Call for Applications

The Young Innovative Investigator Program (YIIP) is a 2-year program of The Cato T. Laurencin Institute for Regenerative Engineering which aims to develop the next generation of innovative scientists by providing academic training to individuals dedicated to pursuing careers as scientists and scholars in biological and biomedical science. The program is specifically focused on recruiting underrepresented students to contribute towards developing a sustainable pipeline to increase diversity among the pool of academic scientists. YIIP provides tools for scholars to conduct research, succeed in an academic environment, and become competitive candidates for medical school and/or graduate school. YIIP Scholars will acquire the expertise necessary to obtain a Ph.D., M.D./Ph.D., or M.D.

Overview:
YIIP is an intensive research program for college graduates comprised of graduate level coursework and mentored research in biomedical laboratories at the University of Connecticut (Farmington and Storrs campuses). It provides individualized mentorship, academic support, and career guidance. YIIP Scholars earn a stipend and qualify for health insurance coverage. In addition, some tuition expenses and fees associated with required graduate level courses are waived. Upon successful completion of year one, scholars obtain a Graduate Certificate of Research Experience in Biomedical Science. In year two, Scholars who meet the academic qualifications pursue a Master of Science in Biomedical Science involving innovative mentored research.

Eligibility:

The selection committee is committed to the principle of IDEAL, which stands for Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Anti-racism, and Learning, as a plan to achieve justice and equity. A priority for the program is increasing (1) individuals traditionally underrepresented and marginalized in the biomedical sciences and (2) first-generation students. For more information about IDEAL please visit: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40615-020-00924-2.

All applicants must:

• Have completed a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university with a minimum of an overall 3.0 GPA.
• Demonstrate high motivation and potential to become a basic scientist with a goal of attaining a Ph.D., M.D./Ph.D., or M.D.
• Meet all eligibility criteria and have a high probability of fulfilling the social and educational goals of this program.
• Be a citizen or permanent resident of the United States.

For more information, please visit our website: https://health.uconn.edu/regenerative-engineering-institute/young-innovative-investigator-program/ or contact:

Jolene Monahan Wilding
Program Manager
monahanwilding@uchc.edu

or

Gualberto Ruaño, M.D., Ph.D.
Assistant Director, Special Projects

ruano@uchc.edu

Due to the competitiveness of the program, YIIP has a shorter application timeline, than the dates indicated by The Graduate School for Fall 2025 enrollment. Apply at the Graduate School’s Website by Sunday March 29th, 2026. In addition to the standard graduate school requirements, please submit a copy of your Resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV), a Personal Statement of Interest and Professional Goals, a Narrative on Research Experience, a Statement describing how your past, present, and future achievement will serve to advance the program’s commitment to the principle of IDEAL, and two letters of recommendation. For more information about IDEAL please visit: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40615-020-00924-2.

Are you ready to deepen your impact, sharpen your leadership, and grow alongside a powerful nationwide network of leaders?

Applications are now open for the 2026 Latino Leader Fellowship

The Latino Leader Fellowship is designed for leaders who are committed to driving change in their organizations and communities. Through our partnership with the Center for Creative Leadership (CCL), fellows receive high-caliber leadership development experiences that range from immersions in Lideramos's national, culturally-rooted communities of practice to participation in CCL's world-renowned training programs.
 

Why apply?

• Participate in CCL’s acclaimed Leadership Development Program (LDP®) — a 5-day immersive, research-backed experience
• Gain deep insight into your leadership style and strengths
• Build skills to navigate complexity with clarity and confidence
• Learn alongside a cohort of Latino leaders applying leadership in community-centered ways
• Receive ongoing coaching, peer support, and expanded networks
• Deepen your leadership, showcase your brilliance, and connect to your cultura at the LIDERAMOS National Symposium

APPLY TODAY

Want to learn more about the Latino Leader Fellowship and explore if it's the right fit for you?

