The International Astronomical Union (IAU) invites applications for the Gruber Fellowship 2024, a prestigious programme with the Gruber Foundation (GF) that supports young astronomers in the early stages of their research careers and promotes the science of cosmology and other branches of astronomy. The deadline for applications is 1 March 2024, and the IAU encourages all its members to draw the attention of their eligible colleagues to this excellent opportunity.

The Fellowship will be awarded to a highly promising, early-career astrophysicist working in any field of astrophysics, be it theoretical, observational or experimental. As an organisation that shares this goal, the IAU collaborates with the GF in selecting recipients. The GF provides funding of US$75 000 for fellowships every year, which is intended as a research grant to cover travel, subsistence and research expenses in support of a postdoctoral appointment at a host institution starting no later than 1 October of the award year. It may be combined with any other fellowship or award.

Important Deadlines

• 1 March 2024: deadline for applications;
• Week of 27 April: IAU Executive Committee to approve the winners selected by the Selection Committee; 
• 30 May 2024: public announcement of the winners.

Applicant Eligibility 

Astrophysicists who are in the final months of their PhD and have already received a contract offer for a postdoctoral position, or postdocs in their first year of appointment, are encouraged to apply. 

In the case of applicants at the PhD level, the PhD must have been awarded by the start date of the Fellowship — no later than 1 October of the award year.

There are no nationality restrictions, but while the scientific quality of the application is the primary criterion, preference will be given to applicants from countries in difficult economic situations. 

Host Institution

The host institute for the postdoctoral appointment must be a centre of excellence in the applicant’s field of research and must be located in a country different from that in which the PhD was awarded or, in the case of a second postdoc, different from where the first postdoc appointment is being completed.

While the IAU Secretariat will administer the grant, the host institute should agree to provide basic research facilities since the GF grant is primarily intended to cover travel and living expenses during research periods outside the host Institute, as well as conference attendance and specific research expenses during the postdoctoral appointment. 

The grant will be paid directly to the selected applicant(s).

Upon agreement between the host institute and the IAU General Secretary, a small part of the grant may also be used to supplement the basic salary, provided that the host institute covers the salary overheads (social benefits, salary and income taxes, personal insurance, etc.) and all other similar legal obligations applicable in the country where the host institute is located so that the recipient should be able to use the full amount of the fellowship freely. 

The jury may decide to split the grant between two or three equally promising candidates. 

Additionally, the selected applicants will receive a registration fee waiver for the upcoming IAU General Assembly in Cape Town, South Africa, taking place from 6 to 15 August 2024. 

More information

The IAU is the international astronomical organisation that brings together more than 12 000 active professional astronomers from more than 100 countries worldwide. Its mission is to promote and safeguard astronomy in all its aspects, including research, communication, education and development, through international cooperation. The IAU also serves as the internationally recognised authority for assigning designations to celestial bodies and the surface features on them. Founded in 1919, the IAU is the world's largest professional body for astronomers.

Links

• The Gruber Foundation (GF) Fellowship Programme Overview
• The Gruber Foundation (GF) Fellowship Programme Application Procedure

Contacts

Piero Benvenuti
IAU Interim General Secretary
Email: IAU-general.secretary@iap.fr 

Lina Canas
IAU Membership Coordinator
Email: lina.canas@iap.fr 

Lars Lindberg Christensen
IAU Director of Communications
Cell: +1 520 461 0433/+49 173 38 72 621
Email: lars.christensen@noirlab.edu