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Heising-Simons Foundation Announces Tenth Class of 51 Pegasi b Fellows

By Heising-Simons Foundation

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The Heising-Simons Foundation’s Science program is pleased to announce the 2026 class of the 51 Pegasi b Fellowship, a three-year program that provides outstanding postdoctoral scientists with the opportunity to conduct theoretical, observational, and experimental research in planetary astronomy. The eight new fellows in this tenth class join a vibrant community that now consists of 74 fellows and alumni dedicated to advancing our understanding of planet formation, exoplanets, and Solar System science at a selected host institution.

“This is a momentous milestone,” said Emily Schaller, Science Program Officer at the Heising-Simons Foundation. “What began in 2017 as a new program looking to support an underfunded area of scientific inquiry has evolved into a vibrant community of remarkable scientists, many of whom now hold faculty positions at colleges and universities worldwide. It is inspiring to witness this community thrive and make significant contributions to science.”

This year, the fellowship saw a record number of applications, reflecting the growing importance of this field and of the Foundation’s approach to supporting fellows holistically—as people, as scientists, and as members of a vibrant community advancing progress in planetary astronomy.

As part of the three-year grant that the fellowship provides to cover salary and benefits, scientists receive highly flexible research-related discretionary spending. Fellows are also invited to apply to extend their fellowship for a fourth year, or can apply for a grant equivalent to one year of funds if they receive a faculty or permanent staff position in astronomy.

The fellowship’s annual summit brings together past and current fellows to connect about their research and focus on professional development and team building. Past summits have included workshops on science communication, time management, and mentorship strategies.

Read this story to learn more about the 51 Pegasi b Fellowship.

Meet the New Class of 51 Pegasi b Fellows and their Host Institutions

About the 51 Pegasi b Fellowship

The 51 Pegasi b Fellowship provides early-career postdoctoral scientists the opportunity to lead transformative research in planetary astronomy. Each year, up to eight fellows with outstanding potential receive three-year, $468,000 grants to pursue novel theoretical, observational, or experimental studies. These fellowships enhance our fundamental understanding of the Solar System, exoplanets, and the celestial processes that shape planetary systems. After completing the fellowship, fellows may apply for an additional year of funding to continue their postdoctoral work or support them if they receive a faculty position.

This fellowship is part of the Science Program’s commitment to supporting scientific advancements in astronomy and cosmology that illuminate our basic understanding of the universe, its celestial objects, and processes.

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