International Journey Spaceflight Experiments Program Announces Top 10 Student Finalists

Pioneering global initiative unites scientists, educators, and students to develop real experiments for spaceflight.

​The International Journey Spaceflight Experiments Program (IJSEP) is reaching a historic milestone in global space education, as hundreds of schools unite in a never-before-seen collaboration between students, educators, and renowned space scientists to develop real scientific experiments designed for microgravity research and potential spaceflight.

The program, led by KSCIA – International Space Academy, International School, StemMed, and The Michaelis Foundation for Global Education, is transforming the future of STEM education by providing young learners the rare opportunity to think, plan, and work like real scientists. IJSEP is not a simulation, it is a rigorous educational journey where students learn the full scientific process, from hypothesis development and experimental design to review, refinement, and finalist selection.

​Today, the IJSEP Scientific Review Board officially announced the Top 10 experiment finalist teams from Brazil, recognizing the most innovative and promising student-led proposals submitted this year:
Astromatter
CDV Space Project
CML Scientists
IconeMED
ISS Mission Learning
Lattes
Nephro Squad
Space Squad
Arena 1
VemSer!

These finalist teams represent the very best of student-driven innovation, curiosity, teamwork, and scientific ambition, showcasing the power of global collaboration in education and the growing momentum of youth participation in space research.

“This is a milestone that will be remembered in the history of space education,” said Jefferson Michaelis, IJSEP Program Coordinator. “Never before have we seen such an extraordinary number of scientists, students, and educators working together across borders with one common goal: to empower young minds to create real experiments designed for space. What these students have achieved proves that space is no longer a distant dream, it is a reachable classroom”.
 
To celebrate this pioneering accomplishment, all registered participants will be invited to attend a special Space Talk with Astronaut Steve Smith on February 25, made possible through the support of KSCIA and The Michaelis Foundation. This inspirational event will offer students and educators direct access to a spaceflight veteran, reinforcing the program’s mission of connecting youth with authentic space experiences and real role models.

In addition, the Top 10 finalist teams from Brazil will be honored with an unprecedented recognition experience in Campinas, Brazil during the historic 10th Anniversary Edition of Science Days, taking place on March 24 and 25. During this major international celebration, the finalists will be recognized in front of an audience of students, educators, institutions, and partners, marking one of the most significant moments ever achieved by a student-based space experiments program in the region.
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The 10th anniversary of Science Days is expected to be one of the largest celebrations of STEM and space education ever held in Brazil, and IJSEP’s presence will serve as a symbol of what is possible when education is combined with purpose, mentorship, and global teamwork.

​This historic achievement would not be possible without the remarkable dedication of the scientists and mentors who stood behind the students every step of the way. IJSEP proudly recognizes the incredible active role of Dr. Fernanda Bombaldi, Roberto Fanganiello, and Renata Bombaldi, whose mentorship and expertise elevated the quality and ambition of the student experiments. The program also extends its deepest appreciation to the Scientific Review Board: Dr. Andre Vargas, Arthur Barbosa and Bruno Vaz, Lara Santi and Vitor Teles for their commitment, professionalism, and careful evaluation of the projects. In Brazil, IJSEP offers special thanks to Gabriela Dobre, from International School, a key KSCIA partner organization, for her outstanding leadership and coordination, helping unite schools across the country in this pioneering journey of science and space exploration.
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IJSEP continues to grow as a powerful global model for educational innovation, proving that when students are given the right tools, mentorship, and opportunity, they can contribute meaningfully to real scientific advancement and future space missions.

Source: ​International Journey Spaceflight Experiments Program (IJSEP)