Astronomy solar and planetary small awards 2026

This funding opportunity supports theory, including modelling, simulation and related software development, observation, experiment and new technology research relevant to all aspects of solar system science. It covers solar physics and heliospheric physics, space-based terrestrial magnetospheric science, planetary science including surfaces, interiors, atmospheres, ionospheres and magnetospheres of solar system bodies, studies of comets, asteroids, meteorites, laboratory studies of solar system material, and blue skies technology or instrumentation development at technology readiness levels 1 to 4. Awards provide funding for up to three years of research activity starting from October 1, 2027, with support for research and innovation associates, applicant time, technicians, and project-specific costs including travel, equipment, and high-performance computing. The scheme is administered through STFC as part of UK Research and Innovation and aims to advance understanding in solar and planetary sciences through focused small-scale research projects.