Join us for a brief information session on February 18 at 12pm ET | 11am CT | 10am MT | 9am PT

We'll share more about this transformational program and the ways it can grow your leadership and community impact.

REGISTER NOW

 

We're excited to announce that the Falling Walls Global Call for Science Breakthroughs 2026 is now open!  

 

Please submit your nominations and applications for the
Falling Walls Science Breakthroughs of the Year by 15 April 2026

NOMINATE / APPLY NOW

The Falling Walls Science Summit is the international, interdisciplinary and intersectoral forum for global science leaders, celebrating Science Breakthroughs that shape the future. 

 

With the Falling Walls Global Call for Science Breakthroughs, we are looking for the most innovative scientific breakthroughs of the year. You can nominate outstanding research or apply with your own project in the following categories:
  

1. Life Sciences 
2. Physical Sciences 
3. Engineering and Technology 
4. Social Sciences and Humanities 
5. Art and Science 
6. Women’s Impact Award (Female Science Talents) 
7. Science Start-ups (Falling Walls Venture) 
8. Science Engagement (Falling Walls Engage) 

 

Nominators of projects selected as finalists will receive a free ticket to the Falling Walls Science Summit in Berlin. 

Find all information on the Falling Walls Global Call here. 

 

Please note, for students and early-career researchers interested in applying in the Emerging Talents category of the Falling Walls Science Summit (Falling Walls Lab), you can apply directly to an international Falling Walls Lab via our website. The 2026 season will run from 1 February until 15 September 2026. 

 

Global Call Open Hour 

Do you have questions about the nomination and application process for the Global Call? We’re here to help! 

Join our online open hour, where we will answer your questions about all eight Global Call categories.  

Choose the time that works best for you and drop by on Zoom: 

📅 Tuesday, 10 February, 9:00–10:00 AM CET: Register here.
📅 Thursday, 12 February, 5:00–6:00 PM CET: Register here.

Please select the category you are most interested in. We look forward to seeing you there!

 

I-Corps Puerto Rico is a customer discovery bootcamp designed to assist you validate the commercialization potential of your idea/project all the while discovering and understanding your target customer.  This is a short duration program following the evidence based entrepreneurship methodology designed by the National Science Foundation.

Important program details:

• Program Requirements:

  • Have a team made up of 2 to 3 people, who are able to attend all program sessions

  • Have an understanding of English (being able to understand it and comfortable speaking it, the program is in English)

  • The team must attend all program sessions

  • Complete 100 customer discovery conversations

  • Have an open-mind and a desire to learn how to validate your idea while understanding your potential customer

• Cohort 21 dates:

  • Kick-off weekend:  Abril 18 & 19 (in-person)

  • Weekly Mtg. #1: May 2 (virtual)

  • Weekly Mtg. #2: May 16 (virtual)

  • Finale Weekend: May 30 & 31 (in person)

• In-person sessions will take place at UPR-Mayaguez.

• Applicants must complete the application here: https://bit.ly/icorpsprcohort21 

If you have questions, join one of the following info sessions:

• Thursday, February 5th from 10:30am - 12:00pm at University of Puerto Rico - Mayaguez

  • Register here: https://bit.ly/icorpsprcohort21infosessionFeb5   

• Thursday, February 19th from 10:30am - 12:00pm at University of Puerto Rico - Mayaguez

  • Register here: https://bit.ly/icorpsprcohort21infosessionFeb19  

• Thursday, February 26th from 6:00pm - 7:00pm via Zoom

  • Register here: https://bit.ly/icorpsprcohort21infosessionFeb26 

You may also join and share your experiences with budding entrepreneurs by becoming a mentor.  Join to be a mentor by completing this form: https://bit.ly/icorpsprcohort21mentors 

Hello,

My name is Ava Morgan, and I’m a Ph.D. student in Industrial-Organizational Psychology at Baruch College, CUNY. I’m currently recruiting participants for a paid research study as part of my master’s thesis under the supervision of my adviser, Dr. Deepshikha Chatterjee. This virtual study focuses on the experiences of employees from underrepresented backgrounds working in STEM. The goal of this research is to help inform strategies that improve support, inclusion, and retention for professionals in STEM.

