The RAS awards grants in support of studies in astronomy and geophysics. Applications are assessed on a competitive basis, and successful proposals receive awards drawn from the Society's Research and Grants Funds supported by the generosity of our benefactors listed below.
Applications are assessed twice a year; the deadlines for these grants rounds are 20 February and 20 August. Applications will be reviewed shortly afterwards, and awards announced within three months. To apply, please access the form here.
In addition, the RAS:
- Assists in the administration of the Paneth Trust, which offers funding for internships and other purposes.
- Supports, where possible, postdoctoral fellowships including the RAS Research Fellowships, the Sir Norman Lockyer Fellowship and the RAS Daphne Jackson Fellowship.
- Will, on application, consider contributing to the costs of overseas based Fellows who might otherwise be unable to attend a National Astronomy Meeting (NAM) at which they intend to make an active contribution.
- Funds visits by UK astronomers to developing countries under the RAS-OAD Visiting Experts Programme.
- Will support agreed developing country capacity-building activities by Fellows adhering to the Society's International Capacity Building Principles.
Many of the Society's grants are only available thanks to legacies. You may wish to make your own legacy to support the Society's work.
Criteria
Please read our Criteria for Grants before applying for a grant.
How to apply for a grant from the Research and Grants Fund
Please see Applying for a grant for the application form and detailed instructions.
Benefactors
The Society's Research and Grants Funds are indebted to the following generous benefactors:
- Milne Traveling Foundation
- The Patricia Tomkins Foundation
- The C. A. G. Bearpark Trust
- Mrs Jelley's Bequest
- The E. W. Brown Trust
- The Plummer Bequest
- The A. G. Stillhammer Trust
- The Victor Nadarov Fund
- The William McCrea Fund
- The Hosie Bequest