The International Astronomical Union (IAU) invites applications for the Gruber Fellowship 2025, 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 2025, 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 that 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 2025: deadline for applications;
• Week of 5 May 2025: IAU Executive Committee to approve the winners selected by the Selection Committee; 
• End-May/Early-June 2025: 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 institution 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 institution 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 institution, 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 institution and the IAU General Secretary, a small part of the grant may also be used to supplement the basic salary, provided that the host institution 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 institution 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. 

More information

The IAU is the international astronomical organization 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.

The IAU and The Gruber Foundation have a long-standing relationship of collaboration between both organisations with the aim to promote the science of cosmology and other branches of astronomy, including the Gruber Cosmology Prize and the TGF Fellowship Programme.

Links

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

Contacts

Diana Worrall
IAU General Secretary
Email: iau-general.secretary@iap.fr 

Hyesung Kang
Chair TGF Fellowship 2024-2027 Selection Committee, IAU Vice-President
Email: hskang@pusan.ac.kr 

Lina Canas
IAU Membership Coordinator
Email: lina.canas@iau.org / iaupressoffice@iau.org