Opportunity Overview
The International Mars Exploration Working Group (IMEWG) is establishing a new sub-working group dedicated to identifying international science and planetary protection goals and priorities. This transition period will guide the future joint robotic and crewed exploration of Mars, ensuring that scientific objectives are balanced with robust planetary protection measures. The working group will operate through regular virtual meetings over roughly a one-year period, terminating in September 2026, with a mid-point in-person meeting scheduled for March or April 2026.
This is a premier chance for researchers, engineers, policy experts, and mission planners to contribute to high-level decisions that will shape Mars exploration for years to come. Participation is open to volunteers who are committed to international collaboration and the responsible exploration of Mars.
What You Will Be Doing
Selected volunteers will join a diverse group of international colleagues to identify and refine goals in two interconnected areas:
- Science goals that maximize return from robotic and crewed missions while maintaining planetary protection standards.
- Scope priorities for planetary protection that reflect current knowledge, evolving technologies, and shared international norms.
The group will operate in a collaborative, future-focused setting, with regular virtual meetings and a mid-point in-person session to facilitate dialogue and consensus-building. The outcome will help guide IMEWG’s work during the transition period toward a synergistic Mars exploration framework.
Who Should Apply
We invite motivated individuals with recent hands-on or policy experience related to Mars exploration, planetary protection, astrobiology, space law, mission design, or international collaboration. Applicants should be prepared to articulate how their expertise will add value to the group’s objectives and their capacity to work in a multidisciplinary, international context.
Motivation Letter and CV: What to Submit
If you are interested in volunteering, please prepare:
- Motivation Letter (no more than one page):
- Your motivation to participate in the IMEWG sub-working group.
- Your added value and unique perspective you bring to planetary protection and Mars science.
- Your recent and relevant expertise/experience.
- Your preferred science or planetary protection focus area for the group.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) (no more than two pages):
- Current and recent positions (last 5 years) and responsibilities, especially leadership or contributions to relevant teams or working groups.
- Notable activities beyond the last five years if applicable.
- Up to five most relevant publications.
Interested individuals should email their materials by October 20, 2025 to the provided address in the call for volunteers. The selection process will consider the diversity of expertise and the ability to contribute to an international, collaborative effort.
Selection Timeline and Contacts
Key dates include the volunteer intake deadline (October 20, 2025) and the planned mid-point in-person meeting (March/April 2026). Final decisions will be announced with scheduling details for virtual and in-person sessions through September 2026. For more information, refer to the Planetary Exploration Newsletter from PSI, which previously reported on this opportunity and the governance context established by leaders in the field, including Gerhard Kminek (ESA) and Lindsay Hays (NASA).
Why This Matters
As Mars exploration enters a new era of collaboration, ensuring robust planetary protection practices and clear scientific priorities is essential. This IMEWG sub-working group offers a platform for cross-border dialogue, harmonized standards, and strategic planning that will help maximize scientific returns while safeguarding planetary environments. Participation signals a commitment to responsible exploration and international cooperation in space science.
Next Steps
If you are compelled by the prospect of shaping Mars exploration policy and science priorities on an international stage, prepare your motivation letter and CV and submit by the October 20, 2025 deadline. This is your chance to contribute to a lasting framework guiding robotic and crewed missions to Mars.
