What's Happening?
NASA has announced a new program element, F.19, under the ROSES-2025 Amendment 36, titled 'Collaborative Opportunities for Mentorship, Partnership, and Academic Success in Science' (COMPASS). This initiative
aims to foster collaborations between NASA Centers and academic institutions, particularly those that have not traditionally received NASA funding. The program is designed to advance NASA's scientific priorities and contribute to the development of the future STEM workforce in the United States. COMPASS will provide undergraduate and graduate students with research opportunities that include professional development, thereby supporting the Science Mission Directorate's goals. The program emphasizes inclusivity by broadening the range of institutions that receive funding. Proposals for this initiative are due by March 20, 2026, and further details are available on NASA's research opportunity homepage.
Why It's Important?
The introduction of the COMPASS program is significant as it addresses the need for a diverse and well-trained STEM workforce, which is crucial for maintaining the United States' leadership in space exploration and scientific research. By targeting institutions that have not been traditional recipients of NASA funding, the program aims to democratize access to research opportunities and resources. This could lead to a more diverse pool of ideas and innovations, enhancing the overall quality and impact of NASA's scientific endeavors. Additionally, by providing professional development opportunities for students, COMPASS helps ensure that the next generation of scientists and engineers is well-prepared to tackle future challenges in space and Earth sciences.
What's Next?
As the deadline for proposal submissions is set for March 20, 2026, academic institutions and NASA Centers are expected to begin forming partnerships and developing proposals that align with the program's objectives. The success of COMPASS will likely be evaluated based on the diversity of institutions involved and the quality of research outputs. Stakeholders, including educational institutions and industry partners, may closely monitor the program's implementation to assess its impact on the STEM workforce pipeline. The outcomes of this initiative could influence future funding strategies and collaboration models within NASA and other federal research agencies.
