From Brazil to Space: IJSEP Announces Top 10 Student Experiment Finalists
Space Coast, Florida, United States — 02/07/2026 — In a major milestone for global space education, the International Journey Spaceflight Experiments Program (IJSEP) has officially announced the Top 10 student experiment finalist teams from Brazil, representing one of the largest and most ambitious student-led space research initiatives ever conducted in the country.
IJSEP is bringing together an extraordinary network of students, educators, and renowned space scientists in an unprecedented international collaboration focused on one mission: empowering young minds to develop real experiments designed for microgravity research and potential spaceflight.
“This is a milestone that will be remembered in the history of space education,” said Jefferson Michaelis, IJSEP Program Coordinator. “Never before have we seen such an extraordinary number of scientists, students, and educators working together across borders with one common goal: to empower young minds to create real experiments designed for space. What these students have achieved proves that space is no longer a distant dream, it is a reachable classroom.”
Led by KSCIA – International Space Academy, International School, The Michaelis Foundation for Global Education, and StemMed, IJSEP is redefining STEM education by giving young learners the opportunity to think, plan, and work like real researchers through a rigorous process of scientific development, mentorship, and evaluation.
Top 10 Finalist Teams from Brazil
Following review and evaluation by the IJSEP Scientific Review Board, the Top 10 finalist teams are:
Finalists to Be Honored During Science Days 10th Anniversary in Campinas
The Top 10 finalist teams will be honored with an unprecedented recognition experience in Campinas, Brazil, during the historic 10th Anniversary Edition of Science Days, taking place on March 24 and 25. During this major international celebration, the finalists will be recognized in front of an audience of students, educators, institutions, and partners, marking one of the most significant moments ever achieved by a student-based space experiments program in the region.
Scientists Recognize the Program’s Impact
The success of IJSEP reflects the dedication of the scientific mentors who supported the students throughout the process.
“Being part of the IJSEP has been an incredibly rewarding experience,” said Dr. Fernanda Bombaldi. “The program shows how cutting-edge science, when combined with education and curiosity, can inspire young minds to think critically and creatively about the world, and beyond it. Seeing students engage with real scientific challenges related to space, microgravity, and human health reinforces our belief that early exposure to research is key to building the next generation of scientists, innovators, and leaders.”
“As scientists and educators, we were very impressed with the excellent level of the proposals we received this year,” commented Dr. Roberto Fanganiello. “Many of the projects include important elements of applied science and the development of innovative technologies that solve practical problems related to manned space exploration.”
“IJSEP represents a powerful bridge between education, science, and innovation,” said Dr. Renata Bombaldi. “Participating in this program has highlighted the importance of hands-on learning and mentorship in helping students transform ideas into well-structured scientific projects. The level of enthusiasm, teamwork, and responsibility demonstrated by the students throughout the process is truly inspiring and reflects the transformative potential of educational initiatives like IJSEP.”
International School Recognized for Leadership in Brazil
IJSEP also extends special thanks to the International School team, a key KSCIA partner organization, for its outstanding leadership and coordination in uniting schools across Brazil in this pioneering journey of science and space exploration.
A Global Model for the Future of Space Education
IJSEP continues to grow as a global model for educational innovation, proving that when students receive mentorship, structure, and real scientific opportunities, they can contribute meaningfully to the future of research and space exploration.
For more information about IJSEP and Science Days, visit: https://www.internationaljourney.org
Media Contact:
Ana Graham Polopoulos
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://www.ScienceDays.org
IJSEP is bringing together an extraordinary network of students, educators, and renowned space scientists in an unprecedented international collaboration focused on one mission: empowering young minds to develop real experiments designed for microgravity research and potential spaceflight.
“This is a milestone that will be remembered in the history of space education,” said Jefferson Michaelis, IJSEP Program Coordinator. “Never before have we seen such an extraordinary number of scientists, students, and educators working together across borders with one common goal: to empower young minds to create real experiments designed for space. What these students have achieved proves that space is no longer a distant dream, it is a reachable classroom.”
Led by KSCIA – International Space Academy, International School, The Michaelis Foundation for Global Education, and StemMed, IJSEP is redefining STEM education by giving young learners the opportunity to think, plan, and work like real researchers through a rigorous process of scientific development, mentorship, and evaluation.
Top 10 Finalist Teams from Brazil
Following review and evaluation by the IJSEP Scientific Review Board, the Top 10 finalist teams are:
- Astromatter
- CDV Space Project
- CML Scientists
- IconeMED
- ISS Mission Learning
- Lattes
- Nephro Squad
- Space Squad
- Arena 1
- VemSer!
Finalists to Be Honored During Science Days 10th Anniversary in Campinas
The Top 10 finalist teams will be honored with an unprecedented recognition experience in Campinas, Brazil, during the historic 10th Anniversary Edition of Science Days, taking place on March 24 and 25. During this major international celebration, the finalists will be recognized in front of an audience of students, educators, institutions, and partners, marking one of the most significant moments ever achieved by a student-based space experiments program in the region.
Scientists Recognize the Program’s Impact
The success of IJSEP reflects the dedication of the scientific mentors who supported the students throughout the process.
“Being part of the IJSEP has been an incredibly rewarding experience,” said Dr. Fernanda Bombaldi. “The program shows how cutting-edge science, when combined with education and curiosity, can inspire young minds to think critically and creatively about the world, and beyond it. Seeing students engage with real scientific challenges related to space, microgravity, and human health reinforces our belief that early exposure to research is key to building the next generation of scientists, innovators, and leaders.”
“As scientists and educators, we were very impressed with the excellent level of the proposals we received this year,” commented Dr. Roberto Fanganiello. “Many of the projects include important elements of applied science and the development of innovative technologies that solve practical problems related to manned space exploration.”
“IJSEP represents a powerful bridge between education, science, and innovation,” said Dr. Renata Bombaldi. “Participating in this program has highlighted the importance of hands-on learning and mentorship in helping students transform ideas into well-structured scientific projects. The level of enthusiasm, teamwork, and responsibility demonstrated by the students throughout the process is truly inspiring and reflects the transformative potential of educational initiatives like IJSEP.”
International School Recognized for Leadership in Brazil
IJSEP also extends special thanks to the International School team, a key KSCIA partner organization, for its outstanding leadership and coordination in uniting schools across Brazil in this pioneering journey of science and space exploration.
A Global Model for the Future of Space Education
IJSEP continues to grow as a global model for educational innovation, proving that when students receive mentorship, structure, and real scientific opportunities, they can contribute meaningfully to the future of research and space exploration.
For more information about IJSEP and Science Days, visit: https://www.internationaljourney.org
Media Contact:
Ana Graham Polopoulos
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://www.ScienceDays.org
