STFC
PATT Travel Grants for Competitively Awarded Observation Time
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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.
Details
| Funder | STFC |
| Budget | 100% FEC; for groups with >£7,500/year in travel costs |
| Deadline | 15 October 2026 |
| Duration | 2 years |
| Consortium | No |
| Application | Single stage |
| Frequency | Annual |
| Eligible countries | GB |
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.
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.
Summary generated by AI based on published grant information. Always verify details on the funder's website.
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