The European Space Agency (ESA) is recruiting an intern for the Exploration Science Office to work on the assessment of societal benefits of exploration science, at ESTEC in Noordwijk, Netherlands or at EAC in Porz-Wahn, Germany. Applications close on 30 November 2026 at 23:59 CET/CEST. At Youth Works Hub, we reviewed the full vacancy: you would help build a structured approach to identify and evaluate the societal benefits of ESA's exploration science, working closely with the HRE Strategy Office.
ESA Exploration Science Internship: Key Facts
🆔 Job Requisition ID: 21112
🎓 Type of appointment: Intern
🏛️ Directorate: Human and Robotic Exploration
🏙️ Workplace: Noordwijk, NL and Porz-Wahn, DE
📍 Location: ESTEC, Noordwijk, Netherlands or EAC, Porz-Wahn, Germany
🌐 Publication method: external only
⏳ Closing date: 30 November 2026, 23:59 CET/CEST
Exploration Science at ESA: Our Team and Mission
Within the European Space Agency (ESA)'s Directorate for Human and Robotic Exploration, the Exploration Science activities are a cornerstone of the Explore2040 strategy, driving innovation at the intersection of human exploration and scientific discovery. It integrates exploration-focused science, essential for future missions, with exploration-enabled science, leveraging space for groundbreaking research.
Research Environments Open to Exploration Science
With access to ground-based analogues, the ISS, future commercial LEO platforms, the Moon, and Mars, Exploration Science offers unique opportunities for transformative research in diverse environments.
Values and Priorities of the Programme
Guided by European values of collaboration, excellence, and responsibility, the programme emphasises open science, international cooperation, and inspiring future generations. From developing countermeasures for spaceflight to searching for life on Mars, ESA Exploration Science advances knowledge for space and Earth alike.
Working with the Exploration Strategy Office
This internship will be done in close collaboration with the Exploration Strategy Office. The vacancy also encourages interested candidates to visit the ESA website at esa.int.
Your Internship Topic: Assessment of Societal Benefits of Exploration Science
You will support the Exploration Science Office, in close coordination with the HRE Strategy Office, in developing and applying a structured approach to identify and evaluate the societal benefits generated by ESA's exploration science activities. These range from ground-based analogue studies to research performed on ground and suborbital platforms, the International Space Station and future Moon and Mars missions.
Societal Impact Framework Development
You will review methodologies and frameworks used by space agencies, research funders, and international organisations to assess the societal, economic, technological, health, and educational returns of publicly funded research. Building on this benchmarking, you will help identify indicators and propose a structured methodology tailored to exploration science.
Benefits the Methodology Should Cover
The vacancy lists the following types of benefit:
🧬 Advances in human physiology and countermeasure development.
🏥 Contributions to terrestrial healthcare, for example ageing, rehabilitation, cardiovascular and musculoskeletal health.
🤖 Technology and knowledge transfer, for example innovative materials, robotics, sensor and monitoring technologies, data science and AI.
🏭 Industrial and economic spin-offs.
🎓 Educational and inspirational outcomes.
Impact Mapping and Case Study Compilation
Using this framework, you will identify and document concrete examples of societal benefit arising from past and ongoing exploration science studies, such as bed rest and dry immersion analogue research, research on suborbital platforms, and ISS-based investigations, just to name a few.
Turning Research Outcomes into Case Studies
Working with scientists across the Exploration Science Office and the HRE Strategy Office, you will trace research outcomes to real-world applications and compile these into case studies and a reference repository. The repository is meant to support impact reporting, stakeholder communication, and the design of future research calls.
What You Will Gain
This internship offers insight into science policy and impact evaluation within human space exploration, with practical experience in framework design, benefit-mapping methodologies, and stakeholder communication.
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Who Can Apply: Education
You must be a university student, preferably in your final or second-to-last year of university course at Master's level. In addition, you must be able to prove that you will be enrolled at your university for the entire duration of the internship.
Language and Interview Requirements
The working languages of the Agency are English and French. A good knowledge of one of these is required. Knowledge of another ESA Member State language is an asset. During the interview, your motivation for applying to this role will be explored.
Background Required for This Internship
A background in life sciences, physical sciences, health or biomedical sciences, economics, public policy, or science communication is essential, along with a strong interest in space research and its wider societal relevance.
Skills and Qualities ESA Is Looking For
You should possess strong analytical and synthesis skills, excellent written and verbal communication abilities, and a motivation to contribute to the assessment and communication of research impact. The ability to work independently while maintaining coordination with a team is important.
Who the Internship Is Designed For
The internship is designed for students in their final or second-to-last year of university studies, ensuring they have a solid academic foundation relevant to the tasks involved.
Experience: What Counts
Prior experience in space research is not required. However, familiarity with impact assessment methodologies, research evaluation, socioeconomic analysis, or science communication is considered beneficial. Any relevant experience in structured research, literature reviews, policy analysis, or data synthesis will be advantageous. Given that the internship targets students, the focus is on providing hands-on experience and skills development, rather than requiring extensive professional background.
