Lewis and Clark Fund for Exploration and Field Research in Astrobiology
Supports interdisciplinary field research on the origins, evolution, and distribution of life on Earth and beyond, welcoming studies across astrobiology and related sciences.
Funder: American Philosophical Society
Due Dates (Anticipated): November 2026 (Full application) | November 2026 (Referee letters)
Funding Amounts: Typical awards up to $5,000 for travel and field research expenses; one-year duration.
Summary: Supports field research in astrobiology, funding studies on the origins, evolution, and distribution of life on Earth and beyond.
Key Information: Forecasted cycle—dates are projected; eligibility limited to graduate students and early-career researchers within 5 years of PhD.
Description
This grant supports field studies in any area relevant to astrobiology, encompassing research on the origin, evolution, distribution, and future of life on Earth and elsewhere in the universe. The fund welcomes proposals from a wide range of disciplines, including astronomy, chemistry, evolutionary biology, geology, microbiology, molecular biology, oceanography, paleontology, and planetary science. Projects may include investigations of early Earth conditions, analog environments for planetary exploration, and studies of life in extreme environments. Awards are reviewed by a committee including members from the NASA Astrobiology Program, the American Philosophical Society (APS), and the broader scientific community. Recipients are recognized as Lewis and Clark Field Scholars in Astrobiology.
