NASA Lifelines Fellowship 2026
- Omran Aburayya
- 4 hours ago
- 3 min read
If you’re an early-career scientist, humanitarian practitioner, or refugee researcher looking to advance your skills at the intersection of Earth science, data and humanitarian action — the NASA Lifelines Fellowship for Winter/Spring 2026 is now open for applications.
Below is a full overview of the opportunity, structured to help you quickly assess whether it might be a good fit, along with details on how to apply.
📖 Fellowship Summary
Location: Remote (U.S.-based only)
Host institution: NASA Lifelines (in partnership with Dev Global)
Fellowship type: Post-graduate level / early-career fellowship (graduate students or recent graduates)
Target group: Graduate students (or recent graduates who have defended a thesis/dissertation) based in the U.S.; early-career professionals working in Earth science, data science, climate, humanitarian sectors.
Fields of or focus: Earth observation / Earth science, humanitarian decision-making, data science, climate resilience, food security, displacement, global health, geospatial & satellite data applications.
Duration: 6 months (Term: January 5 2026 – July 6 2026)
Application deadline: End of day November 19, 2025
Start date: January 5, 2026
🌎 Fellowship Overview
Over a six-month term, the NASA Lifelines Fellowship gives you the opportunity to engage with the Lifelines community, collaborate with partner organisations, and explore how Earth observation data can support humanitarian decision-making.
For the Winter/Spring 2026 cycle, the role on offer is specifically the Research Fellow – Humanitarian Decision-Making Guide.
In this role you will:
Lead development of a new case-study for the “Humanitarian Guide to Earth Observation” in collaboration with humanitarian partners.
Research, write and co-author the case-study, applying the Guide’s suitability assessment framework to real-world challenges.
Choose a topic that aligns both with your expertise and partner needs; possible focus areas include: climate resilience & environmental risk management; food security & agricultural monitoring; humanitarian response & displacement; global health & epidemic preparedness.
Work remotely, part-time (5–10 hours/week) for the duration of the term.
🎁 Benefits / What You Gain
Hands-on research experience at the interface of Earth science, data and humanitarian action.
Mentorship and collaboration with NASA Lifelines staff and partner organisations.
Opportunity to co-author a published case-study and build profile in applied Earth-observation for humanitarian contexts.
Flexible remote engagement: allows you to apply your skills while continuing other commitments.
Networking within the Earth-science/humanitarian community and exposure to real-world decision-making contexts.
✅ Eligibility Criteria
To apply, you must meet the following:
Be a graduate student or have recently completed a graduate programme (i.e., you’ve defended your thesis/dissertation).
Be based in the United States (or able to be based in the U.S. for the term) and eligible to work in the U.S. as required.
Have passion or experience in Earth science, data science, climate action, humanitarian work or related fields.
Be skilled in research, writing, collaboration across disciplines.
Be able to commit approximately 5–10 hours per week for six months.
📝 Application Procedure
Create an account on Lifelines Connect (to access the Lifelines community) and then complete the application form, uploading your resume/CV.
Submit your application by end of day 19 November 2025.
Ensure your application reflects the role you’re applying for (Research Fellow – Humanitarian Decision-Making Guide, in this case) and that you address how your background, interests and skills align with the focus areas listed.
🗂️ Documents/Materials Likely Required:
Curriculum Vitae / Resume
Graduate status verification (current student or recent graduate)
Cover letter or statement of interest (addressing why you’re interested, what you bring, how you align with the programme)
Possibly sample of work or writing (since co-authoring and writing is part of role)
Confirmation of U.S. location/eligibility to work in U.S.
🔗 Tips for Applicants
Given the part-time nature (5–10 hrs/week), plan how this fits with your other commitments (study, work, research).
Think carefully about your case-study topic choice: aligning closely with one of the stated focus areas (climate resilience, food security, displacement, global health) and with your background will strengthen your application.
Emphasise research, writing, interdisciplinary collaboration experience in your application—especially if you’ve worked at the interface of Earth science/data and humanitarian/real-world contexts.
Since the application opens in November and the term begins in January, you’ll want to be ready early—gather your CV, writing sample, confirm eligibility and U.S. location/work-status.
Use the programme’s newsletter or mailing list to stay updated in case of any changes or additional roles beyond the one described.
