# PATT Travel Grants for Competitively Awarded Observation Time

**Funder:** STFC
**Budget:** 100% FEC; for groups with >£7,500/year in travel costs
**Deadline:** 15 October 2026 (4:00pm UK time)
**Duration:** 2 years
**Consortium:** No
**Application:** Single stage
**Frequency:** Annual
**Eligible countries:** GB
**Official call:** https://www.ukri.org/opportunity/patt-travel-grants-for-competitively-awarded-observation-time-2026/
**Last verified:** 29 July 2026

## Eligibility & scope

Two-year travel grants for UK-based observers with travel costs exceeding £7,500/year, covering travel and subsistence for competitively awarded science observation time at PATT-approved astronomy facilities. Applicants must be project lead, co-lead, nominated representative, or academic/research staff at the project lead's institution. Funds 100% FEC; does not cover postdoctoral salaries, equipment, or commissioning work.

## Summary

STFC PATT Travel Grants fund two-year travel and subsistence costs for UK-based astronomers visiting observatories for competitively awarded observation time, where annual travel costs exceed £7,500. Eligible applicants include project leads, co-leads, nominated representatives, or academic/research staff at the lead institution. Grants are 100% of Full Economic Cost and cover travel to STFC-funded or PATT-approved telescopes; PhD preparation observations are not eligible.

## Who should apply

- UK-based project leads or co-leads on competitively awarded observing time
- Researchers with annual travel costs exceeding £7,500 to observatories
- Academic or research staff at the lead institution approved to travel
- Observations at STFC-funded or PATT-approved telescopes and facilities

## Key dates

- Deadline: 15 October 2026, 4:00pm UK time
- Single-stage application
- Grants must start 1 April 2027 and run for two years

## Tips for applicants

- The £7,500/year threshold is a hard gate; below this you cannot apply, so calculate travel costs realistically upfront.
- Only competitively awarded observation time is eligible; allocations from directors' discretionary time or DDT do not qualify.
- Ensure your institution can host the grant administratively from April 2027; late institutional delays can miss the start date.

## Frequently asked questions

### What does the STFC PATT Travel Grant cover?

Travel and subsistence costs only for UK-based observers undertaking competitively awarded observation time at STFC-funded or PATT-approved facilities over two years.

### What is the minimum annual travel cost to be eligible for PATT Travel Grants?

Your group must incur more than £7,500 per year in travel costs to the observing facility.

### Who can apply for a PATT Travel Grant?

Project leads, co-leads, nominated representatives, or academic/research staff at a UK research institution with approved observation time.

### Are PhD student observations eligible for PATT Travel Grants?

No, travel grants for PhD preparation observations are not eligible; the observation time must be competitively awarded beyond thesis work.

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Source: [The Great Grantsby](https://grantsby.eu/grants/stfc-patt-travel-grants-for-competitively-awarded-obser-2026-10) — EU grant monitoring for academic researchers. Always verify details on the funder's website before applying.

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