Brinson Prize Fellowship Program
The Brinson Prize Fellowship Program funds early career researchers in observational cosmology to pursue innovative, independent postdoctoral research with support from The Brinson Foundation.
Funder: The Brinson Foundation
Due Dates: November 5, 2026 (Full application) | November 19, 2026 (Letters of reference)
Funding Amounts: Up to 3 years of competitive postdoctoral support, including salary and research stipend.
Summary: Supports early career observational cosmologists with funding and professional development for innovative, independent research.
Key Information: Must affiliate with a participating U.S. institution; direct connection to observational cosmology required.
Description
The Brinson Prize Fellowship Program is designed to recognize and support early career researchers in observational cosmology. Funded by The Brinson Foundation and administered in collaboration with the Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI), the fellowship enables postdoctoral researchers to pursue bold, independent projects that advance our understanding of the universe. Research topics may include the first stars, cosmic distance scales, dark matter, and large-scale structure formation, as long as the work maintains a direct link to observational research. Fellows also benefit from tailored professional development workshops in science communication, equipping them to effectively share their discoveries with both scientific peers and the broader public.