To be eligible, participants must (a) identify with at least two of the following identity characteristics: first-generation student, gender minority, LGBTQIA+, racial minority, immigrant or on visa, low socioeconomic status, having a disability, or veteran status, (b) currently work full-time in STEM in the U.S., and (c) have less than 5 years of full-time work experience.

What’s Involved?

• Answer short, quick daily surveys online (under 5 minutes each) over a 10-day period about your work experiences.

• Receive a $10 gift card for 10 days of responses, or $5 for at least 5 days of responses.

• Your responses are confidential and will only be reported in aggregate and/or de-identified forms. Nothing will ever be shared with your employer.

• Your participation will directly contribute to research that helps improve workplace experiences for employees in STEM.

How to Participate:

Click here to check if you qualify, review the consent form, and begin the baseline survey (under 10 minutes). Or paste this link into your browser: https://baruch.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_71ET2KbuXoXfzNk

Know Someone Who Might Be Interested?

If you have friends or colleagues who fit the criteria, feel free to forward this message to them—I’d greatly appreciate it.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions. Thanks so much for considering, and I hope to have you in the study!

 

Best,

Ava

 

ava.morgan@baruch.cuny.edu

dia.chatterjee@baruch.cuny.edu

IRB # 2025-0154-Baruch

 

The Senior Director of BioInteractive provides strategic leadership for HHMI’s nationally recognized science education program, which reaches thousands of classrooms nationwide. Through BioInteractive, HHMI advances the mission of the Science Education Department to transform how high school and introductory college students experience science. 

In this role, the Senior Director leads the development, evaluation, and dissemination of innovative educational media and resources that make science engaging, accessible, and relevant for students of all backgrounds, experiences, interests, and career aspirations. The position also guides efforts to strengthen professional learning for educators who use BioInteractive materials. The Senior Director is responsible for staffing, budget, and resource planning, and for cultivating a collaborative environment that supports creativity, excellence, and professional growth. 

This role reports to the Head of Science Education and follows a hybrid schedule of three days in person at our Headquarters in Chevy Chase, Maryland. 

Learn more: https://hhmi.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/External/job/Senior-Director--BioInteractive_R-4098

1 Group Leader
1 Postdoctoral Researcher What we are looking for

The BioMed X Institute Barbados is establishing a new, fully funded research group in the following field:

AI-Enabled Therapy of Early Diabetic Kidney Disease in Barbados

If you hold a PhD or expect to complete your PhD soon with an outstanding track record or strong interest in this field, we invite you to apply with a project proposal for a position in our new research group (1 group leader, 1 postdoctoral researcher).

This call for application is supported by the Government of Barbados and the European Union.

Despite major advances in diabetes research, early diabetic kidney disease (DKD) remains biologically heterogeneous and poorly understood, particularly in Caribbean populations of African descent. Most mechanistic insights derive from non-representative cohorts, limiting biomarker discovery and therapeutic precision. Recent multi-omic and machine learning approaches have revealed molecular DKD subtypes, yet their applicability to Caribbean Black populations, including Barbadians with distinct genetic and environmental backgrounds, remains unexplored.

The objective of this project is to elucidate the molecular mechanisms driving early DKD in individuals with Type 2 Diabetes in Barbados through deep molecular profiling and advanced machine learning tools. By combining multi-layer molecular characterization of Barbadian patients and healthy controls with AI-driven modeling, the project aims to construct a population-specific digital African twin to enable refined patient stratification and inform adaptive treatment strategies.

Research proposals should focus on the following key deliverables:

• Performance of focused molecular profiling of Barbadian Type 2 Diabetes patients with early DKD and matched healthy controls.
• Development of an AI-driven digital African twin model capturing population-specific molecular heterogeneity, disease trajectories, and predictive stratification features.
• Identification and validation of novel molecular biomarkers informing personalized DKD risk assessment and treatment adaptation in Barbados.

