IAF Emerging space leaders grant programme

This programme enables up to 30 students and young professionals to participate in the International Astronautical Congress, the UN/IAF Workshop and/or the Space Generations Congress

Former IAF Youth Grant Programme

In October 2008 the International Astronautical Federation approved a new initiative to actively engage, inspire and support the next generation of students and young professionals to prepare them to be the future leaders of the international space community.

As part of this initiative the IAF began a new programme to provide grants that enable students and young space professionals to participate in IAF activities, in particular the International Astronautical Congress (IAC).

Until 2009, the Youth Grant Programme, now called Emerging Space Leaders Grant Programme (ESL Grants) enabled each year 10 to 12 students and young professionals between age of 21 and 35 to participate in the IAC, as well as in the UN/IAF Workshop and the Space Generation Congress, both held the week prior to the Congress.

In 2014, the International Astronautical Federation signed an agreement with HE Space Children’s Foundation (HESCF), a Dutch non-profit Organization, which financially supports the ESL Programme by funding two additional students to attend the IAC.

Since 2017, the Emerging Space Leaders Grant Programme (ESL Grants) enables 25 students and young professionals between age of 21 and 35 to participate in the IAC, as well as in the UN/IAF Workshop and the Space Generation Congress, both held the week prior to the Congress.

In 2022, the IAF received a grant from Blue Origin and increased the number of grant recipients to 30.

2022 Emerging Space Leaders Grant Winners

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Apply Now for the 2023 Edition

ESL Selection Committee

Lyn D. WIGBELS

President of RWI International Consulting Services and International Coordinator of the Global Learning and Observations to Benefit the Environment (GLOBE) Program

United States