Launched in 2026, the Heising-Simons Foundation’s Astronomical Innovation (Astronova™) Fellowship provides support for promising postdoctoral scientists to revolutionize the fields of astronomy and astrophysics, cosmology, and planetary science through the development of cutting-edge astronomical instrumentation.
The Astronova™ Fellowship seeks to launch fellows into tenure-track faculty positions where they can continue their pioneering instrumentation research, as well as mentor and train the next generation of astronomical instrumentalists. The fellowship is also meant to uplift the field of instrumentation and increase its visibility, prestige, and the recognition of its contributions to scientific discovery.
The Astronova™ Fellowship includes funding for salary, benefits, and a discretionary fund over a four-year term with an optional one-year extension. We understand that instrumentation research often takes longer than observational or theoretical work. A longer timeframe provides Astronova Fellows with the opportunity to make significant progress on their projects, publish more scientific papers, and build a stronger platform with which they can apply to faculty positions.
Beginning in year two of the fellowship period, fellows will have the opportunity to apply for an additional Innovation Grant (up to $150,000) to pursue an early-stage, risky, or otherwise hard-to-fund instrumentation concept or component of their own design. If awarded, this will allow fellows to have a larger leadership role in a project and help them grow into faculty-ready instrumentalists. In addition, fellows who obtain a faculty or research position during their fellowship are eligible to apply for a new grant to be used to augment their startup package.
Finally, the Foundation’s Science program will organize an annual research summit for Astronova Fellows, faculty advisors, and other leaders in astronomical instrumentation, in addition to providing opportunities for instrumentation-specific professional development and networking with their peers.
Astronova Fellows are expected to carry out a strong, coherent research program at a selected host institution. For the 2026 application cycle, research must be pursued at one of the six following host institutions:
This host institution list may change for future cycles.
Applicants are strongly encouraged to communicate with the primary Astronova™ Fellowship contact at their desired host institution(s) as they develop their application. Contact information can be found at the end of the guidelines.
Breakthroughs in our understanding of the universe are often enabled by innovations in the scientific instruments we use to make astronomical observations. Since its inception, the Foundation’s Science program has supported the development of novel instrumentation for astronomy. With the Astronova™ Fellowship, we are able to support the pipeline of talent entering and staying in that field. We believe that a postdoctoral fellowship program specifically crafted for the needs of instrumentalists will address the most pivotal career stage for retention and have the biggest potential impact on the field.
Read more about the fellowship features, host institutions, eligibility and review criteria, and application process in the guidelines document.
A preview of the online application form can be found here.
Questions? Review our Frequently Asked Questions. For further assistance, email [email protected].
Ready? Submit your online application now.