IRG 2025 Symposium Announcement
For the 9th Interstellar Symposium, The Interstellar Research Group is proud to partner with the University of Texas at Austin’s Center for Planetary Systems Habitability. This is an amazing opportunity to showcase the talent that the state of Texas has to offer the interstellar community and our development goals.
Furthermore, IRG is proud to continue our collaboration with the International Academy of Astronautics. IAA is committed to tackling groundbreaking challenges in the peaceful exploration and use of space, which strongly overlaps with the mission and ethos of the IRG.
The 2025 symposium aims to bring together a multi-disciplinary community dedicated to advancing interstellar travel. The exploration of other stars and what lies between them (e.g. interstellar objects) is crucial not only for understanding the formation of stars, planets, galaxies, and the search for extraterrestrial life, but also for ensuring the safety of our planet and the future of humanity.
Come join the exciting work of IRG 2025. Whether you are a professional in the field or an interested amateur, join us for a great multi-day conference of expert talks, social events, public outreach functions (including science fiction, art and topic workshops).
The 9th Interstellar Symposium will be held October 12-15, 2025 in Austin, Texas at The AT&T Conference Center.
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 oppertunities to the current generation of students thanks our sponsers generous support.
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
“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!
Name: Sanmathi Priya Abiram Lakshmi Devi
University: Cornell University
Degree Program: Mechanical – Aerospace Engineering, BS
Ph.D Scholarship
Pranavkumar D. Gajjar
Ph.D Scholarship Winner
“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!
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
Master’s Scholarship
Michael P. Wozniak
Master’s Scholarship Winner
“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’.”
Congratulations Michael!
Name: Michael P. Wozniak
University: Purdue University
Degree Program: Aeronautical & Astronautical Engineering
IRG 2023 Symposium Videos
The 8th Interstellar Symposium took place from Monday July 10 to Thursday July 13, 2023 with pre-symposium seminars held on Sunday July 9, in collaboration with the International Academy of Astronautics and Breakthrough Initiatives, took place in Montreal, QC, Canada at McGill University.
MU, IAA, and IRG hosted a symposium highlighting the prospects for international cooperation in the development of technologies enabling long-distance space travel. Through this cooperation, the IAA’s long-standing history of supporting space sciences, life sciences, technology, and system development was applied to interstellar travel and habitation. This symposium featured many of the leading voices in space exploration, culture, and more.
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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.