Original ideas reaching far beyond the current state-of-the-art are particularly encouraged. Pure integration or reanalysis of existing data, approaches solely based on established biomarkers, or projects lacking integration of AI-based modeling and mechanistic insight are out of scope.

Please note that generic project proposals which were generated by large language models such as ChatGPT will not be considered.

Group leader positions are intended to suit candidates with a PhD (or equivalent) in AI/ML, epidemiology, nephrology, cardiometabolic diseases, or in a related area who would like to develop themselves towards a leadership career path either in academia or industry and have typically between three and six years of relevant postdoctoral research experience.

Candidates for postdoctoral positions are expected to have completed a PhD (or equivalent) within the last three years and a certain degree of specialization in one or more relevant cutting-edge technologies.

What we offer

• A position in a fully funded research group with an annual budget of 500,000 EUR. The funding package covers salaries, materials, services, travel, overhead, as well as access to the core facilities on the campus of the University of the West Indies.
• A project term of 2 years with an option to extend to a total term of up to 5 years.
• An exciting research opportunity in a multidisciplinary and international research community with a collegial and flexible working environment.
• Continuous coaching by key opinion leaders from top academic institutions and experienced researchers from the pharma industry.
• Participation in the BioMed X boot camp: Here you will learn how to build a compelling pitch presentation in only 5 days.

There is flexibility over starting dates, but successful applicants are welcome to take up post in Barbados starting September 1, 2026.

Application & Selection Process

• Please apply online at https://career.bmedx.com/registration/2026-BRB-C01
• As part of the online application procedure, you will be asked to submit a competitive project proposal that gives us an idea of your scientific expertise and creative potential (3-5 pages describing your unique approach) and your curriculum vitae including your publication record.
• Deadline for applications: March 8, 2026.
• After a first selection round, candidates will be invited to a five-day innovation boot camp in Barbados from May 4 to 8, 2026. With guidance from experienced mentors, candidates will jointly work on their project proposals and present them in front of a distinguished jury on the final day. Successful candidates will be offered a position at the BioMed X Institute in Barbados.

About BioMed X

BioMed X is a leading innovation hub for pharma. With our global network of research institutes at top universities and incubators within pharmaceutical companies, we bridge the gap between academia and industry. We are pioneers in applying the principles of design thinking and crowdsourcing to drug discovery and development. With our unique model, we identify key challenges across all therapeutic areas, recruit top academic talent, and co-create tailored solutions with our pharma partners. In our stimulating ecosystem, early-career researchers grow into future scientific leaders. They perform exploratory research, deliver industry-grade results, and pave the way to next-generation therapies. At BioMed X, we value curiosity, diversity, and purpose. Our goal is to serve as a vital catalyst for innovation in global health for the benefit of all patients.

Sobre el programa

L’Oréal USA colabora con la Asociación Americana para el Avance de la Ciencia (AAAS, por sus siglas en inglés) para gestionar el proceso de solicitud y evaluación por pares del programa. Cada año, el programa atrae a solicitantes talentosas de diversos campos STEM, provenientes de algunas de las principales instituciones académicas y laboratorios del país. Desde 2003, el programa de becas L’Oréal USA For Women in Science ha otorgado casi $5 millones en subvenciones a más de 100 científicas posdoctorales.

Las cinco galardonadas de 2026 recibirán $75,000 para impulsar su investigación innovadora, así como sus actividades de divulgación para apoyar a la próxima generación de mujeres en STEM.

¿Interesada en solicitar?
El ciclo de solicitudes para 2026 cerrarán el 13 de febrero de 2026 a las 5:00 p. m. (EST). Puedes solicitar aquí: https://www.aaas.org/programs/loreal-usa-women-science

Are you asking yourself what is that next step in my career of business journey? We may have the right program for you....check it out.

