The International Astronomical Union (IAU) Call for Applications: 2026 Gruber Foundation Fellowship in Astrophysics

The International Astronomical Union (IAU) invites applications for the prestigious 2026 Gruber Foundation Fellowship in Astrophysics, a programme supporting outstanding early-career astronomers across all fields of astrophysics. The fellowship is funded by The Gruber Foundation (GF) and aims to advance cosmology and other branches of astronomy by enabling promising researchers to strengthen their postdoctoral careers.

Application Deadline: 1 March 2026 (11:59 PM Paris Time, UTC+1)
Funding Available: US$ 75,000 total, typically awarded as three grants of US$ 25,000 each
Fellowship Start Date: No later than 1 October 2026

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About the Fellowship

The Gruber Foundation Fellowship supports early-career astronomers engaged in theoretical, observational, or experimental astrophysics. The grant is provided as a flexible research award intended to fund travel, research activities, and scientific development during a postdoctoral appointment at a host institution.

The IAU encourages its members and the wider research community to share this opportunity with eligible candidates worldwide.

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Key Dates

• 1 March 2026: Application deadline
• End April 2026: IAU Executive Committee confirms winners
• End May / Early June 2026: Public announcement of awardees
• By 1 October 2026: Fellowship period must begin

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Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must be within three years of their PhD defense (adjusted for official career breaks). They must meet one of the following conditions at the time of application:

1. Final-year PhD Students

• Must have a confirmed postdoctoral contract offer
• PhD must be defended before the fellowship start date

2. Early-career Astronomers in a Postdoc

• Must already hold a postdoctoral appointment
• Must have at least one full year of confirmed employment remaining from the fellowship start date

3. Researchers Transitioning to a New Postdoc

• Must have a contract offer for a second postdoctoral position beginning by 1 October 2026

Additional notes:

• No nationality restrictions apply
• Preference may be given to candidates from economically disadvantaged countries
• Selection is based on scientific achievements, research potential, and strength of the research plan

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Host Institution Requirements

• Must be a recognized centre of excellence in the applicant’s field
• Must be located in a different country from:
  • The applicant’s PhD institution (for first postdoc)
  • The previous postdoctoral institution (for second+ postdocs)
• Must provide salary and research facilities (GF grant supports research and travel only)

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Funding & Allowable Costs

Each awardee (typically three per year) will receive US$ 25,000, paid directly to the researcher.
The grant may be used for:

• Research-related travel (conferences, observing runs, collaborations)
• Equipment, software, or research tools
• Open-access publication fees

A small portion (up to 10%) may supplement salary only if the host institution fully covers all employment-related costs. A justification is required.

The grant cannot extend an existing postdoc beyond confirmed employment dates.

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Application Procedure

Applications must be submitted online through the official IAU application system. A complete application includes:

Required Documents

• Online application form
• Research statement and proposed budget
• Curriculum vitae
• PhD defense date or proof of expected graduation (if applicable)
• Two reference letters, uploaded directly by referees via an automated link

Deadline for all materials (including reference letters):
1 March 2026, 11:59 PM Paris Time

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Outcome Notification

• Applicants will receive results by 31 May 2026
• Selected Fellows will be announced publicly on the IAU website

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For further details, visit the IAU Gruber Fellowship page .