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

May 1, 2026 (Spring) | September 1, 2026 (Fall)

Airfare only; typically covers round-trip airline travel for one person per award period.

Supports airfare for US-based astronomers to attend international scientific meetings, prioritizing early-career and underrepresented applicants.

Grant covers airfare only; travel must use US flag carriers whenever possible.

--- ## Description This program, administered by the American Astronomical Society (AAS) and funded by the National Science Foundation, provides grants to cover airfare for individuals at US institutions to attend international scientific meetings. The grant aims to enhance US participation and visibility at significant international conferences, with a focus on supporting early-career researchers, those from smaller or underserved institutions, and individuals whose attendance is important for US representation in the global astronomical community. In years when the International Astronomical Union (IAU) General Assembly is held, the program also funds travel for US astronomers to the Assembly and associated symposia. The award is strictly for airline travel and requires the use of US flag carriers whenever possible. --- ## Due Dates - **May 1, 2026:** For travel to any international conference (except the IAU General Assembly) between June 1 and November 1, 2026. - **September 1, 2026:** For travel to any international conference held between November 1, 2026, and June 1, 2027. --- ## Funding Amount - **Covers airfare only** (round-trip, economy class) between the US and the international meeting location. - Funding amount is based on the price quote for travel using a US flag carrier; other travel expenses (e.g., baggage fees, in-flight meals) are not covered. - Typical award is for one person per application cycle. --- ## Eligibility - Applicants must be currently employed at 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 participation is important for US visibility - Graduate students must provide a letter of recommendation from their advisor. - Undergraduates are rarely funded (only in exceptional cases). - Funding is **not available** for AAS or AAS Division meetings, even if held outside the US. - Travel must be to an international scientific meeting; travel to Puerto Rico is eligible. --- ## Application Process - Applications are accepted twice yearly (spring and fall deadlines). - Application materials include: - Personal and institutional information - Meeting details (name, date, location, justification) - Estimated airfare quote on a US flag carrier - Graduate students: advisor’s recommendation letter - Applicants must explain if a non-US carrier is proposed and document unsuccessful funding attempts from other sources. - Submit applications through the [AAS online application form](https://aas.org/content/international-travel-grant-application). - Final report and receipts are required after travel. --- ## Additional Information - Interim proposals outside the regular deadlines are discouraged but may be considered in exceptional circumstances; contact [aas.grants@aas.org](mailto:aas.grants@aas.org) if needed. - Recipients must comply with all reporting requirements and acknowledge the grant in related publications. - Awardees travel at their own risk and are encouraged to follow all relevant health and travel advisories. --- ## External Links - [AAS International Travel Grants program page](https://aas.org/grants-and-prizes/international-travel-grants) - [Application form](https://aas.org/content/international-travel-grant-application) - [Eligibility and FAQ](https://aas.org/faq/what-are-requirements) - [General AAS funding opportunities](https://aas.org/subjects/general-funding-opportunities) --- ## Contact Information | Contact | Details | |----------------------|-------------------------------------------------| | Email | [aas.grants@aas.org](mailto:aas.grants@aas.org) | | Phone | +1 202-328-2010 | | Contact page | [AAS Contact](https://aas.org/contact) | | Address | 1667 K Street NW, Suite 800, Washington, DC 20006 | ---

International Travel Grants

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