The Latinas in Leadership Institute (LiLi) is an identity-focused 6-month professional development program designed for Latinas on their career journey looking for that next growth opportunity, entrepreneurs, community members looking to become strong advocates, or work-at-home moms who want to build their network.

Attendees have described it as a transformative experience, offering tools to enhance your skills, boost your confidence, and connect you with a dynamic network of like-minded women in a powerful comadre-ship.

Through leadership training, community connection, and purposeful action, this program empowers women to step into their power and advocate for change while uplifting one another.

Join a growing network of passionate, driven Latinas making a difference.

Apply here

We are pleased to announce the 1st Microbiome Symposium: Puerto Rico & the Caribbean – Community Dynamics in a Changing World, to be held February 28, 2026, at the Courtyard by Marriott Isla Verde Beach Resort, San Juan, Puerto Rico.

This free, in-person symposium will bring together researchers, trainees, and faculty to share innovative findings, foster collaboration, and discuss emerging challenges and opportunities in microbiome science across Puerto Rico, the Caribbean, and beyond.

Invited Speakers

We are delighted to host an outstanding lineup of invited speakers representing diverse areas of biology and biomedical research:

Keith A. Crandall, Ph.D.
Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics
Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University

Maria Gloria Dominguez Bello, Ph.D.
Distinguished Professor, Departments of Biochemistry & Microbiology and Anthropology
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey

Ana L. Maldonado-Contreras, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor and Marcellette G. Williams Scholar
Department of Microbiology, UMass Chan Medical School

Call for Abstracts

In addition to the invited lectures, the program will feature oral and poster presentations by students, postdoctoral fellows, and early-career researchers.

We invite abstracts from undergraduate students, graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and faculty.
Conceptual, exploratory, and early-stage research abstracts are strongly encouraged to promote dialogue and collaboration.

Accepted abstracts will be presented as short oral talks or posters.

Important Dates

• Abstract Submission Deadline: January 30, 2026

• Abstract Acceptance Notification: February 5, 2026

• Symposium Date: February 28, 2026
  9:30 AM – 6:00 PM

Submission Guidelines

• Submit abstracts by email in Word or PDF format

• Maximum length: 2,500 characters (abstract body only)

• Abstracts must be written in English

• In-person presentation is required (no remote presentations)

• Please review the PDF instructions prior to submission

Submission Email: cobremicrobiomepr.rcm@upr.edu
Email Subject Line: ABSTRACT – Your Name

We strongly encourage you to submit your abstract and register to attend the event: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/1st_PR_Microbiome_Symposium

Priority will be given to abstract submitters and those who register by Feb 20th.

We invite you to apply for the 12th year of the Society for Science Advocate Program, which provides a $3,000 stipend and training to an individual (teacher, scientist, counselor, or mentor) who agrees serve as an advocate for students who have previously lacked access to STEM research and help them to transition them from conducting scientific or engineering research (science fair-type) projects to completing applications to STEM research competitions. There are four different types of Advocates, which allow both beginners and more advanced applicants to further expand their capabilities to support student research competition participation.

Many students doing science research are not aware of the myriad of opportunities that are attainable by submitting their work to competitions. Just completing the rigorous application process can inspire confidence in their scientific abilities and lead them to consider a STEM career. Many competitions provide monetary awards for post-secondary education and can boost a student's chance of acceptance into the college or university of their choice. Students who lack access to STEM research opportunities also often lack the know-how to successfully enter STEM research competitions.

For eligibility information and to apply for the Advocate Program, click here. Advocates must already have a formal role with students completing research projects. This program is sponsored by Arconic Foundation, Battelle, and Regeneron and supported by the Department of Defense through its Defense STEM Education Consortium (DSEC).

The International Physics Competition is open to students from around the world. Students tackle challenging physics problems that develop their analytical thinking and deepen their understanding of physical concepts. This year's prizes include special prizes for top performers worth upwards of 1500 USD.

