NASA Heliophysics Summer School - Apply for 2026!

UCAR Cooperative Programs for the Advancement of Earth System Science (CPAESS) is now accepting applications for this unique summer school focusing on the physics of space weather events that start at the Sun and influence atmospheres, ionospheres, and magnetospheres throughout the solar system.

2026 Theme: Data-Driven Heliophysics

The focus of the 2026 Summer School will be on the connection between our understanding of fundamental physical processes throughout all domains of the heliosphere and the observational methods and subsequent data analysis to uncover those principles. Processes across the heliosphere - such as solar wind evolution and interactions with planetary bodies, solar EUV emissions, or atmospheric outflows from planets - are described by the evolutions of physical parameters - e.g. temperature, magnetic field, energetic particle, or UV spectra. Spacecraft and ground-based observations generate a tremendous amount of data that can be used to further our understanding of heliophysics. Emerging approaches and algorithms that extract information from data produced by physical sensors, discover patterns and causations, make predictions, and advance foundational understanding using a variety of tools including artificial intelligence and machine learning will be explored.

Through expert lectures and interactive experiences, participants will explore the fundamental observation strategies and emerging data analysis used to infer the physical parameters and how they are used to address scientific questions throughout the domains of heliophysics. 

The Summer School will take place in Boulder, Colorado on UCAR's campus from July 21 - 29, 2026. Admission is competitive; up to 28 students will be selected to attend this year. The deadline for applications is January 31, 2026.

Student Application Requirements

• Currently an advanced graduate student enrolled in a PhD program, or an early career researcher, including postdoctoral researcher, within the first two years of obtaining a doctorate.
• Studying space physics, other space and planetary science, astronomy, engineering, and other fields related to heliophysics.
• Pursuing a research career in heliophysics, astrophysics, or a related field.
   

Visit the NASA Heliophysics Summer School webpage to apply.

Deadline for Application Submission: January 31, 2026 by 5:00pm MT.

The Living With a Star (LWS) program of the Heliophysics Division in NASA’s Science Mission Directorate sponsors the Summer Schools. The University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR) CPAESS collaborates with NASA in administering the schools.