Education and Outreach: February 2007

The NAI Minority Institution Research Support (MIRS) Program provides opportunities for researchers from qualified Minority Institutions to initiate joint partnerships with researchers in the field of astrobiology. The NAI-MIRS program provides summer sabbaticals, follow-up support, and travel opportunities for faculty and students from Minority Institutions.

The NAI Postdoctoral Fellowship Program provides opportunities for Ph.D. scientists and engineers of unique promise and ability to perform research on problems largely of their own choosing, yet compatible with the research interests of NASA and the member teams of the NASA Astrobiology Institute. The next award cycle in which the NAI will participate has a March 1, 2007 application deadline. For additional information about the program see http://nasa.orau.org/postdoc . [Source: Astrobiology Institute Newsletter]

Astrobiology Summer Institute for Undergraduate Science Majors - June 25-29, 2007, University of Washington, Seattle

This June the University of Washington alumni team is sponsoring a week-long Astrobiology Summer Institute aimed at underrepresented minorities in the sciences. All expenses are paid for undergraduate science majors who are finishing their 2nd or 3rd year. Deadline for applications is ideally 15 Feb., but those received a week or two late may still be eligible for consideration.

The Lewis and Clark Fund for Exploration and Field Research in Astrobiology, a partnership between NAI and the American Philosophical Society (APS), is open to field studies in any area of interest to astrobiology. Grants may be used for travel and related expenses, including field equipment, up to $5,000. Applications will be reviewed by a committee that includes members of the NAI, the APS, and the wider science community as needed.