Who can participate?
- You must live in the USA and be in grades 7-12
- You can work alone or in a team of up to 4 students
- You must be available to present at the Genes in Space virtual finals August 4-6, 2020
We encourage you to seek mentorship from a teacher, parent, or another science enthusiast.
Applying is easy!
STEP 1
The idea
We invite you to design a DNA experiment that addresses challenges in space travel and deep space exploration. From bacterial cell growth to the human immune system, everything works a little differently in space. Choose a topic that interests you and tell us why it's important for space exploration.
Need help getting started?
STEP 1
The idea
We invite you to design a DNA experiment that addresses challenges in space travel and deep space exploration. From bacterial cell growth to the human immune system, everything works a little differently in space. Choose a topic that interests you and tell us why it's important for space exploration.
Need help getting started?
STEP 2
The hypothesis
Propose a clear hypothesis. Here is where the research comes in, what's already known about this system on Earth and in space?
Get started:
STEP 2
The hypothesis
Propose a clear hypothesis. Here is where the research comes in, what's already known about this system on Earth and in space?
Get started:
STEP 3
The International Space Station
Tell us why the unique environment available on ISS is necessary to test your question. This research platform is the world’s only permanently crewed orbital research facility. The ISS on-orbit laboratory enables scientific research supporting innovation on Earth and serves as a testbed for deep space exploration.
STEP 3
The International Space Station
Tell us why the unique environment available on ISS is necessary to test your question. This research platform is the world’s only permanently crewed orbital research facility. The ISS on-orbit laboratory enables scientific research supporting innovation on Earth and serves as a testbed for deep space exploration.
STEP 4
The experiment
Your experiment must make creative use of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) on the International Space Station. PCR is a powerful technology that amplifies a selected piece of DNA to generate millions of copies for further analysis. The miniPCR machine is part of the growing molecular genetics equipment aboard the ISS National Laboratory.
STEP 4
The experiment
Your experiment must make creative use of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) on the International Space Station. PCR is a powerful technology that amplifies a selected piece of DNA to generate millions of copies for further analysis. The miniPCR machine is part of the growing molecular genetics equipment aboard the ISS National Laboratory.
STEP 5
Submit your idea
Applications must be submitted electronically.
Timeline
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Open
January 13, 2020 -
Develop and write up
your idea -
Submit by
May 9, 2020 -
Awardees
June 4, 2020
-
Mentoring
June/July -
Winners announced
August 6, 2020 -
Space Biology Camp
Fall 2020
YOUR DNA EXPERIMENT IN SPACE
YOUR DNA EXPERIMENT IN SPACE
FAQ
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What is the deadline again?
You must submit your experimental idea online on or before May 9, 2020, 11:59pm PDT.
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How will cancellation of the 2020 ISS Research & Development Conference affect Genes in Space?
Genes in Space 2020 will go on as planned despite the cancellation of the ISS Research & Development Conference. In lieu of an in-person event, the Finals — wherein students present their proposals to our judges and a winner is selected — will be held virtually this year. More details will be shared as the schedule is finalized.
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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.
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Does my experiment need to use Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)?
Yes, PCR needs to play a role in your experiment. However, access to a PCR machine or prior knowledge of how to use a PCR machine is not required. Finalists will receive miniPCR DNA Discovery SystemTM for their schools.
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Can I access other molecular biology tools aboard the ISS?
The field of space DNA research is so nascent that we can only provide limited access to additional DNA analysis equipment on-orbit, beyond the miniPCR thermal cycler. Most prior Genes in Space experiments have analyzed DNA samples by gel electrophoresis of samples returned to Earth. The Genes in Space-3 investigation has recently opened up the possibility of 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!
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What biotech equipment will finalist schools be awarded?
Finalists will be awarded the miniPCR DNA Discovery SystemTM including a miniPCRTM machine and a blueGelTM electrophoresis system. More details
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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 U.S. National Laboratory. The exact launch date will be determined after winners are announced.
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Will I be able to get the sample back after the experiment?
Yes, the experimental plan includes returning your DNA samples back to Earth for further analysis, validation, controls, or just to store a piece of Space DNA!
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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.
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Will the finalist entries be published?
All finalists will be announced on this website, Genes in Space newsletter, and on Twitter and Facebook. Previous USA finalists have been featured in Forbes, Boston Globe, Scientific American blogs, and other media.
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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 you other ideas to submit in future years.
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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 7-12 grade in the United States. In 2016 we offered a contest in the United Arab Emirates and hope to offer more international contests in the future.
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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.
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I am homeschooled. Can I participate?
Yes! We welcome submissions from homeschooled students.
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My question has not been answered. What do I do if I have another question?
You can email us at genesinspace@minipcr.com
You may also submit your questions HERE to have them answered during the next Genes in Space Chat.