2022 GENES in SPACE COMPETITION

Design and Launch Your DNA
Experiment to Space!

Calling all students in grades 7–12: Have you ever wondered how astronauts might survive a deep-space mission or how we might be able to use biology to transform new worlds? If so, Genes in Space is for you!

Help inspire the next generation of space biology researchers! Genes in Space is a free experimental design competition where students in grades 7-12 propose research projects to be carried out in space. While one winner has their experiment carried out aboard the International Space Station, all contestants learn about current space biology research and engage in the scientific process as they design their experiments.

Genes in Space excited to announce that the 2022 competition will begin accepting submissions on January 13th.

Genes in Space is a science contest that challenges students to design original DNA experiments that address real-life challenges and opportunities of space exploration. The contest is free and does not require equipment. Proposals will be judged solely on their creative and scientific merit. The winning experiment is conducted in space, and samples are returned to Earth for you to analyze! Submission deadline is April 11th, 2022. Learn more about the contest HERE.

All student contestants practice valuable scientific skills while exploring a topic that interests them and learning about the exciting field of space biology. 25 awardees win a biotechnology prize pack for their educational institutions. Five Finalist teams additionally receive mentoring from Harvard and MIT PhD scientists and present their ideas to a panel of judges for a chance to win the contest and have their DNA experiment launch into space!

Educators: The Genes in Space contest is a great way to engage students in authentic research, whether your class meets in-person or virtually. Check out the free tools for bringing modern genetic analysis and space biology into your physical or virtual classroom HERE. Resources include videos, lesson plans, classroom activities, worksheets, and more.

Find us on the web at www.genesinspace.org or email us at genesinspace@minipcr.com.

Genes in Space is a collaboration between miniPCR bio and Boeing with generous support from the ISS U.S. National Laboratory and New England Biolabs, Inc.