The submission deadline for this year's Qualification Round is Sunday, 01 February 2026. 

Learn more here.

Applications for the Scholars for HIV/AIDS Research Education (SHARE) 2026 summer program are open and due February 17th!
 
This program is an innovative 10-week summer mentored internship and learning experience for eligible undergraduate students and recent graduates. Based in Washington, DC, the goal of this program is to support students interested in pursuing further studies in #HIV and substance use-related research. 

More info visit:https://shareprogram.gwu.edu/

Para conocer más: https://lanl.jobs/search/jobdetails/postdoctoral-research-associate/db1608aa-11bb-4140-9daf-56c88312542c

La Unidad de Enfermedades Infecciosas Tropicales y Emergentes del programa RCMI, en colaboración con el Departamento de Microbiología e Inmunología de la Escuela de Medicina del RCM, les extiende una cordial invitación al seminario:

 

Host Manipulation by Malaria Parasites: Insights from the Anopheles gambiae Proteome

 

El seminario será ofrecido por el Dr. Joel Vega-Rodríguez Investigador Principal y Jefe de la Sección de Parasitología Molecular y Entomología del NIAID.

 

Agradeceremos que pueda registrarse hoy a través del siguiente enlace: JOEL VEGA SEMINAR – Fill out form

 

 

Para más información, puede comunicarse al (787) 758-2525, ext. 1314.

 

¡Esperamos contar con su participación!

Start your science and technology policy career today, applications for the CCST Science & Technology Policy Fellowship are now open, due March 2nd. As Fellows, scientists, engineers, and social scientists spend one year in Sacramento, California, working as staff in the State Assembly, State Senate, a State Agency, or Offices of the Governor. Fellows get a front-row seat learning about the craft and process of policymaking in the State of California — a dynamic arena that often sets policy trends for the United States and the world.

APPLY: Register for our webinar on Jan. 28th or read our application announcement to learn more.

Questions? Contact Science Fellows Program Manager bethany.hopkins@ccst.us

Dear Colleagues,

We are pleased to announce the 1st Microbiome Symposium: Puerto Rico & the Caribbean – Community Dynamics in a Changing World, to be held February 28, 2026, at the Courtyard by Marriott Isla Verde Beach Resort, San Juan, Puerto Rico.

This free, in-person symposium will bring together researchers, trainees, and faculty to share innovative findings, foster collaboration, and discuss emerging challenges and opportunities in microbiome science across Puerto Rico, the Caribbean, and beyond.

🎤 Invited Speakers

We are delighted to host an outstanding lineup of invited speakers representing diverse areas of biology and biomedical research:

Keith A. Crandall, Ph.D.
Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics
Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University

Maria Gloria Dominguez Bello, Ph.D.
Distinguished Professor, Departments of Biochemistry & Microbiology and Anthropology
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey

Ana L. Maldonado-Contreras, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor and Marcellette G. Williams Scholar
Department of Microbiology, UMass Chan Medical School

🧪 Call for Abstracts

In addition to the invited lectures, the program will feature oral and poster presentations by students, postdoctoral fellows, and early-career researchers.

We invite abstracts from undergraduate students, graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and faculty.
Conceptual, exploratory, and early-stage research abstracts are strongly encouraged to promote dialogue and collaboration.

Accepted abstracts will be presented as short oral talks or posters.

📅 Important Dates

• Abstract Submission Deadline: January 30, 2026

• Abstract Acceptance Notification: February 5, 2026

• Symposium Date: February 28, 2026
  ⏰ 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM

📄 Submission Guidelines

• Submit abstracts by email in Word or PDF format

• Maximum length: 2,500 characters (abstract body only)

• Abstracts must be written in English

• In-person presentation is required (no remote presentations)

• Please review the PDF instructions prior to submission

📧 Submission Email: cobremicrobiomepr.rcm@upr.edu
📌 Email Subject Line: ABSTRACT – Your Name

We strongly encourage you to submit your abstract and register to attend the event: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/1st_PR_Microbiome_Symposium

Priority will be given to abstract submitters and those who register by Feb 20th.

