Contest - Genes in Space

Contest details

If you've ever wondered how astronauts would survive a deep-space mission or how we will use biology to transform new worlds, Genes in Space is for you

Propose a space biology experiment for the chance to have your idea sent to the ISS

The contest is open to students in the U.S. in grades 7-12
Apply individually or in teams of two
Win biotechnology prizes for your school
One grand prize winner will send their experiment to space

APPLYING IS EASY

STEP 1

Choose a space biology topic that’s interesting to you

Explore our Student Resources page for space biology inspiration
Your focus should have a molecular or genetic basis that can be tested

STEP 2

Identify an open question and define your hypothesis or research goal

Review a sample application and this year’s scoring criteria

STEP 3

Choose an experimental approach

Learn about the Genes in Space Toolkit available to astronauts
Your experiment should make clear and reasonable use of one or more of the elements of the Toolkit

STEP 4

Click submit!

Complete the 2025 application once the Submission opens
Check your work and send it off! Know that our panel of scientists are excited to read your proposal

AWARDS

We offer 25 awardees the chance to win a complete DNA Discovery System for their schools, including a miniPCR thermal cycler and a blueGel^TM electrophoresis system.

We celebrate all of these values

Creativity and innovation – meet our past winners
Youth Engagement – learn about our Junior Scientist Awards
Class participation – read about our Constellation Awards
Mentorship – meet the Genes in Space mentors

TIMELINE

Open

January 6, 2025

Develop your idea

Submit

April 14, 2025

Awardees & semifinalists

May 5, 2025

Finalists

May 19, 2025

Mentoring

June - July

Winners announced

July 31, 2025

Space Biology Camp

Fall 2025

Your DNA experiment in space

2026

FAQ

What is the deadline again?

You must submit your experimental idea online on or before April 14, 2025 at 11:59pm PDT.

Do I need any biotechnology equipment or access to a lab to enter the competition?

No. Your submission will be judged on creative and scientific merit of your idea. If selected as the winner, you will attend Space Biology Camp to prepare your experiment for space travel.

Does my experiment need to use Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)?

Not necessarily! You may use any tool in the Genes in Space Toolkit - alone or together. However, access to these tools or prior knowledge of how to use them is not required.

Can I access other molecular biology tools aboard the ISS?

For the purposes of your proposal, yes. Your Genes in Space proposal may include any tool that is necessary for your experiment. For example, many prior Genes in Space experiments have involved analysis by gel electrophoresis after samples have been returned to Earth. Genes in Space-6 incorporated CRISPR and direct DNA sequencing of samples amplified on-orbit. Genes in Space winners will work alongside their mentors, astronauts, and space biologists to push the boundaries of DNA analysis in space!

What biotech equipment will finalist schools be awarded?

Finalists’ schools will be awarded a complete DNA Discovery System for their schools. Each kit includes a miniPCR thermal cycler, a blueGel™ electrophoresis system, and a 20 µl micropipette- a $950 value

If I win, will my experiment be done in space?

Yes! The winning experimental design will be conducted aboard the International Space Station, pending approval from The ISS National Laboratory. The exact launch date will be determined after winners are announced.

Can my experiment utilize quantitative PCR (qPCR)?

miniPCR is a conventional (end point) PCR thermal cycler. However, you can propose an experiment that uses quantitative PCR (also referred to as real-time PCR or qPCR). It won’t affect your chances of winning the competition.

How will I know if I win?

All finalists will be contacted, and the results will be announced on this website, in the Genes in Space newsletter, and on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

Where can I find information about previous finalists?

You can use the “Finalists” tag on our blog. You can also see the Finalists from 2020, 2021, 2022 , and 2023, and 2024 present their proposals to our judges, or read their proposals in the Journal of Emerging Investigators (2019, 2020, 2021, 2022,and 2023). Our 2024 Finalist proposals will be published soon!

Where will the finals round of the 2025 competition be held?

2025 finalists will present their ideas to contest judges at the ISS Research & Development Conference, which will be held July 28 - 31st, 2025 in Seattle, WA. At least one student from each finalist team must be available to present at the conference.

I have so many great ideas, can I submit more than one proposal to the Genes in Space contest?

No, not to the same Genes in Space contest. We can only accept one proposal per student per contest year. However you are welcome to participate in Genes in Space every year that you are eligible. That means you can submit your best idea this year and save your other ideas to submit in future years.

I don't attend school in the United States. Can I participate?

Unfortunately no, the current Genes in Space contest is only open to students in 7-12th grade who live on United States soil (US States and territories). In 2016 we offered a contest in the United Arab Emirates and hope to offer more international contests in the future.

Can I form a team with students from different schools?

Absolutely! In fact, our 2018 winning team was made up of students from different high schools.

I am homeschooled. Can I participate?

Yes! We welcome submissions from homeschooled students.

My question has not been answered. What do I do if I have another question?

You can email us at genesinspace@minipcr.com.