Announcing Genes in Space 2022 – Design and Launch Your DNA Experiment to Space!

Calling all students in grades 7 through 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!

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.