[American Astronomical Society](https://aas.org)

May 2026 | September 2026

Covers airfare only for international science meetings; typical awards fund direct travel via US flag carriers.

Supports US-based scientists' airline travel to international conferences, prioritizing early-career and underserved researchers to enhance US scientific presence abroad.

--- ## Description The International Travel Grants, administered by the American Astronomical Society (AAS) through a National Science Foundation grant, provide funding specifically for airline travel to international science meetings for individuals affiliated with US institutions. In years when the International Astronomical Union (IAU) General Assembly is held, the grant also supports travel for US astronomers to attend the Assembly and related symposia. The program aims to increase US participation and visibility at international scientific events, with a particular focus on supporting early-career scientists, researchers from smaller or underserved institutions, and those whose attendance is especially important for the US scientific community. Funds are awarded for airfare only and must be used with US flag carriers except under specific circumstances. --- ## Due Dates - **May 2026 (anticipated):** Application deadline for travel to international conferences (except IAU General Assembly) taking place between June 1, 2026, and November 1, 2026. - **September 2026 (anticipated):** Application deadline for travel to international conferences taking place between November 1, 2026, and June 1, 2027. *All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates.* --- ## Funding Amount - Awards cover airfare only for international travel between the US and the meeting location. - Travel must be booked on US flag carriers whenever possible. - No funding for other travel expenses (e.g., baggage fees, in-flight meals). - Typical awards are for direct, economy-class airfare; applicants must provide a price quote. --- ## Eligibility - Applicants must be currently employed in the US or affiliated with a US institution. - AAS membership is **not required**. - Priority is given to: - Early-career scientists (graduate students, postdocs, junior faculty) - Scientists from smaller or underserved institutions - Scientists whose attendance is important for US visibility - Awards to undergraduates are rare and only granted in exceptional cases. - Students must provide advisor support and approval. - Funds cannot be used for AAS or AAS Division meetings, even if held outside the US. - Puerto Rico is a qualifying location for applicants. - Recipients must comply with reporting requirements and use US flag carriers unless exceptions are approved. --- ## Application Process - Applications are submitted online through the [AAS International Travel Grant Application](https://aas.org/content/international-travel-grant-application). - Required application materials include: - Personal and institutional information - Meeting details (name, dates, location, justification) - Airfare estimate and anticipated carrier - Graduate students must upload a letter of recommendation from their advisor - Applicants must explain if non-US-flag carriers are proposed and why. - If other funding sources were sought unsuccessfully, provide justification. - Recipients are required to submit a final report after travel, detailing participation and benefits. --- ## Additional Information - The program considers interim proposals outside the regular deadlines only in exceptional cases where attendance is of significant importance. - Final reports and receipts must be submitted as outlined in the award letter. - Recipients are strongly encouraged to review travel advisories and ensure up-to-date vaccinations before international travel. - Funding is not available for baggage fees, in-flight meals, or indirect costs. --- ## External Links - [AAS International Travel Grants Program Page](https://aas.org/grants-and-prizes/international-travel-grants) - [AAS International Travel Grant Application](https://aas.org/content/international-travel-grant-application) - [General Funding Opportunities at AAS](https://aas.org/subjects/general-funding-opportunities) - [US Department of State Travel Advisories](https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html) - [CDC Traveler's Health](https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/map-and-travel-notices.html) --- ## Contact Information | Contact | Details | |------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------| | General Inquiries | [grants@aas.org](mailto:grants@aas.org) | | Mailing Address | American Astronomical Society
Attn: International Travel Grants
1667 K Street NW, Suite 800
Washington, DC 20006 USA | | Phone | +1 202-328-2010 | | Online Contact Form | [AAS Contact Page](https://aas.org/contact) |

International Travel Grants

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