The Royal Astronomical Society (RAS) has launched a new pilot scheme aimed at streamlining the awarding of small grants in support of studies in astronomy and geophysics.
Most small grant applications will now be reviewed at four points during the year, rather than two, with the goal of notifying applicants of the outcome within five weeks of the relevant deadline.
At each cut-off date, all complete and eligible applications received up to that point will be collated and assessed within a single round. Applications received after a cut-off date will be carried forward to the next available round.
Those interested in applying are advised to submit in good time, particularly where activities are time-sensitive.
Applications for travel grants must relate to conferences taking place no earlier than six weeks after the relevant deadline to ensure there is sufficient time for assessment and planning. The event must also occur within six months of the same deadline.
If an application falls outside of these timeframes, it may not be considered.
Education and Outreach grants will continue to be assessed twice a year, in March and September, while Undergraduate and young German Astronomical Society/RAS (jAG/RAS) summer school bursaries will be considered once a year in March.
As the scheme is being trialled, the Society appreciates applicants' patience and understanding while it is evaluated and refined. For any queries, please email awards@ras.ac.uk
The new deadlines for each year are as follows:
- Round 1: 31 January
- Round 2: 31 March (includes Education & Outreach grants, jAG/RAS and Undergraduate bursaries)
- Round 3: 31 May
- Round 4: 30 September (includes Education & Outreach grants)
The new pilot scheme will open on 1 August 2026. All Fellows will receive an email notification once the call for applications is live.
RAS Treasurer Dr Arvind Parmar said: "We have updated the small grants scheme to better meet the needs of the astronomical and geophysics communities.
"The more frequent deadlines and the shorter decision times will allow RAS Fellows to be better supported in organising or attending scientific meetings, particularly those that occur at short notice.
"I would also like to thank the Grants Awards Panel for their dedication and hard work behind the scenes that helps make the RAS small grants such a successful programme."