The Translational Research Institute for Space Health (TRISH) at Baylor College of Medicine, with consortium partners California Institute of Technology (Caltech) and Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), are seeking exceptional proposals from postdoctoral fellows ready to help solve the challenges of space exploration.  

TRISH’s postdoctoral fellowship program supports early-career scientists pursuing innovative, breakthrough research with the potential to reduce spaceflight associated health risks and improve astronaut performance. Selected fellows will participate in TRISH’s Academy of Bioastronautics. They will receive a stipend for salary support for two years, with a chance for a third year of funding. The fellowship is a launchpad for researchers applying their work to space health and to benefit all on Earth. 

“TRISH is committed to finding exceptional postdoctoral fellows, regardless of background, to help find new and disruptive ways to protect the health of humans in space and on Earth,” said Rachael Dempsey, TRISH’s Education Officer. “We are excited to take in imaginative and fresh ideas from young people with the Postdoctoral Fellowship 2022 solicitation.” 

“The future of space exploration will include all of humanity, not just a select few,” said TRISH Executive Director Dorit Donoviel, Ph.D. “We need health protections that respect the full spectrum of humanity, and we must build a space health workforce that is diverse and engaged in creating that exciting future.” 

TRISH encourages diverse candidates and underrepresented groups to participate in this research solicitation. Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs) Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs), and small businesses and organizations owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals or women are particularly encouraged to participate in proposals as lead institution or co-institutions.  

Proposers should anticipate starting their project by September 2022. Applicants must submit research proposals together with an identified mentor and institution. Funds to support the research must be supplied by the mentor. Independent investigators with existing research grant support may request to be listed as possible mentors for this program by contacting Aurelia Vergeade at avergeade@nasaprs.com

The solicitation is available online here. Full proposals submitted through nspires.nasaprs.com will be due on January 20, 2022.  

As a partner to NASA’s Human Research Program, TRISH helps solve the health challenges to human deep space exploration. The Institute finds and funds disruptive, breakthrough research and technologies that can reduce risks to astronaut health and performance to help put the first woman and first person of color on the Moon and human boot prints on Mars.  

The Institute is funded through a cooperative agreement with NASA to Baylor College of Medicine and includes consortium partners, the Caltech and the MIT. Learn more about TRISH by signing up for its monthly newsletter.