General Observers Program
The JWST General Observers Program awards astronomers worldwide with telescope time and funding for innovative space science research using the James Webb Space Telescope.
Funder: Space Telescope Science Institute
Due Dates: September 30, 2025 (deadline extension placeholder) | October 15, 2025 (Cycle 5 GO proposals) | November 26, 2025 (shutdown extension proposals) | April 30, 2026 (Cycle 5 budgets) | September 30, 2026 (Cycle 6 GO proposals)
Funding Amounts: Award amounts vary; up to 8,000 hours of JWST observing time allocated per cycle; research grants awarded to successful proposals; funding is commensurate with scope and duration of proposed work.
Summary: Provides the global astronomical community with annual opportunities to propose for JWST observation time and associated research funding.
Key Information: Dual-anonymous peer review; open internationally; deadline extensions available for government shutdown-affected scientists.
Description
The General Observers (GO) Program enables astronomers worldwide to apply for observation time on the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) during annual cycles. Researchers can submit proposals in a variety of categories, including General Observer, Survey, and Archival Research, leveraging JWST's advanced capabilities for a wide range of scientific investigations. Proposals are evaluated through a dual-anonymous peer review process to ensure fairness and scientific merit. Successful proposals are awarded both observing time and research funding, with the opportunity to participate in high-impact space science.
