NASA Unveils New Science Initiatives

NASA has announced two new science and technology initiatives aimed at improving research practices and supporting the next generation of space researchers. The programs were introduced in connection with the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy’s “Golden Age Summit” in Washington.

One initiative will establish a coordinated metascience effort within NASA’s Science Mission Directorate to improve the reliability, transparency and efficiency of scientific work. NASA also plans to expand the use of dual-anonymous peer review, under which research proposals are assessed without revealing the identities of applicants or reviewers.

The agency’s second initiative will fund 10 Genesis Mission Fellows. The accelerated doctoral students will combine expertise in super intelligence and science or engineering, working on NASA mission areas and conducting research at agency laboratories.

NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman said the programs would create new opportunities for scientific research while investing in emerging researchers. The initiatives build on NASA’s existing research and fellowship programs and support the administration’s stated goal of expanding innovation in science and technology.