Genes in Space Team Wins Prestigious NASA JSC Innovation Award
On June 4, the Genes in Space Team was officially honored with the Johnson Space Center Director’s Innovation Group Achievement Award. This prestigious recognition shines a spotlight on teams of individuals who have shown innovation through the development or implementation of positive changes in the operations or the programs of NASA or JSC and in business practices, science, technology, engineering, medicine, and education within the Center.
The Genes in Space Team was specifically recognized for advancing molecular biology research on the International Space Station, inspiring the next generation of space researchers, and achieving significant milestones in space biotechnology.
The Genes in Space journey began in 2015 when The Boeing Company and miniPCR bio sent the compact miniPCR thermal cycler to the ISS. To validate whether polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technology could actually function in microgravity, they invited middle and high school students to design the testing experiments.
What started as a single validation test has evolved into a massive launchpad for young scientists. The Genes in Space Competition has received more than 7,000 submissions from more than 13,000 students across 49 US states and territories. 11 student-designed experiments have been sent to the ISS and have been performed by astronauts, leading to 9 peer-reviewed scientific papers.
By putting cutting-edge tools into students’ hands, the Genes in Space program has pioneered a remarkable timeline of scientific exploration. Since its inception, the competition has unlocked major breakthroughs in microgravity, including the first CRISPR gene editing and cell-free protein synthesis in space. As a premier launchpad for young scientists, Genes in Space is actively cultivating the future US space biology workforce. The knowledge gained through these student-driven experiments will only become more vital as humanity pushes deeper into the cosmos.
Congratulations to the entire Genes in Space Team. If you want to have your groundbreaking scientific experiment considered for next year’s competition, watch for the contest announcement this fall at genesinspace.org.
