side of the NSPIRES page for COMPASS.
A FAQ (pdf) has also been posted under other documents on the right side of the NSPIRES page for COMPASS.
Questions concerning F.19 COMPASS may be directed to Steven Villanueva at [email protected].
15———15———15———15———15———15———15———15———15———
STAND WITH ASTRONOMERS AFFECTED BY RECENT FEDERAL RULINGS
To stand with our astronomy and space sciences community members currently affected by recent federal rulings in the US, we (choir, Black in Astro, Astro Poverty Survey, Movement Consulting) would like to uplift our ongoing mutual aid program offering financial assistance to those negatively impacted. Since this mutual aid effort began, we have distributed over $10k to support a broad range of expenses including housing, food access, childcare, DEIA programs, and research-related needs to support active projects. We share this success and our gratitude to the community, and invite you to continue sharing this mutual aid initiative with your communities to reach folks both giving and receiving aid. Thank you for joining us in building solidarity, hope, and a community of care.”
16———16———16———16———16———16———16———16———16———
NASA INFRARED TELESCOPE FACILITY STRATEGIC PLANNING – SEEKING COMMUNITY INPUT – SURVEY CLOSES MARCH 6
The NASA Infrared Telescope Facility (IRTF) 10-year strategic plan is being developed. The plan will cover an important period for observatories on Maunakea. It will ensure that IRTF continues to be a leading facility for researchers in planetary science and astrophysics as JWST makes more ground breaking discoveries and Rubin, Roman, NEO Surveyor and other facilities, both ground and space based, begin producing vast amounts of data.
IRTF is a facility open to anyone, regardless of affiliation. We are seeking broad community input on the evolution of the scientific landscape, science priorities and cases, the roadmap for new capabilities and ideas for new instrumentation, enhancements to operations and training, and improvements to the archive, to chart the course for IRTF for the next decade.
A survey has been developed to gather inputs from across the planetary science and astrophysics research communities. We encourage everyone with an interest in IRTF to provide their input.
https://forms.gle/kMDvFSwULkvyx5tw9
Everyone that completes the survey can participate in a prize draw for an observing session with IRTF that includes full support and training for planning, conducting and reducing the observations.
17———17———17———17———17———17———17———17———17———
TABLE OF CONTENTS FOR THE PLANETARY SCIENCE JOURNAL AND ICARUS
The current issues for both DPS-affiliated journals are here:
The Planetary Science Journal:
Issue 2 – Volume 7 – The Planetary Science Journal – IOPscience
Icarus:
Icarus | Vol 446, In progress (1 March 2026) | ScienceDirect.com by Elsevier
18———18———18———18———18———18———18———18———18———
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.
- ESA Archival Research Visitor Program
To increase the scientific return from its space science missions, the European Space Agency (ESA) welcomes applications from scientists interested in pursuing research projects based on data publicly available in the ESA Space Science Archives Home – ESDC – Cosmos
The ESA Archival Research Visitor Programme is open to scientists, at all career levels, who are affiliated with institutes in ESA Member States and Cooperating States. All visits must comply with the ESA security directives, which may necessitate additional checks. Early-career scientists and PhD students are particularly encouraged to apply. We encourage applications from women and minorities. The peer-review evaluation process is anonymised to ensure equal opportunities for all applicants.
During their stay, visiting scientists will have access to archives and mission specialists for help with the retrieval, calibration, and analysis of archival data. In principle, all areas of space research covered by ESA science missions can be supported.
Residence lasts typically between one and three months, also distributed over multiple visits. Research projects can be carried out at ESAC (Madrid, Spain) and at ESTEC (Noordwijk, Netherlands). To offset the expenses incurred by visitors, ESA covers travel costs from and to the home institution and provides support for lodging expenses and meals.
Applications received by 30 April 2026, 23:59 UTC, will be considered for visits in autumn 2026 and winter 2027.
For further details, including areas of research and contact information, please refer to COSMOS Visit us! – ESDC or write to the programme coordinators at [email protected]
- NASA Postdoctoral Fellowship – Application Deadline April 2, 2026
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: NPP Research Opportunities.
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. 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: https://npp.orau.org/applicants/index.html.
Questions: [email protected]
+———————————
Send submissions to: Denise Stephens, DPS Secretary, at this address [email protected]
