GEMSMassachusetts — Natick
The GEMS program at the U.S. Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine (USARIEM) and Natick Soldier Systems Center (NSSC) is designed for rising 4th to 9th graders of all academic abilities. The GEMS program is open to the public. In GEMS, students will learn about neuroscience, biochemistry, biomechanics, and physics.
Throughout their week at GEMS, students experience exclusive behind-the-scenes tours across the NSSC, bringing classroom STEM concepts to life inside active Department of War research facilities. Participants step directly into world-renowned facilities such as the USARIEM environmental chambers and the Doriot Climatic Chambers, observing firsthand how scientists test human physiology, heat, cold, and high-altitude adaptations under extreme environmental conditions. In some sessions, students also visit the Combat Feeding Directorate labs to explore the food science and packaging technology behind military rations, tour advanced biomechanics and motion-capture testing spaces, inspect soldier protective clothing and textile engineering facilities, and discover how parachute systems and aerial delivery equipment are engineered and evaluated. Guided by active-duty military scientists and civilian engineers, these interactive facility visits give students a rare, immersive look into how multidisciplinary science, technology, and engineering are directly applied to optimize Warfighter performance and protect service members worldwide.
Camps at this location
10 General Greene Avenue, Natick, MA 01760 ↗Students can only participate in one week-long session per summer. Students are not eligible to participate in a course more than once and will not be re-selected for a class. (For example if you participated in GEMS I last year, you should select GEMS II this year if in the proper grade.)
How to Apply
Student applications are completed in the online platform Ideal-Logic. Applications open January 1, 2027 and are due March 31, 2027. Spots are limited and applying to the program does not guarantee selection. If you are not selected initially you will be placed on a waitlist in case someone drops. If accepted participants should hear back by the end of April or will be placed on the waitlist. Application requirements differ depending on site.
Volunteer and work with us
Applications open on January 1, 2027 and are due by February 15, 2027.
About USARIEM
USARIEM is internationally recognized as the DoW's premier laboratory for Warfighter health and performance research and focuses on environmental medicine, physiology, physical and cognitive performance, and nutrition research. Military guidance has been published for operations in heat, cold, and high-altitude environments and nutrition for health and performance.
By leveraging its unique capabilities and facilities with industry, academia, and the government, USARIEM produces a variety of important products, including performance optimization doctrine, preventive medicine and planning doctrine, materiel development support, physiological monitoring strategies and predictive algorithms, and Health Hazard Assessments. USARIEM personnel were consultants on the establishment of the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
Our Partners
GEMS Natick is provided in cooperation with the USARIEM, U.S. Army Research Institute for Environmental Medicine in collaboration with:
Still have questions?
Get in touch with the Natick GEMS office. We'd love to hear from you!
