Global STEM Research Opportunity for High School Students
Through AESA Global, schools affiliated with Educational Service Agencies gain access to the Global Research & Education (R&E) Project, a flagship international STEM research collaboration connecting high school students in the United States with peers in South Korea and other partner countries.
The project is led by AESA Global in partnership with KOSAC (Korea Foundation for Science and Creativity), South Korea’s national organization for science education and STEM innovation under the Ministry of Science and ICT.
This initiative provides students with an authentic, long‑term global research experience aligned to real‑world sustainability challenges and future‑ready skill development.
Program Overview
The Global Research & Education Project engages student research teams in a 6–7 month international collaboration (May–November 2026) focused on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Students work with international peers to conduct original research, collect and compare data across countries, and present findings through global showcase events.
2026 Research Focus Themes (UN SDGs)
Student teams select three preferred focus themes during registration:
- SDG 2: Zero Hunger – food security, sustainable agriculture, nutrition
- SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation – water quality, conservation, sanitation
- SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy – renewable energy, clean power solutions
- SDG 13: Climate Action – climate change, resilience, carbon reduction
- SDG 14: Life Below Water – marine ecosystems and ocean conservation
- SDG 15: Life on Land – biodiversity, forests, ecosystem restoration
Teams are organized into theme‑based global collaboration groups, allowing students from different countries to work together around shared research interests.
Team Structure
Schools may register one or multiple student research teams.
- up to 10 students per team
- led by a supervising teacher, STEM educator, or research adviser
- teams may be formed through classes, clubs, gifted programs, or STEM pathways
This flexible structure supports science clubs, STEM academies, environmental clubs, gifted and talented programs, and interdisciplinary research teams.
Timeline at a Glance
- Team Formation Deadline: by May 8, 2026
- Kickoff Meeting: Mid‑May 2026
- Research Collaboration: May–November 2026
- Research Check-IN: September 2026 (online)
- Final Global Showcase: November 2026
- Optional Korea Exchange: Mid‑November 2026
Registration & Coordination
- Registration Fee: $500 per U.S. team
- Schools must be prepared to:
- identify a supervising educator
- confirm student team members
- select three preferred SDG focus themes
Ready to Participate?
For information about this experience and to apply, contact:
Meimei Zou
Director of Projects
Email