Student Observing Support (SOS) Program
The NRAO Student Observing Support Program funds student-led radio astronomy research using NRAO telescopes, supporting stipends, travel, and computing equipment to advance scientific training and discovery.
Funder: National Radio Astronomy Observatory
Due Dates (Anticipated): June 2026 (VLA/VLBA/GBT) | September 2026 (ALMA) | December 2026 (VLA/VLBA/GBT)
Funding Amounts: Up to $40,000 per investigator per year; typical award supports student stipend, travel, and computing equipment for up to two years.
Summary: Supports student involvement in radio astronomy research using NRAO telescopes by funding stipends, travel, and equipment.
Key Information: Principal Investigators must be at U.S. institutions; students must be enrolled at U.S. universities or colleges.
Description
The Student Observing Support (SOS) Program is a fellowship initiative by the National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) designed to foster the training and development of the next generation of radio astronomers. The program provides funding for students involved in research using data from the VLA, VLBA, GBT, and ALMA (via the North American executive), including ALMA archival data. SOS awards are intended to support student stipends, travel for presenting research at domestic conferences, and computing equipment essential for the research project. The program emphasizes the importance of the student's role in the research and the relevance of the project to their professional development. Awards are made based on scientific merit, the student's contribution, and the overall impact on the student's academic and professional trajectory.
