Bold start: NASA’s Science Activation program is designed to actively involve people everywhere in science, extending beyond traditional classrooms to communities nationwide. But here’s where it gets controversial: is broad outreach enough, or do we also need targeted projects that address specific local needs? The answer, NASA argues, is a balanced mix.
The Science Mission Directorate’s Science Activation Program (SMD SciAct) invites diverse participation through activities and resources created by a collaborative network of project teams that leverage NASA SMD assets—such as science content, experts, and data. This program element, labeled F.6 SciAct within ROSES-25, seeks a portfolio of projects that collectively span the entire range of NASA science disciplines. The goal is to operate across all 50 states and U.S. territories, engage individuals of all ages and backgrounds, involve formal and informal learning organizations, and partner with community groups to extend reach and impact. NASA is aiming for a balance between two approaches: (1) projects that broadly share resources and opportunities that leverage NASA assets, and (2) projects tailored to meet specific community needs—both geographically and by interest.
ROSES-2025 Amendment 29 publishes the final text and due dates for F.6 SciAct. The details were previously undetermined. A pre-proposal webinar is scheduled for January 9, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. Eastern Time. Connection information can be found in the “other documents” section of the NSPIRES page for F.6 SciAct. Intent to propose is requested by January 26, 2026, with proposals due by March 31, 2026.
Around December 11, 2025, this amendment to NASA’s Research Announcement “Research Opportunities in Space and Earth Sciences (ROSES) 2025” (NNH25ZDA001N) will be posted on NASA’s research opportunity homepage at the ROSES 2025 solicitation page.
For questions about F.6 SciAct, contact Lin Chambers at lin.h.chambers@nasa.gov.
Explore More
Keep Exploring
Discover More Topics From NASA
