RAS Study or Research Projects

RAS Study or Research Projects grants normally provide £250–£5,000 for work advancing astronomy or geophysics, particularly activities and applicants underserved by other funding sources. Evidence of an application for matching support is required. The current pilot accepts applications continuously and assesses small grants at four annual cut-offs; the next is 30 September 2026. Applications after a cut-off move to the next round. This current overview supersedes the older two-deadline wording still present on individual scheme pages.

Normally only RAS Fellows may apply, and applications cannot be made on another person’s behalf. Doctoral travel must take place before the viva or thesis defence; support for postdoctoral or academic travel is exceptional. The scheme normally excludes activities fundable through research councils and does not pay degree fees. Consult the individual scheme rules.