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    Aug 31

    ESA Exploration Science Workshop 2026 – Early Career Researchers Abstract Submissions

    Shape the future of space exploration — ESA is inviting Early Career Researchers to submit their research and take place as Europe's next generation of space scientists at the Exploration Science Workshop 2026.

    Director of Human and Robotic Exploration - Daniel Neuenschwander

      1.  INTRODUCTION 

      ESA's Exploration Science: Advancing Knowledge, Inspiring Innovation 

      The European Space Agency's Exploration Science element, a cornerstone of its Explore2040 strategy, invites scientists, researchers, and innovators to join us in pushing the boundaries of human knowledge and technological capabilities. Our programme uniquely balances exploration-focused science, essential for enabling future human missions beyond Earth, with exploration-enabled science that leverages our capabilities for groundbreaking research across disciplines. 

      From the microgravity environment of low Earth orbit to the dusty plains of Mars, we offer unparalleled opportunities to conduct cutting-edge research. Our comprehensive approach spans multiple destinations - including the International Space Station, future commercial LEO platforms, the Moon's surface, and Mars - providing a diverse array of research environments and challenges. 

      Guided by core European values of collaboration, scientific excellence, and responsible exploration, Exploration Science seeks not only to advance our understanding of the universe but also contribute to solving global challenges here on Earth. Exploration Science emphasises open science, international cooperation, and the inspiration of future generations.

      2. DESCRIPTION OF THE OPPORTUNITY

      ESA Exploration Science Workshop 2026

      The European Space Agency is pleased to announce a Call for Abstracts for Early Career Researchers to submit abstracts to the ESA Exploration Science Workshop 2026, to be held on 24–26 November 2026 at the headquarters of the Agenzia Spaziale Italiana (ASI) in Rome, Italy.

      About the Workshop

      The ESA Exploration Science Workshop 2026 will bring together scientists and ESA Member State delegations to showcase the full breadth of exploration science across Low Earth Orbit (LEO), the Moon, and Mars. The 3-day workshop will provide a comprehensive update on the science element of ESA's Explore2040 Strategy, highlight outcomes and achievements from ESA Exploration Science activities, and formulate recommendations for future research directions.

      The Opportunity

      ESA recognises the vital role that the next generation of researchers plays in shaping the future of space exploration science. Early Career Researchers are therefore warmly encouraged to submit abstracts on topics relevant to the workshop themes, including, but not limited to, science conducted in or enabled by LEO environments, lunar exploration science, and Mars science.

      A maximum of 10 abstracts will be selected. Each selected candidate will be invited to deliver a short oral presentation (3-minute pitch + 2-minute Q&A) and a poster presentation on day 2 of workshop (25 November 2026), their registration fee waived and will receive a €1,000 travel grant to support participation. This represents a unique opportunity to present their work to a multi-disciplinary, international audience and to engage directly with the broader ESA exploration science community.

      Eligibility

      This opportunity is open to:

      • PhD students currently enrolled in a doctoral programme; and
      • Early-career researchers who’s PhD conferral occurred after 24 November 2021.

      Please also refer to the “Special Conditions” section for additional information on eligibility criteria.

      3. SCHEDULE OF THE ABSTRACT SUBMISSIONS

      The schedule of the abstract submissions is as follows:

      • Launch of Abstract Submissions: 22/05/2026
      • Submission Deadline: 05/07/2026, 23:59 CEST
      • Notification of Outcome: NET 31/07/2026

      Note for abstract submitters: Final selection results will be announced in early August. If you plan to attend the ESA Exploration Science Workshop 2026, we recommend waiting until you have received your selection outcome before registering for the workshop, to avoid paying the registration fee unnecessarily. 

      4. APPLICATION PROCESS

      All components of the proposal submission must be provided in English, including the content of the online submission form and any uploaded attachments or supporting documents. 

      Kindly submit your completed proposal by clicking on the “Submit Your Idea” button below. Complete all sections of the submission form as per guidelines outlined in the call and upload any additional information as required.

      The abstract should be submitted using the attached Abstract Template (Annex 1).

      If you have any further technical questions during submission, feel free to contact the Campaign Manager. 

      Privacy Notice 

      Please ensure that you complete and sign the Privacy Consent Form (Annex 2) and include it as part of the proposal submission. 

       
      • Eligibility – “Who Can Apply”?

      Proposers must be located in one of the ESA member or associated member states that contribute to the European Exploration Envelope Programme (E3P): Austria, Belgium, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Luxemburg, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom. 

      ESA will evaluate all submitted abstracts internally. All applicants will be informed of the outcome of the review process. The selection will aim to ensure a balanced representation across exploration destinations (ground-based research, Low Earth Orbit, Moon, and Mars) and scientific topics (human research, (astro-)biology, physical sciences, planetary geology/geosciences, and related disciplines).

      The following criteria will be applied during evaluation:

      • Scientific Merit (50%): Does the abstract address a relevant and important question within the field of exploration science? Is the scientific rationale clear and well-grounded? Does the work represent a meaningful contribution, whether incremental or novel, to the field?
      • Relevance to Workshop Themes (30%): Does the abstract align with the key themes of the workshop, including the science element of ESA's Explore2040 Strategy, exploration science outcomes and achievements, or recommendations for future research? Is the connection to LEO, lunar, or Mars exploration — or ground-based research supporting these destinations — clearly articulated?
      • Clarity and Quality of Presentation (20%): Is the abstract clearly written and well-structured? Does it effectively communicate the research objectives, approach, and key findings or expected outcomes to a broad, multidisciplinary audience?

      Each abstract will receive a score between 0 and 100 points, assigned to one of the following merit bands:

      Band - Score

      Outstanding - 91 – 100

      Excellent - 81 – 90

      Very Good - 71 – 80

      Good - 61 – 70

      Fair - 51 – 60

      Inadequate - 0 – 50

      Only abstracts receiving a score of "Excellent" or higher (81 points or above) will be considered for selection. From those, a maximum of 10 abstracts will be selected, with due consideration given to achieving a balanced representation across Member States, destinations and scientific topics.

      Attachments

      Do you need help?

      Campaign Manager - Dr. Nolan Herssens, Human Exploration Scientist

      For any questions, please feel free to leave a comment.

      Background Information

      Innovation Area

      Human and Robotic Exploration

      ESA’s Terrae Novae exploration programme is leading Europe’s human journey into the Solar System using robots as precursors and scouts. Exploring space is about travelling farther and coming back with new experiences and knowledge to help us on Earth. Humankind will benefit from the new discoveries, ambitions, science, inspiration and challenges. 

      Learn More