Share this announcement with students and collaborators!

We look forward to welcoming you to San Juan for an engaging and collaborative symposium.

Warm regards,
the COBRE Microbiome team

 

The Gulf Research Program’s Science Policy Fellowship helps scientists gain first-hand experience applying science to policy as they spend one year on the staff of federal, state, local, or non-governmental agencies in the Gulf region.

With the guidance of a mentor, fellows delve into activities like policy development, evaluation, restoration planning, grants management, and stakeholder outreach and learn what it takes to make scientific information not just useful but useable. Meanwhile, host offices get a talented technical expert with a fresh perspective and a new network of contacts across the Gulf region.

Fellows who have completed a MA, MS, or MPH/MSPH degree or who are currently enrolled in a doctoral program will receive an annual stipend of $63,800. Fellows who have completed a PhD, ScD, EngD, MD, DrPH, or DVM will receive an annual stipend of $69,300.

For additional information and to apply, please visit our website.

The National Association of Latino Arts and Cultures (NALAC)  is excited to announce the open call for applications for the 2026  NALAC Leadership Institute (NLI). The NLI is a week-long fellowship that brings non-profit arts administrators and cultural workers together from across the nation for intensive training in leadership and management capacity.

“NALAC eagerly anticipates welcoming the next generation of arts and culture leaders to the NLI,” said Cat Rodríguez, NALAC’s Director of Programs. “Together, in community, we will navigate today’s challenges as well as envision and plan for a more equitable future.”

The 2026 NLI will take place from July 18 – 25, 2026, in San Antonio, Texas. Selected fellows will participate in learning sessions and workshops designed to foster leadership development, build skills in nonprofit arts management, and strengthen cultural competency.

The deadline to apply for the 2026 NALAC Leadership Institute (NLI) is Monday, February 9, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. CST. NALAC strongly encourages Latinx/é applicants from underrepresented communities within Latinidad, including Black, Indigenous, LGBTQ+, Disabled, and Undocumented folx.

Resources

• Support Presentation: A pre-recorded guide that includes a step-by-step
  walk-through of the application process. Available for on-demand viewing.
   
• 2026 NLI Cafecito: A virtual office hour held by the NALAC Programs Team to answer any questions. Scheduled for Tuesday, January 27, 2026, at 3:00 PM CT, via Zoom. (This meeting will not be recorded.)
   
• Financial Assistance: NALAC offers a limited number of financial assistance funds to selected applicants to attend the NLI. These opportunities are made available to Fellows after being admitted to the program; Fellows must align with eligibility criteria in order to request financial assistance (please see the 2026 NLI Guidelines for details). All requests for financial assistance are reviewed individually, provided on a need basis, and prioritize individuals from under-resourced communities.
   
  • NALAC Leadership Institute Support Fund: Established by the NLI Class of 2022, the NLI Support Fund is an alum-funded financial assistance program that supports fellows to attend the NLI.
     
  • Voces de Los Angeles Fund: Funded by the California Community Foundation, the Voces de Los Angeles Fund provides financial assistance for fellows residing in L.A. County to attend the NLI.

More information is now available on the NLI webpage, including the full list of support resources and the 2026 NLI application guidelines.

For more updates about the 2026 NALAC Leadership Institute (NLI), please follow NALAC on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

 

 

Announcing Genes in Space 2026 – 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 experiments that use biotechnology to explore the real-life challenges and opportunities of space exploration. The contest is free and does not require equipment. The winning experiment is conducted by astronauts aboard the International Space Station! Submission deadline is April 10th, 2026. Learn more about the contest HERE.

Educators: The Genes in Space contest is a great way to engage students in authentic research. Check out the free tools for bringing modern genetic analysis and space biology into your 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 National Laboratory and New England Biolabs.