Astronomy observation and theory small awards 2026
Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) · United Kingdom
Funding to support theory including modelling, simulation and related software development, observation, experiment and new technology research relevant to all aspects of astronomy and astrophysics beyond the solar system.
Summary
Deadline
10 Mar 2026
Complexity
Medium
Time to apply
20-60 hours
Updated
9 Jun 2026
Funding to support theory including modelling, simulation and related software development, observation, experiment and new technology research relevant to all aspects of astronomy and astrophysics beyond the solar system.
Eligibility
Applicant types
Research
Business size
Research organisation
Industries
Astronomy and astrophysics research beyond the solar system.
Match funding
Not required
Requirements
Applicants must be based at a UK research organisation eligible for UKRI funding. The project lead must meet UKRI eligibility criteria and submit the application through their research organisation. Research supporting modelling, simulation, observation, experiment, laboratory astrophysics and technology or instrumentation development relevant to astronomy and astrophysics beyond the solar system.
Eligible applicants
Applicants must be based at a UK research organisation eligible for UKRI funding.
Funding and scope
Benefit amount
Amount needs verification
Total fund available
Not specified
Funding intensity
80% of Full Economic Cost (FEC).
Payment type
Grant (typically 80% FEC in arrears)
Eligible scope
Research supporting modelling, simulation, observation, experiment, laboratory astrophysics and technology or instrumentation development relevant to astronomy and astrophysics beyond the solar system.
Eligible expenses
- Project specific costs including staff time within defined limits, travel and subsistence, directly incurred and directly allocated costs, equipment and high performance computing costs where justified.
Ineligible costs
- Standard UKRI/STFC ineligible costs per funding terms.
Application and risks
Application platform
UKRI Funding Service
Competitiveness
Closed / Not accepting applications
Decision timeline
Not specified
Assessment process
Eligibility checks followed by expert peer review. Applicants may provide a response to reviewer comments before final assessment by the Astronomy Grants Panel.
Application sections
- Summary
- core team
- vision and approach
- applicant and team capability to deliver
- ethics and responsible research and innovation
- resources and cost justification
- classification of application
- risk management
Application components
Not specified
Decision risks
Applications may be rejected if they do not meet eligibility requirements or do not follow the application guidance.
Timeline and partners
Opening date
18 Nov 2025
Project duration
Maximum of three years
Project start
30 Sept 2027
Project end
Not specified
Co-funders
Not specified
Collaboration rules
- Applications may be submitted by a single research organisation or by a consortium of multiple research organisations.
- International collaborators or partners may participate where relevant and justified.
Consortium requirements
- Not specified
Additional guidance
[{"label":"Research Category","value":"Astronomy observation or astronomy theory research."},{"label":"Subcontractors","value":"Not specified"},{"label":"Interview Stage","value":"Not specified"},{"label":"Key Requirements","value":"Projects must be a single research project with defined staffing limits and must start on 1 October 2027."},{"label":"Renewal Rules","value":"Not specified"},{"label":"Important Notes","value":"Applicants may submit up to two applications across the small award round but only one as project lead."}]
Quick facts
- Status
- Closed
- Deadline
- 10 Mar 2026
- Funding amount
- Amount needs verification
- Funding band
- Not specified
- Funding type
- Grant
- Payment type
- Grant (typically 80% FEC in arrears)
- Audience
- Research Innovation
- Industry
- Astronomy and astrophysics research beyond the solar system.
- Last updated
- 9 Jun 2026
- Published
- 18 Nov 2025