Our Goal

The goal of the Foundation’s Science program is to support fundamental research primarily in the physical sciences. We believe that basic research, when done strategically, has the potential to innovate, elevate, and revolutionize humanity’s knowledge and understanding of the universe. 

Overview

Across its funding, the program employs three major approaches: enabling basic scientific research, connecting key stakeholders, and communicating scientific results.

The Heising-Simons Foundation is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We strive to support individuals who belong to groups that have been historically underrepresented in the physical sciences such as women, persons with disabilities, racial and ethnic minorities, gender and sexual minorities, and others who may contribute to the diversification of the field.

By the Numbers

dollars awarded in 2024
$ 0 M
awards in 2024
0

Grantmaking Areas

Astronomy and Cosmology

We support scientists at universities and other institutions that employ a wide range of research methods in pursuit of scientific discoveries that illuminate basic understanding of the universe and its celestial objects and processes.

Climate Change Science

We advance the field of climate change science by supporting computational, observational, and experimental research that provides the scientific foundation for understanding one of the most pressing issues of our time.

Fundamental Physics

We enable scientists to investigate and propose new theories about the fundamental forces and particles that govern all matter, energy, and structure in the universe.

Women in Physics and Astronomy

The Foundation aims to fund projects over the next five years that will create a more inclusive, robust, and innovative physics and astronomy community in U.S. universities and research bodies.

Initiatives

The 51 Pegasi b Fellowship provides postdoctoral scientists with the opportunity to conduct theoretical, observational, and experimental research in planetary astronomy.

Learn about the 51 Pegasi b Fellowship

A directory of women and other gender minorities who are transforming the fields of physics and astronomy. Only through diversity of thought, backgrounds, and lived experiences can we expect the kind of groundbreaking research that revolutionizes how we understand the universe.

Visit the 1400 Degrees website