News - University of Wisconsin - Madison
Announcing the 2026 Virtual Science Symposium (VSS)!
We are excited to announce the timeline for a special, abbreviated edition of the Virtual Science Symposium (VSS)!
The VSS provides an opportunity for GLOBE community members of all ages to showcase their scientific research using GLOBE protocols and data from the GLOBE database. Through hands-on investigations, researchers explore real-world questions, gain scientific skills, and deepen their understanding of Earth as a system. Participants also receive invaluable feedback from STEM professionals who serve as volunteer reviewers.
The theme for the 2026 VSS is "GLOBE Data Detectives: Using Data to Explore Change in Your Local Environment," which challenges participants to identify one or more change(s) that have impacted their local community and examine these changes using multiple data sources. Read below for how educators, students, and GLOBE community members can get involved, updates for this VSS, and key dates and resources for the shortened timeline.
What’s New This VSS?
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This is an abbreviated VSS. The VSS project submission window will be from 15 December 2025 - 30 January 2026 and feedback will be provided to research teams by the end of February. See below for more key dates!
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Due to the abbreviated timeline, research teams may submit a full research project or a research project proposal. A presentation is required, but a written report is optional. See the VSS Project Requirements for more information.
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Research teams in the early stages of developing a research project may submit a presentation that outlines their project proposal, including proposed research question(s), study site description, and data collection plan. This is a great way to get feedback on the early stages of a research project! View the VSS Research Proposal Template for items to include.
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While we welcome projects from all GLOBE regions, projects must be submitted in English due to the abbreviated timeline. Translation tools such as Google Translate, DeepL, Canva, or similar translation software are permitted. Unfortunately, projects submitted in languages other than English will not be accepted.
How Educators Can Get Involved
Educators play a vital role in guiding students through their scientific journey. The VSS is an excellent opportunity to:
- Engage students in exploring their local environment
- Develop scientific inquiry and research skills
- Use GLOBE data to analyze environmental change
- Explore solutions that promote positive environmental impacts
Educators can find a list of resources and project guidelines to support student research and submissions.
What Research Teams Will Do
Aligned with this year’s “GLOBE Data Detectives” theme, participants are encouraged to:
- Investigate local environmental changes using data collected using GLOBE protocols and/or the GLOBE database. We also encourage researchers to incorporate NASA satellite mission data into their investigations.
- Analyze and interpret these changes and their impact on Earth’s systems
- Suggest solutions for negative changes or highlight benefits of positive ones
- Use visual storytelling tools like StoryMaps, posters, or videos to present findings
- Particpants can earn virtual badges by describing how their research aligns with the scientific and engineering practices of various badges.
Visit the Participant Resources webpage for resources to support project planning.
Project Ideas and Inspiration: Connect to a GLOBE Campaign!
Check out the active GLOBE campaigns below for project ideas and inspiration:
- 30 Years of GLOBE Campaign (ongoing): Explore past data from the GLOBE database along with newly collected data.
- Phenology Campaign: Explore seasonal changes in plants by measuring and comparing the timing of green-up and green-down.
- Europe and Eurasia Phenology Campaign (August–December 2025)
- North American Phenology Campaign (Fall Dates: August to December)
- Trees within the LAC Campaign (January 2025 through December 2025)
- Trees Around the GLOBE Student Research Campaign (ongoing): Explore your local environment by measuring tree height, land cover/use, greenness, and carbon cycle.
- Urban Heat Island Effect Surface Temperature IOP: Investigate the Urban Heat Island Effect by collecting Surface Temperature data in your local environment.
- Mission Mosquito (ongoing): Observe and investigate mosquito habitats as part of the GLOBE Mission Mosquito campaign.
How GLOBE Community Members Can Participate
Join us as a volunteer reviewer! We're seeking STEM professionals who can provide constructive feedback in English. Volunteer reviewers typically review three projects, which requires a one-hour time commitment. Visit the Reviewer Resources webpage to learn more and apply.
Key Dates
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12 December 2025: IVSS Kick-Off & Informational Webinar
→ Webinar will be available on the GLOBE YouTube Channel
→ Submit questions in advance to vss@nasaglobe.org - 15 December 2025–30 January 2026: Project Submission Window
- 30 January 2026: Project Submission Deadline
- 11 February 2026: Webinar for Selected VSS Reviewers
- 11–25 February 2026: Review Period
- 4 March 2026: Feedback and Badge Distribution
Visit the VSS webpage to stay updated and explore full details.
We look forward to your participation in celebrating GLOBE research and discovery!
News origin: GLOBE Implementation Office