Applications Now Open: NASA Lifelines Fellowship – Winter/Spring 2026

The NASA Lifelines Fellowship Program is now accepting applications for its Winter/Spring 2026 term, offering graduate students and early-career professionals the chance to apply Earth science research to real-world humanitarian decision-making.

This competitive six-month fellowship empowers fellows to explore how NASA’s Earth observation data can support humanitarian organizations in areas such as climate resilience, food security, displacement, and global health.

Through research, collaboration, and innovation, fellows contribute directly to shaping the future of the NASA Lifelines initiative—advancing the use of space-based science for social good.

Fellowship Opportunity: Research Fellow – Humanitarian Decision-Making Guide

For the Winter/Spring 2026 cycle, NASA Lifelines is recruiting one Research Fellow to lead the development of a new case study for the Humanitarian Guide to Earth Observation.

The Fellow will research, write, and co-author the case study in collaboration with humanitarian partners, applying the Guide’s suitability assessment framework to real-world challenges. The specific case topic will align with both the Fellow’s expertise and partner priorities.

Potential focus areas include:

• Climate resilience and environmental risk management
• Food security and agricultural monitoring
• Humanitarian response and population displacement
• Global health and epidemic preparedness

Fellowship Benefits and Experience

Selected Fellows will gain:

• Hands-on research experience at the intersection of science, policy, and humanitarian response
• Mentorship and collaboration with NASA Lifelines experts and partner organizations
• Professional development opportunities in applied Earth science and data for humanitarian action
• The opportunity to co-author published materials and contribute to NASA’s growing humanitarian knowledge base
• A flexible, remote, part-time fellowship (5–10 hours per week) tailored for students and early-career professionals

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must be:

• Graduate students or recent graduates (who have defended their thesis or dissertation)
• Based in the United States
• Passionate or experienced in Earth science, data science, climate action, or humanitarian work
• Skilled in research, writing, and collaboration across disciplines

Fellowship Term and Timeline

Fellowship Term: January 5 – July 6, 2026

Application Deadline: November 19, 2025

Mode: Remote (U.S.-based only)

About NASA Lifelines

The NASA Lifelines Program is a pioneering initiative that connects Earth observation data with humanitarian action. Its mission is to help humanitarian organizations and decision-makers use satellite data and scientific insights to respond to crises, strengthen resilience, and improve outcomes for vulnerable communities.

Through fellowships, collaborative research, and applied tools, NASA Lifelines aims to shape a new generation of leaders at the intersection of science, data, and humanitarian innovation.

How to Apply

Applications must be received by end of day, November 19, 2025.

For updates on future fellowship cycles, sign up for the NASA Lifelines newsletter or visit their official program page.

Apply here: Application

For more information: NASA LIFELINES

For more opportunities: Opportunities for Youth

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