Funding Opportunity: New Open Call for Science Events and Gatherings

The Heising-Simons Foundation’s Science program has launched a new Open Call for Science Events and Gatherings. Applications are due by July 10, 2026, at 2pm PST.

We are inviting applications for grants supporting meetings, workshops, conferences, summer schools, research collaboration gatherings, or other events in astronomy, planetary science, cosmology, fundamental physics, climate change science, and efforts to increase the representation and retention of a broad range of perspectives within these fields. Up to $800,000 in total grant funding is available, with individual grants ranging from $20,000 to $80,000.

“With this funding, we hope to spark scientific discovery, genuine connections, and new opportunities while forming partnerships with scientists, institutions, and communities they we have not yet worked with,” says John O’Brien, Program Officer for Science at the Heising-Simons Foundation. “We especially encourage individuals, departments, and organizations that we have not yet partnered with to apply for this call.”

Events are pivotal to advancing science. They foster meaningful connections, promote the exchange of ideas and discoveries, and drive progress through open discussion, collaboration, and shared learning. Scientific communities grow stronger through active engagement. Events create essential opportunities to network, embrace diverse viewpoints, and build lasting relationships. For early-career scientists and those from underrepresented backgrounds, these gatherings can provide invaluable mentorship, a sense of belonging, and help shape scientific identity.

Find more information about the Open Call and how to apply here.

To be notified of any future open calls from the Heising-Simons Foundation’s Science program, please sign up here.