The European Space Agency (ESA) has announced its 2026 Call for Participation for universities interested in joining the next edition of the Science Hub Challenges.
The initiative invites institutions with Master’s or PhD programmes in fields such as Earth Observation, Environmental Science, and Remote Sensing to engage students in real-world scientific challenges using ESA’s cloud-based platforms, including DeepESDL, openEO, and MAAP. The workshop will take place in 2026 at ESA’s ESRIN facility in Frascati, Italy, and will include expert-led lectures, site visits to facilities like the Φ-lab, and the chance for student projects to be showcased on the ESA–NASA–JAXA Earth Observation Dashboard.
Universities may propose teams of up to 16 Master’s or PhD students, accompanied by 1–2 academic staff who will co-define the research challenges. While ESA provides training, expert support, and facilities, participating universities are responsible for travel and accommodation costs.
Proposals, limited to four pages, should outline up to three feasible challenges, student profiles, and logistical plans. The submission deadline has been extended to 24 October 2025, and selected institutions will be invited to one of up to two workshops planned for 2026.
Evaluation will consider the relevance of the proposed challenges, student engagement, institutional impact, and overall feasibility. For full details on how to apply and the selection process, visit the official announcement.