Behavioural Competencies
The vacancy lists six ESA core behavioural competencies:
🎯 Result Orientation
⚙️ Operational Efficiency
🤝 Fostering Cooperation
💬 Relationship Management
🔄 Continuous Improvement
🔮 Forward Thinking
For more information, the vacancy refers to the ESA Core Behavioural Competencies guidebook.
Which Nationalities Can Apply?
Applications are only considered from nationals of one of the following States: Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.
Duration, Start Date and Application Limit
According to ESA's 2027 student internships announcement, internships last 3 to 6 months and begin from February 2027 onwards. The exact start date is agreed with the ESA tutor. A candidate can apply for up to two ESA internship opportunities.
Selection Tests
During the recruitment process, the Agency may request applicants to undergo selection tests.
Export Control and Sanctions Eligibility
Applicants must be eligible to access information, technology, and hardware which is subject to European or US export control and sanctions regulations.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusiveness
ESA is an equal opportunity employer, committed to achieving diversity within the workforce and creating an inclusive working environment. It welcomes applications from all qualified candidates irrespective of gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religious beliefs, age, disability or other characteristics.
Support for Applicants with Disabilities
At the Agency, diversity is valued and people with disabilities are welcome. Whenever possible, ESA seeks to accommodate individuals with disabilities by providing the necessary support at the workplace. The Human Resources Department can also provide assistance during the recruitment process. The contact email for this is listed at the end of this post.
Important Information
The information published on ESA's careers website regarding internship conditions is correct at the time of publication. It is not intended to be exhaustive and may not address all questions you would have. The vacancy does not state an allowance for this internship.
Find more opportunities like this in our internship and traineeship listings on Youth Works Hub.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does the ESA Exploration Science Office internship take place?
The vacancy gives two possible locations: ESTEC in Noordwijk, Netherlands, or EAC in Porz-Wahn, Germany. The internship is in the Directorate for Human and Robotic Exploration.
What is the internship about?
You would support the Exploration Science Office, with the HRE Strategy Office, in developing and applying a structured approach to identify and evaluate the societal benefits of ESA's exploration science activities.
What will I do in the Societal Impact Framework part?
You would review methodologies and frameworks used by space agencies, research funders, and international organisations to assess the returns of publicly funded research. You would then help identify indicators and propose a methodology tailored to exploration science.
Which types of benefit does the methodology cover?
The vacancy names advances in human physiology and countermeasure development, terrestrial healthcare, technology and knowledge transfer, industrial and economic spin-offs, and educational and inspirational outcomes.
What is impact mapping and case study compilation?
You would document concrete examples of societal benefit from past and ongoing exploration science studies, such as bed rest and dry immersion analogue research, suborbital platform research and ISS-based investigations. These are compiled into case studies and a reference repository.
What will I learn from this internship?
The internship offers insight into science policy and impact evaluation within human space exploration, with practical experience in framework design, benefit-mapping methodologies, and stakeholder communication.
Who is eligible to apply?
You must be a university student, preferably in your final or second-to-last year at Master's level, and able to prove that you will be enrolled at your university for the entire internship. Applications are only considered from nationals of the ESA States listed above.
Which background do I need?
A background in life sciences, physical sciences, health or biomedical sciences, economics, public policy, or science communication is essential, together with a strong interest in space research and its wider societal relevance.
Do I need prior experience in space research?
No. Prior experience in space research is not required. Familiarity with impact assessment methodologies, research evaluation, socioeconomic analysis, or science communication is considered beneficial.
Which languages do I need?
The working languages of ESA are English and French, and a good knowledge of one of them is required. Knowledge of another ESA Member State language is an asset.
How long is the internship and when does it start?
According to ESA's 2027 student internships announcement, internships last 3 to 6 months and begin from February 2027 onwards. The exact start date is agreed with the ESA tutor.
How many ESA internships can I apply for?
A candidate can apply for up to two ESA internship opportunities, according to ESA's announcement for the 2027 student internships.
What happens after I apply?
The Agency may request applicants to undergo selection tests. During the interview, your motivation for applying to this role will be explored.
Do I need to be eligible for export control and sanctions regulations?
Yes. Applicants must be eligible to access information, technology, and hardware which is subject to European or US export control and sanctions regulations.
Does the vacancy mention a stipend?
The vacancy does not state an allowance for this internship. ESA notes that the information on its careers website regarding internship conditions is correct at the time of publication but is not intended to be exhaustive.
What is the application deadline?
Applications close on 30 November 2026 at 23:59 CET/CEST.
Deadline
⏳ 30 November 2026
Links
🔗 Apply now (ESA vacancy 21112): https://jobs.esa.int/job/Noordwijk-Intern-in-the-Exploration-Science-Office-Assessment-of-Societal-Benefits-of-Exploration-Science/1452988833/
📰 ESA Student Internships 2027: https://www.esa.int/About_Us/Careers_at_ESA/ESA_Student_Internships_2027_are_now_open
🌌 ESA website: https://www.esa.int
📧 Contact for disability support: ESA.Student.Internships@esa.int
