Astronomy grant application guidelines

These guidelines may be subject to change although any revisions are unlikely to change the fundamental elements of the scheme. The community will be advised promptly of any further revisions.

Astronomy Guidelines

Introduction

The purpose of these notes is to provide advice and instructions to Applicants when preparing a grant application for consideration by the Astronomy Grants Panel (AGP). They are intended to supplement the fEC Grants Handbook (link opens in a new window)and Je-S system but aim to provide specific advice on:

For further information contact Kim Burchell.

Background

The specific aims of the scheme will be to:

• ensure that the programme supported is scientifically excellent;
• ensure that the programme is clearly in line with Council strategic science objectives; consider the strategic objectives of the UK Space Agency, address the impact agenda and be responsive to changes and new ideas;
• ensure that the process is transparent and accountable, particularly with respect to the means of prioritisation;
• ensure that the outcome, where appropriate, takes account of the Council;s and the UK Space Agency's current and planned investment in facilities;
• ensure that the process is efficient in terms of the requirement for Applicants (length of proposals and detail provided), the reviewers – both panels and referees and the use of office resources;
• ensure that the process provides a timely outcome;
• ensure that there is an appropriate balance between observation, instrumentation and theory, and between the various sub-disciplines of astronomy, and the development of novel, generic technologies for astronomy and space science, consistent with the overall strategy of the research council.