The Interstellar Research Group is pleased to announce the 2nd European Interstellar Symposium December 2-4, 2026 in Venice, Italy organized by the The Venetian Institute of Sciences, Letters and Arts in Venice, and in collaboration with University of Padua.
2026 IRG Scholarships
The Interstellar Research Group “was created to foster and assist the study, research and experimentation necessary to make human interstellar travel a reality, with untold benefits to life on Earth,” said former IRG President Emeritus John Preston. “We can imagine no better way to demonstrate that goal than the creation of these scholarships, helping new generations of thinkers, builders and explorers to set their sights on the stars.”
Since 2017, IRG has been able to be provide scholarship opportunities to the current generation of students thanks our sponsors generous support.
We are honored to provide one undergraduate scholarship, one masters scholarship, and one doctoral scholarship for qualifying students every year.
The Interstellar Research Group received an outstanding number of applicants to our 2026 Scholarship Program.
Our Scholarship Committee is currently reviewing applications.
IRG 2025 Scholarship Winners
We are excited to present our 2025 Scholarship winners!
Thanks to Baen Books for sponsoring the Tim Bolgeo Memorial Scholarship, for our Undergraduate Scholarship, and Robert and Ruann Hampson for sponsoring our PhD and Masters Scholarships.
Tim Bolgeo Memorial Scholarship
Priya Devi
Tim Bolgeo Memorial Scholarship Winner
Name: Sanmathi Priya Abiram Lakshmi Devi
University: Cornell University
Degree Program: Mechanical – Aerospace Engineering, BS
“It was my first visit to NASA at the age of seven when my dad said, ‘Rockets are the hardest thing man has ever built, and it is even harder to fly in one.’ That day sparked an idea I have never lost track of—an idea that strengthened the purpose of my life.
I am an aspiring Mars walker and aerospace entrepreneur, committed to pushing the boundaries of human knowledge and exploration. My background, shaped by tradition, resilience, and exploration, has prepared me to embrace the challenges ahead and contribute to the next frontier of human exploration.”
-Priya Devi
Congratulations from the team at IRG!
Master’s Scholarship
Michael P. Wozniak
Master’s Scholarship Winner
Name: Michael P. Wozniak
University: Purdue University
Degree Program: Aeronautical & Astronautical Engineering
“My adventures in the world of aerospace began with becoming a private pilot, subsequently serving in Army Aviation and following in my father’s and grandfather’s footsteps through military service. However, as I appreciated the incredible advancements in the world of flight ever since the Wright brothers’ first successful flight in Kitty Hawk, I started to realize that interstellar spaceflight is another exciting chapter in the world of flying. As Jerry Ross once said, ‘we humans weren’t born to fly, but that doesn’t mean we weren’t meant to fly’.”
– Michael P. Wozniac
Congratulations Michael!
Ph.D Scholarship
Pranavkumar D. Gajjar
Ph.D Scholarship Winner
Name: Pranavkumar D. Gajjar
University: Florida A&M University
Degree Program: Environmental Science
Dissertation Title: Identify physiological aspects of molecular mechanisms underlying salt resistance in grapevine rootstocks
“My career aspiration is to be a visionary leader within environmental science, particularly in the fields of biotechnology and sustainable agriculture. Guided by the vision of streets that do not need streetlights because trees themselves will light up our world, I am called to be an innovator for pressing global concerns on climate change, food security, and renewable energy. I try with my capabilities to develop technologies that will enable our ecosystems to not only thrive but also to make life on Earth better.”
– Pranavkumar D. Gajar
Congratulations Pranavkumar!
Symposium Recordings
The Interstellar Research Group is a non-profit educational organization dedicated to bringing together solid, passionate individuals in order to discuss topics relevant to (eventually) turning humanity into an interstellar species. It is a forum of multidisciplinary individuals working together to facilitate solving interesting technical, economic, and social problems in our way. By publishing symposia presentations we hope to inspire further conversations and research around interstellar topics of interest.
2025 – Austin, TX
Monday, October 13 – Wednesday, October 15, 2023
Pre-Symposium Seminars, Sunday October 12.
The 9th Interstellar Symposium took place at the AT&T Conference Center in Austin, Texas in collaboration with the University of Texas at Austin’s Center for Planetary Systems Habitability, the University of Texas at Austin’s Bureau of Economic Geology, and the International Academy of Astronautics.
Distant Worlds, Neighboring Opportunities, highlighted the scientific, technical, cultural, ethical, and philosophical dimensions of interstellar exploration and the steps we must take now to prepare for the future of deep space travel.
2023 – Montreal, QC
Monday, July 10 – Thursday, July 13, 2023
Pre-Symposium Seminars, Sunday July 9.
The 8th Interstellar Symposium took place in Montreal, QC, Canada at McGill University in collaboration with the International Academy of Astronautics and Breakthrough Initiatives.
In the light of other Suns, highlighted the prospects for international cooperation in the development of technologies enabling long-distance space travel and featured many of the leading voices in space exploration, culture, and more.