Pioneering initiative unites scientists, educators, and students to develop real experiments

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Feb. 7, 2026 - PRLog -- 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, 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".

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, Bruno Vaz, Lara Santi, Vitor Teles, Karla Menezes, and Tatiana Sampaio, for their commitment, professionalism, and careful evaluation of the projects. In Brazil, special thanks to the International School team, a key KSCIA partner organization, for their outstanding leadership and coordination in uniting schools across the country in this pioneering journey of science and space exploration.

Source: International Journey Spaceflight Experiments Program (IJSEP) (https://www.internationaljourney.org/)