The Royal Astronomical Society primarily supports UK-based astronomy, geophysics, solar system science, and related research through competitive grants, fellowships, prizes, and lecture opportunities. It also funds education and public outreach projects that broaden engagement with astronomy and geophysics, with a clear interest in early-career researchers and women in astronomy. Overall, this is a field-specific learned society funder that backs academic research, specialist disciplines like meteorite studies, and public-facing activities that advance the sciences it represents.
Competitive, program-specific awards and fellowships; small outreach grants alongside more substantial research fellowships and prize lectureships. Applications are assessed on set cycles for some programs, with general grants reviewed twice yearly, and most funding is UK-focused.
Check each scheme’s eligibility carefully, as most opportunities are UK-based and targeted to specific disciplines or career stages. For RAS Grants for Studies, plan for the twice-yearly deadlines on 20 February and 20 August; for other schemes, watch for program-specific calls and invitation timelines such as the Caroline Herschel Prize Lectureship.
Sign up free to see how well your nonprofit fits this funder, get an AI-generated pitch, and unlock similar foundations.
Current and upcoming funding from Royal Astronomical Society that your nonprofit may be able to apply for.
Who can apply: Projects in astronomy and geophysics; applicants should follow guidance on the RAS grants pages (competitive assessment).
Deadline: 20 February and 20 August each year (applications assessed shortly afterwards; awards announced within three months).
Who can apply: Applicants may be of any nationality but must be able to be employed through the host institution. Candidates must normally hold a PhD degree (or have submitted the viva by the application deadline and expect to be awarded the PhD before the fellowship start date). Exceptions may be made for career breaks, maternity leave, serious illness, etc. Only one RAS Research Fellowship may be held in the same host institution at any one time.
Deadline: Applications open in mid-September; deadline for 2025 was 15 November.
Who can apply: Applicants may be of any nationality, but employment is through the host institution. Applicants must meet the fellowship start-date eligibility requirements and provide host institution certification. Applications are sought every three years.
Deadline: Applications are sought every three years; 2025 cycle deadline stated as 15 November in the fellowship call page.
Track these deadlines, get reminders, and see how well your nonprofit fits — free with a Kindora account.
Create a free accountDeadlines and eligibility are summarized from public sources and may change — always confirm the details on the funder's official application page before applying.