Research Seed Fund


The Institute for Space Science, Exploration, and Technology (ISSET) is thrilled to announce that applications for the ISSET 2026 Research Seed Fund are now open. This fund is designed to enable University of Alberta undergraduate or graduate student research projects in any space-related area of research—in particular involving the development of concepts and/or technology for spaceflight. Funds may be used to accelerate high-potential student research by supporting the costs of materials, specialized equipment, or other direct project costs.

 

Details:

  • Maximum Award: $2000 CAD, funds to be distributed by Dec 31, 2026
  • Use of Funds:
    • Supplies and Equipment: Purchase of necessary project consumables, components, software licenses, or specialized equipment
    • A student stipend of up to $500 per academic term, for a maximum of two terms
    • Note: Funds may not be used towards travel or conference fees.
  • Applications are reviewed three times a year: January 15th, May 15th, and September 30th.

Eligibility and Application Requirements:

This fund is exclusively open to undergraduate or graduate students in the Faculties of Engineering, Science, or Medicine for use on a defined, supervised research project in a space science discipline that is likely to lead to applications in space technology or exploration.

Eligible undergraduate or graduate students should email a single PDF to isset@ualberta.ca, and their supervisor(s), with the file name containing the student’s name and date of submission, with the following:

  1. Project Title and Student Name: The working title of the project and the name of the Faculty Member who will serve as the supervisor
  2. Brief Project Description: A concise summary of the student research project. This should clearly state the research question, methodology, and expected outcomes.
  3. Funding Justification: A brief general description of how the requested Seed Funds will be used
  4. Contribution to the ISSET mandate: A brief statement explaining how this specific student project will enhance the University's presence, capacity, or knowledge base in the field of space sciences.
  5. Commitment from the proposed supervisor: Written commitment that the proposed supervisor will supervise the research, and provide access to the required facilities (eg. lab space) and/or equipment for the proposed research project (email is sufficient).

 

Other Information:

Successful awardees are required to present in the annual Space Exploration Symposium, held each year in October on the U of A North Campus, and acknowledge the support of ISSET in presentations and publications that are supported through these funds.