Overview

The Heising-Simons Foundation’s Science program solicits proposals for support of meetings, workshops, conferences, summer schools, research collaboration gatherings, and other events related to astronomy, cosmology, fundamental physics, climate change science, as well as increasing the representation and retention of underrepresented groups within these areas.

We expect to fund up to $400,000 total in grants during this open call for proposals. Each grant will be between $20,000 and $80,000, and the closing date for the open call is Friday, August 30, 2024 (11:59 am PT). With this open call process, the Science program seeks to broaden its reach in the scientific community. We hope to form new partnerships with scientists, institutions, and communities we have not yet worked with.

Through its funding, the Science program has three main goals:

• • To enable basic scientific research,
  • To connect key stakeholders, and
  • To communicate scientific results.

Events play a pivotal role in these efforts: they facilitate connections between attendees; allow for the communication of progress and findings; and push science forward through discussion, collaboration, and shared learning. Communities are built through interaction, and events can provide a vital space to network and encounter diverse perspectives. For those early in their careers or that have identities that are underrepresented in their field, certain events can offer the opportunity to find a mentor or a sense of belonging and scientific identity.