General Observers Program
The General Observers Program by the Space Telescope Science Institute offers astronomers access to JWST for innovative research across astrophysics, planetary science, and cosmology.
Funder: Space Telescope Science Institute
Due Dates: September 30, 2026 (Cycle 6 General Observers proposal deadline)
Funding Amounts: Up to 7,700 hours of JWST observing time allocated per cycle; funding for US-based investigators typically accompanies awarded time.
Summary: Annual opportunity for astronomers worldwide to propose research using the James Webb Space Telescope through a competitive peer-reviewed process.
Key Information: Proposals must be submitted via the Astronomer's Proposal Tool (APT) by the deadline—late submissions are not accepted.
Description
The General Observers (GO) Program, managed by the Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI), provides the global astronomical community with annual opportunities to propose scientific investigations utilizing the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST). Proposals are selected through a dual-anonymous peer review process and span a wide range of disciplines, supporting innovative research across astrophysics, planetary science, and cosmology. Awarded programs receive observing time on JWST, and US-based principal investigators may also receive research grant funding to support their projects. The program is open to scientists at all career stages and from all countries and institution types.
