Young Scientist Program

The BMSIS Young Scientist Program (YSP) provides opportunities for students to participate in basic research, learn about effective science communication, and develop critical ethical thinking. BMSIS conducts two such programs:

  • “The NASA/BMSIS Young Scientist Program in Space Biosciences” is a collaboration between NASA Ames Research Center Space Biosciences Division and BMSIS in developing the next generation of Space Biology professionals, which focuses on post-bachelors and pre-doctoral students. Students must be physically located in Mountain View, CA and working in a NASA Ames lab to qualify.

  • “The BMSIS Young Scientist Program,” which focuses on undergraduate students (or equivalent) is a typically unpaid online-only program with the same requirements as the NASA program, except that the research mentors are BMSIS scientists instead of NASA Space Biology scientists. Applications for the 2020 Online Young Scientist Program will be open from March 1 to April 15.

YS’s may work on-site or remotely, depending on the needs of the project, mentor, and YS. Funding is available for some projects (see the list here) but not all. Unpaid YS projects will last nominally a maximum of three months. Funded YS positions may last longer. NASA/BMSIS YS’s not pursuing a doctoral degree may remain YS’s for a period of 5 years. NASA/BMSIS YS Doctoral students will remain YS’s up to their defense date.

View the Current List of Projects and Apply for the 2020 YSP
Download the YSP Handbook
Download the YSP Certificate Checklist

Further Resources and Recommended Reading

National Academies – On being a Scientist: a guide to responsible conduct in research

Matt Abrahams – Speaking up without Freaking out

Randy Olson – Don’t be such a scientist

Peter Feibelman – A PhD is not enough

Adam Grant – Originals: how non-conformists move the world

Susan Cain – Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking

Claude Steele – Whistling Vivaldi: How Stereotypes Affect Us and What We Can Do (Issues of Our Time)

Michael Walker – Why We Sleep: Unlocking the Power of Sleep and Dreams

Cal Newport – Deep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World

Josh Bernoff – Writing Without Bullshit: Boost Your Career by Saying What You Mean