Baruch Blumberg Grants in Astrobiology

The American Philosophical Society (APS) is pleased to partner with the Green Bank Observatory (GBO) to offer research support to scholars working in the field of astrobiology. Funding is derived from a grant to the GBO by Dr. Martine Rothblatt, Chair and CEO of United Therapeutics, Inc. These grants are named in honor of Dr. Baruch Blumberg, Nobel Laureate, first Director of the NASA Astrobiology Institute, and President of the American Philosophical Society from 2005 until 2011. Dr. Blumberg was also Chair of United Therapeutics’s (Unither's) corporate parent’s Scientific Advisory Board.

Astrobiology is the study of the origin, evolution, distribution, and future of life on Earth and in the universe. It encompasses research in, among others, the fields of astronomy, chemistry, evolutionary biology, field and population biology, geology, microbiology, molecular biology, oceanography, paleontology, and planetary science. Astrobiology includes investigations of the geologic and fossil record to understand the conditions of the early Earth when life arose. Its scope also includes research of contemporary locations on Earth that might be similar to early earth and to environments elsewhere in our Solar System (such as on Mars, Europa, and Titan), which may be, or have been in the past, suitable for life. Astrobiology is also about understanding the characteristics of life, which requires investigations into extreme natural environments on Earth and, eventually, elsewhere.

Funds are available to support graduate students and postdoctoral and early career scientists. The focus will be on three types of work not necessarily funded by other currently available sources. These areas of research are field work in China, collaborative research, and attendance at conferences. Applications will be reviewed by a select committee at the GBO, APS Members, and the scholars from wider science community as needed.

The program is intended to complement the Lewis and Clark Fund for Exploration and Field Research in Astrobiology, open to field studies in any area of interest to astrobiology. Please consult Lewis and Clark Fund for Exploration and Field Research in Astrobiology for full information regarding this program as well as the application forms.

Additional information about the Greek Bank Observatory, its staff and programs, and the scope of its research may be found at: https://greenbankobservatory.org/.

Deadline: November 15, 2024

Notification: In April 2025, for work/travel to begin in May 2025 or later

Lewis and Clark Fund for Exploration and Field Research

Lewis and Clark Fund for Exploration and Field Research in Astrobiology

Applicant Information

Eligibility
Grants will be available to graduate students and postdoctoral and junior scientists for work related to their theses or for other purposes. Eligibility for applicants with doctorates is limited to those five years or fewer beyond their Ph.D. or equivalent degree, although, rarely, exceptions may be made. A graduate student applicant should ask their academic supervisor or field trip leader to write one of the two letters of recommendation, specifying the role of the student in the field trip and the educational contribution of the trip.

Budgets should be limited to travel and related expenses, including subsistence and lodging while away from home. Personal field equipment is also an eligible budget item.

The competition is open to U.S. citizens, U.S. permanent residents, and foreign nationals formally affiliated with a U.S.-based institution, who may carry out research anywhere in the world. Applicants from outside of the United States may apply for funding to carry out research in the United States.

When appropriate, applicants should provide assurances that safety measures will be taken for potentially hazardous projects. When necessary, the applicant and their supervisor should describe the field training that will be provided and the provisions for experienced supervision. The applicant should reference the connection of the project to astrobiology via the Astrobiology Roadmap. This information should be included in the Statement of Purpose.

Awards
Amounts will depend on travel costs, but will ordinarily range between $5,000 and $7,000. Grants are payable to the individual applicant. Blumberg Grants are taxable income, but the APS is not required to report payments. It is recommended that grant recipients discuss their reporting obligations with their tax advisors. Grant funds may not be applied retroactively and are not to be used to pay income tax on the award.

Requirements
Each grant recipient will submit brief reports on their trip per the instructions provided at the time of the award. The project and financial reports are due one month after completion of the funded portion of the work, per the time frame indicated on the proposal.

How to Apply

Retrieve the application form via the link to the right.

Maintain the specified format. Type all information; use nothing smaller than 11 pt. Respond to every section in the space provided. The completed application should be submitted as an e-mail attachment to [email protected].

Download the referee letter form, forward it to your letter writers, notify them of the deadline, and instruct them to send the completed form to [email protected]; confirm with them that the letters have been sent in time.

Download

Blumberg Astrobiology Application (35328 B)

Blumberg Astrobiology Referee Form (24064 B)

Contact Information

Questions concerning the eligibility of a project, applicant, or use of funds, as well as requests to confirm receipt of the application and required two letters of support, should be directed to Linda Musumeci, Director of Grants and Fellowships, at [email protected], or 215-440-3429.

Current and Past Blumberg in Astrobiology Grantees

2020