18-11-2024

RCL invites to apply for NASA internships - for the first time, Lithuanians studying abroad will also participate

The Research Council of Lithuania (RCL) has launched a call for applications for student internships at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) research centers in the fall of next year. Up to 10 student internships will be funded between August and December 2025. The deadline for applying is December 16 at 16:00 (EET). One of the most important innovations is that Lithuanians citizens who are studying abroad, as well as doctoral students, will be able to apply. The call for applications and its conditions can be found here.

"Investing in the next generation of researchers is one of RCL's key strategic goals. In April this year, we launched a call for Lithuanian students to apply for spring and summer internships at NASA’s research centers as part of the renewed collaboration between RCL and NASA. It is now clear that 10 students nominated by RCL will participate in internships at NASA Ames Research Centre in the spring of 2025 - a great achievement for the entire scientific community. These internships are undoubtedly an exceptional experience for young researchers in various fields, as well as an opportunity for the most talented students to broaden their knowledge and evaluate themselves in a unique environment," said Dr. Gintaras Valinčius, Chairman of RCL.

The goal of NASA internships is to encourage students studying science, technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM) to participate in international projects and develop their skills in research and experimental development in space technology.

During the internships, selected top students will have the opportunity to work on specific research projects and contribute to innovative research and development of space technologies. Students may complete their internships at NASA research centers, such as the NASA Ames Research Center in California, Goddard Space Flight Center in Maryland, NASA Johnson Space Center in Houston.

For the first time, RCL opens the competition to all bachelor's, master’s, and doctoral students of Lithuanian citizenship studying in Lithuanian and foreign research and study institutions. Applicants must also have a perfect command of English and a weighted average of 8 or above in all subjects studied during their studies. Candidates must have an interest in space exploration and be actively involved in scientific activities.

A teleconference for applicants will be held on November 21 at 10:00 a.m. to present the conditions of the call and to answer frequently asked questions.

Lithuania has been taking part in NASA's International Student Internship Program since 2014, when a bilateral agreement was signed between Lithuania and the USA. Based on this agreement, 25 Lithuanian students have taken part in NASA internships in 2015-2019.Lithuania is one of the thirteen countries taking part in the NASA International Internship Program.