IAF education & young professional's activities
In accordance with its mission to prepare the workforce of tomorrow, the IAF actively supports and has a growing number of activities targeted at students and young professionals.
IAC 2026 Next Generation Plenary
DEADLINE : 30 JANUARY 2026
EXTENDED DEADLINE : 22 FEBRUARY 2026
2026 NextGen Plenary Call for Applicants - Overiew 2026 NextGen Plenary Call for Applicants Form - Option 1 2026 NextGen Plenary Call for Applicants Form - Option 2
The nearly one quarter of attendees at the International Astronautical Congress (IAC) under 35 years testify to the success of these efforts.
The primary education activities of the IAF are:
- The Emerging Space Leaders Grant Programme
- The Young Space Leaders Recognition Programme
- The Young Professionals Programme
- The IAF Student Competition
- The Malina Astronautics Medal and Napolitano Award
In addition, three dedicated IAF committees guide and supervise activities dedicated to students and young professionals involved in education, including the: