Education
Nominate a Scientist for KAS' Excellence in Science Education & Outreach Award
The KAS Excellence in Science Education & Outreach Award provides recognition for unique  activities, educational programs, or approaches that have increased the involvement, engagement, and sustainability of science in the Commonwealth. The annual award is open to individual KAS members or groups of KAS members (e.g. from the same institution/organizations or various institutions/organizations who are KAS members and have worked together collaboratively on Education and Public Outreach initiatives). Nominations are due September 30, 2025.
Details and nomination form
Volunteer in Louisville for Mighty Microbes Day Sept 20
The Kentucky Science Center is hosting their first ever Microbe Day in Louisville, September 20th, 2025, from 10 AM – 2PM. Whitney Heard, the American Society for Microbiology (ASM) 's Ambassador for Kentucky, is seeking faculty and student volunteers. If you are interested in teaching microbial sciences to children in a fun, interactive, and educational manner, sign up below. ASM is also looking for donations- check the spreadsheet of items that they need to make this day awesome! To donate money or materials, please reach out to Whitney directly.
Questions: please contact Whitney Heard, ASM Ambassador to Kentucky
Faculty sign-up
Student sign-up
Supplies List - items to donate
Professional Development Resources for KAS members
We've curated a variety of opportunities for our members to learn new skills, advance your careers, and have more impact in the world. Check our our Professional Development Resources at the KAS website. Many of them are free or cheap. If you know of resources you would like to share with fellow scientists, send them our way!
Education and Engagement Team invites your participation!
Our Education & Engagement team makes connections with K-12 Teachers, Kentucky field stations, supports the Junior Academy, and connects with other partners around the state.
E&E meets next on August 25 at 10am ET. All are welcome! Email our Executive Director Amanda Fuller to get added to the list.
Policy
We Welcome Austin McMasters, KAS' new Science Policy Specialist
Austin McMasters, a PhD candidate at the University of Louisville, will be leading our science policy work starting in August, and serving our Science Policy Committee. Austin has served as the Policy Chair for U of L's Science Policy & Outreach Group.
KAS at the National Conference of State Legislatures
Kentucky Academy of Science joined Academy of Science leaders from Indiana, Virginia, Washington, Connecticut, Arkansas and Louisiana, to meet state legislators and discuss ways that scientists can advise state policymakers. NCSL convenes science & technology policy fellowship program leaders monthly and hosted a preconference workshop on Sunday August 2. Find out more
Kentucky's Attorney General wants to end in-state tuition for undocumented immigrants
Science Policy Committee Invites your Participation!
Research
Preventing Muscle Atrophy
Wilson Gonzalez-Espada, KAS Intern
The International Space Station has been continuously occupied for more than 25 years. You have probably noticed that news coverage shows the astronauts walking toward the launch pad but, upon their return, they are transported sitting on a stretcher. The reason is weightlessness; when the body does not have to deal with gravity, even after following a daily exercise routine, astronauts’ bones weaken, and muscles lose mass and strength.
You do not have to live in space for months to experience muscle atrophy. An extended hospitalization or an illness that makes someone bedridden will have similar effects on bones and muscles. A recent study reported that, for hospital patients physically inactive for just a week, muscle atrophy and weakness are measurable. After three weeks of muscle unloading (when muscles do not have to support the body), muscle atrophy and strength decrease by about 8% and 16%, respectively, requiring extensive and long-term physical rehabilitation.
Funding
KAS Research Grants Open Soon, due Nov 15
Find details about our grant categories
Marcia Athey and Botany Funds
Special Research Program
Undergraduate Research Program
Supply grants
Summer Research Grants
Athey Science Education & Outreach Grant
Funding for Future Psychologists from Ky Psychological Foundation
The Kentucky Psychology Foundation's Future Colleague Award supports undergraduate psychology students who aspire to further their education in psychology by attending a graduate program. We understand that the journey to graduate school can be financially challenging - this award aims to ease the burden of application-related expenses, empowering deserving students to pursue their dreams of a psychology graduate program and contribute to a more inclusive and diverse field of psychology. $400 value, Due Sept 5. Details
Kentucky Psychological Foundation's Equity-in-Action Award
The Kentucky Psychological Foundation believes in the power of diversity and the importance of supporting Kentucky psychologists, especially those from marginalized communities. The Equity in Action Professional Development and Student Development Awards (formerly known as the Multicultural Awards) are designed to help aspiring and current psychology professionals from historically underrepresented groups access crucial professional development opportunities. By providing financial support for initiatives, training, conferences, events, or membership dues to national professional organizations, we aim to empower these individuals to achieve their fullest potential and bring their invaluable perspectives to the field of Kentucky psychology. Value $350, Due Sept 5. Details
Did you know?
We have funding available for our members on our website!
Check out our Funding Opportunities today - some deadlines are quickly approaching!
Federal Funding
Annual Meeting
Special Session Proposals Due August 15
Propose a Special Session for the KAS Annual Meeting. Sessions should be cross-disciplinary, 2-3 hours long
Please submit a 250-word description by August 15.
In your proposal, we ask you to list a minimum of 3 presenters. Abstract submissions will also be open and presenters can submit into your session if approved. Presentations may be 15 minutes or longer. Special sessions may also be appropriate content for a Theme issue of the Journal of the KAS.
Any KAS member is welcome to propose a Special Session.
Submit Your Session Proposal
Join Us as a Sponsor or Exhibitor
Be part of Kentucky's largest gathering of scientists, Nov 21-22 at the University of Louisvile
Details and Registration here for Sponsors & Exhibitors
Community
Kentucky Scientists make an impact around the globe!
On Saturday, May 24th, in the small Africa city of Mzuzu, Malawi, there was a strong KAS fingerprint. With curriculum developed by Dr. Sahar Alameh (University of Kentucky) and ongoing wastewater research with Dr. Rochelle Holm (University of Louisville) a Science Day with a themes of wastewater, viruses, and sanitation was held. The wastewater-based epidemiology curriculum ensured all 227 young participants laughed, learned, and added "all things wastewater" to their vocabulary in this expanding science field.
The Zebra and the Bear - Watch this Gene Therapy Documentary for free
The Zebra and the Bear is an intimate and impactful documentary film about how a mother’s fierce determination to save her daughter from a fatal, ultra-rare genetic disease called Multiple Sulfatase Deficiency (MSD) leads her on a journey to raise millions of dollars and drive the development of a pioneering gene-therapy treatment. Filmed over seven years, The Zebra and the Bear reveals the human story behind the science that may eventually save the lives of generations of children born with rare genetic disorders.
Watch between now and August 25, 2025 11:59 pm PT
From our Science Partners
Kentucky Association for Environmental Education (KAEE)
Annual Conference Nov 13-14, 2025
Owensboro Convention Center
https://www.kaee.org/conference
Propose a session to share with environmental educators across the Commonwealth.
Kentucky Infrasructure Network for Biomedical Research (KY-INBRE)
offers free trainings, and funding opportunities- check out their monthly news
News, training and funding opportunities from Established Program for Stimulating Competitive Research (EPSCoR) and Institutional Development Award (IDeA)
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