IJSEP Announces Top 10 Student Finalists in Space Research Collaboration

Connecting scientists, educators, and students to develop experiments designed for spaceflight

​Space Coast, Florida — 02/10/2026 — The Michaelis Foundation for Global Education proudly announces a historic milestone in global space education through the International Journey Spaceflight Experiments Program (IJSEP), as hundreds of schools join an unprecedented international collaboration between students, educators, and renowned space scientists, to develop real scientific experiments designed for microgravity research and potential spaceflight.

As a key driving force behind IJSEP, The Michaelis Foundation has played an active and strategic role in expanding access to space research opportunities for young students, supporting schools through mentorship, coordination, international partnerships, and the creation of high-impact educational experiences that bring space science closer to classrooms.

IJSEP is transforming STEM education by giving students the rare opportunity to think, plan, and work like professional scientists. More than a competition, IJSEP is a rigorous scientific journey where participants engage in the full research 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 best of student-driven innovation, scientific ambition, and teamwork, showcasing the power of collaboration in education and the growing momentum of youth engagement in real-world space research.

“This is a milestone that will be remembered in the history of space education,” said Jefferson Michaelis, IJSEP Program Coordinator. “What these students have achieved proves that space is no longer a distant dream, it is a reachable classroom.”

“At The Michaelis Foundation, we believe every student deserves the chance to dream beyond their circumstances,” said Carla Michaelis, Co-Founder of The Michaelis Foundation. “IJSEP is proving that when young people are given mentorship, structure, and access to real scientific challenges, they rise to the occasion in extraordinary ways. Watching these students develop experiments designed for spaceflight is not only inspiring, it is a powerful reminder that the future of space exploration is being built in classrooms today.”

To celebrate this pioneering accomplishment, all registered participants will be invited to attend a special Space Talk with Astronaut Steve Smith on February 25. This inspirational event will provide students and educators with direct access to a spaceflight veteran, reinforcing the program’s mission of connecting youth with authentic space experiences and real role models.

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.