As the second year of the NASA Space Apps Collective comes to a close, we reflect on this remarkable journey. The Collective brings together a global cohort that explores how NASA data can be used to advance NASA mission priorities and make a difference both locally and globally.
This year’s Collective Cohort experienced the added benefit of learning from members of the past 2023–2024 Collective Cohort. Collective alumni offered encouragement and reflected on their own journeys beyond the program. The exchange between the two cohorts showcased how a single experience can shape careers, collaborations, and personal missions. Although these cohorts began as strangers, they evolved into a close community driven by a shared commitment to applying NASA data in meaningful ways.
Mini Genius Workshops: Ideas in Motion
Three Collective Mini Genius Workshops comprised the heart of this year's Collective, providing a forum for Collective Cohort members to refine their ideas and engage with NASA data in new and meaningful ways.
These workshops weren’t just educational checkpoints, they were opportunities for transformation. Twenty-nine Collective Cohort members shared early stage projects and received thoughtful advice from NASA Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) and global space agencies. Whether exploring Earth science, citizen engagement, or disaster response, participants learned how to translate complex data into actionable tools.
The workshops also highlighted the power of peer to peer learning. Presentations evolved into rich discussions where participants walked away with new ideas and renewed confidence in their voices and visions.
Get to know the Collective Cohort in our Collective Chronicles video series
2025 Collective Genius Summit
“You can always make your own space, find that niche area. This is exactly that, where you’re creating something that’s making room for how you see the world, how you see our universe, and want to make a difference. So make the space for yourself.” - Dr. Michole Washington, Postdoctoral Researcher for NASA’s SCoPE
In March, the Collective community came together for the 2025 NASA Space Apps Collective Genius Summit to celebrate the theme Empowering Change through Science and Community Action. Collective Cohort members, NASA SMEs, global space agency experts, and hundreds of participants joined from across continents and time zones to engage in dynamic discussions, interactive workshops, and expert led sessions to expand knowledge and spark new ideas.
NASA’s Kevin Murphy (top left), Marilé Colon Robles (top right), and Dr. Marc Kuchner (bottom left) joined GO Team member Dr. Parker Miles (bottom right) for the Empowering the Public Through Open Science panel during the 2025 Collective Genius Summit
The Collective Genius Summit explored a range of timely, science-driven topics grounded in NASA’s mission. Sessions covered community based air quality monitoring, tools for tracking extreme weather and natural disasters, the ethics of data stewardship, and the use of NASA data to support local decision making. From blockchain applications to citizen science storytelling, participants examined how open data can empower real world outcomes.
Check out the Collective Genius Summit from our video library!
A Collective Thank You
To every Collective Cohort member, NASA SME, space agency expert, and participant who joined us along the way, thank you! Your energy, insights, and generosity made this year extraordinary. To the Collective community who followed along, thank you for your continued curiosity and belief in the power of collaboration.
The NASA Space Apps Collective exists because of people who see the possibilities in datasets, who show up for community, and who imagine a bright future. Wherever you are in the world, keep asking questions, keep connecting, and keep creating.
Learn more on the Collective webpage and connect with the #SpaceApps community
Connect with #SpaceApps!
X: @SpaceApps
Instagram: @nasa_spaceapps
Facebook: @spaceappschallenge
YouTube: @NASASpaceAppsChallenge