Research Grant Program

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New Frontiers in Astronomy and Cosmology – An International Grant Competition In Celebration of the Birth of Sir John Templeton aims to advance fundamental scientific understanding in areas of astronomy and cosmology that engage Big Questions through supporting innovative scientific research. The program is particularly intended to foster research that, because of its non-mainstream nature or breadth of questions asked, would not usually be funded by conventional funding sources. This program is not for research that could be considered mainstream, as described in the Research Grant RFP.

About 15 awards are anticipated. Two-year grants of up to $300,000 for theoretical work are offered. For experimental research, two-year grants of up to $500,000 are offered. The RFP containing complete information about the grant competition is available .

Winners will be invited to a conference and award ceremony, October 12 and 13, 2012, to be held in Philadelphia. The program will include presentations by winners of the New Frontiers in Astronomy and Cosmology Research Grant Program and the New Cosmic Frontiers Student Essay Competition; a banquet; a public event lecture related to the Big Questions; and panel of Templeton Prize winners and other original thinkers discussing the future of the Big Questions.

The New Cosmic Frontiers International Science Essay Competition On the Nature of our Universe and its Habitats has been organized in conjunction with this Research Grant Program, to offer awards to high school and college students and foster the next generation of Big Questions thinkers.