CFPs: National Financing Fund for Astronomy Projects (Chile)

Deadline: 20-Jul-26

The ESO-Government of Chile Joint Committee 2026 Call provides more than CLP 500 million to support astronomy research, technological innovation, education, scientific collaboration, and capacity building in Chile. Funding is available for postdoctoral fellowships, astronomy education and outreach projects, technological development, scientific visits, and other initiatives that advance astronomy and related scientific fields.

About the ESO-Government of Chile Joint Committee 2026 Call

The ESO-Government of Chile Joint Committee has launched its 2026 national funding call to strengthen Chile’s scientific and technological development through astronomy.

The programme supports projects that enhance astronomical research, promote education and public engagement, develop innovative technologies for astronomy, and encourage collaboration between Chilean institutions and the international scientific community. With funding exceeding CLP 500 million, the initiative aims to reinforce Chile’s position as a global leader in astronomy and scientific research.

Focus Areas

Projects should align with one or more of the following priority areas:

• Astronomy research
• Postdoctoral research programmes
• Scientific and technological development
• Astronomy education
• Public outreach and science communication
• Development of technological systems for astronomy
• Scientific collaboration
• Research capacity building
• Scientific visits and academic exchange
• Innovation in astronomical instrumentation
• Astronomy infrastructure development
• Academic and institutional cooperation

Objectives of the Programme

The programme aims to:

• Strengthen astronomy research in Chile.
• Support the development of highly qualified researchers.
• Promote innovation in astronomical technologies.
• Expand astronomy education and public engagement.
• Encourage national and international scientific collaboration.
• Improve research infrastructure and technical capacity.
• Foster long-term scientific and technological development.

Funding Categories

Postdoctoral Programmes

Funding includes:

• Maximum annual salary: CLP 35,500,000 per researcher
• Includes:
  • Net salary
  • Health insurance
  • Travel and equipment expenses of up to CLP 4,500,000 per year
  • Institutional overheads (must be clearly justified)
• Maximum project duration: 3 years

Astronomy Education and Outreach Projects

• Maximum funding: CLP 40,000,000
• Maximum duration: 2 years

Supported activities include:

• Astronomy education
• Public engagement
• Science communication
• Outreach programmes
• Educational resources

Technological Systems for Astronomy

Funding supports:

• Design and construction of astronomical technologies
• Scientific instruments
• Technical systems
• Research infrastructure

Key details:

• No maximum funding limit specified
• Maximum duration: 2 years

Extended Scientific Visits

Funding supports:

• Research visits
• Academic collaboration
• Scientific exchange

Duration:

• 1 to 3 months

Eligible costs include:

• Per diem
• Partial airfare
• Full airfare assistance where applicable

There is no defined maximum funding limit.

Other Astronomy Development Projects

Projects outside the listed categories may receive:

• Maximum funding: CLP 10,000,000
• Maximum duration: 2 years

Funding Overview

• Total programme funding: More than CLP 500 million
• Multiple funding categories available
• Funding varies according to project type
• Projects range from short scientific visits to multi-year research programmes

Who is Eligible?

Applications must be submitted by Responsible Institutions that possess legal personality.

Eligible applicants include:

• Universities
• Research institutions
• Foundations
• Scientific organizations
• Other legally recognized institutions

Each proposal must include:

• A Responsible Institution
• A Responsible Person responsible for project implementation, reporting, and communication

Additional Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must also meet the following conditions:

• Each Responsible Person may submit only one application per funding category.
• Academics applying for postdoctoral programmes may submit only one postdoctoral proposal each year.
• Institutions must support project implementation and reporting throughout the grant period.

Required Application Documents

Applicants must submit:

• Online application form
• One consolidated PDF document containing:
  • Project proposal
  • Supporting documentation

Proposal Formatting Requirements

The proposal must:

• Use A4 paper size
• Include one-inch margins
• Use Calibri font, size 11
• Be limited to:
  • Four pages for most applications
  • Five pages for three-year postdoctoral proposals
• Include all figures within the page limit

Supporting Documents

The application should also include:

• Letter of support from the Responsible Institution signed by:
  • Legal Representative, or
  • Senior academic authority
• Letters of support from collaborators or partner institutions (where applicable)
• Abbreviated CVs (maximum two pages each)
• Relevant publications
• Supervision or tutoring experience (where applicable)
• Additional supporting documentation

For foundations, applicants must also provide:

• Certificate of legal personality
• Information on the current Board of Directors

Why This Programme Matters

Chile hosts some of the world’s most advanced astronomical observatories and plays a leading role in global astronomy.

This funding programme helps:

• Develop future astronomy researchers.
• Encourage technological innovation.
• Strengthen scientific collaboration.
• Improve astronomy education.
• Expand public understanding of astronomy.
• Build national scientific capacity.
• Support cutting-edge astronomical discoveries.

How to Apply

Applicants should follow these steps:

1. Confirm institutional eligibility.
2. Select the appropriate funding category.
3. Prepare the research or project proposal.
4. Obtain institutional approval and required support letters.
5. Compile all supporting documents into a single PDF.
6. Complete the online application form.
7. Submit the application before the official deadline.

Tips for a Strong Application

To improve the chances of success:

• Clearly define the scientific objectives.
• Demonstrate the project’s contribution to astronomy in Chile.
• Present a realistic implementation plan.
• Justify all requested budget items.
• Highlight institutional capacity and collaboration.
• Ensure the proposal complies with formatting requirements.
• Include strong letters of institutional support.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid the following errors:

• Exceeding the proposal page limit.
• Submitting multiple applications within the same funding category.
• Omitting mandatory support letters.
• Providing incomplete institutional documentation.
• Ignoring formatting requirements.
• Submitting an unclear or unrealistic budget.
• Failing to demonstrate scientific impact or feasibility.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the total funding available?

The programme offers more than CLP 500 million for selected astronomy projects.

Who can apply?

Applications must be submitted by legally recognized institutions serving as the Responsible Institution, with a designated Responsible Person overseeing the project.

How much funding is available for postdoctoral programmes?

Postdoctoral projects may receive an annual salary of up to CLP 35,500,000 per researcher, including eligible travel, equipment, insurance, and overhead costs.

Is there a funding limit for technological system projects?

No. Projects involving the development and construction of technological systems for astronomy do not have a specified maximum funding limit.

How long can projects run?

Project duration depends on the funding category:

• Postdoctoral programmes: up to 3 years
• Education and outreach projects: up to 2 years
• Technological system projects: up to 2 years
• Scientific visits: 1–3 months
• Other astronomy projects: up to 2 years

Can one person submit multiple applications?

No. Each Responsible Person may submit only one application per funding category, and academics may submit only one postdoctoral proposal per year.

What documents are required?

Applicants must submit an online application, a single PDF containing the proposal, institutional support letters, abbreviated CVs, collaborator letters where applicable, and additional legal documentation for foundations.

Conclusion

The ESO-Government of Chile Joint Committee 2026 Call provides significant funding opportunities for astronomy research, technological innovation, education, scientific collaboration, and researcher development across Chile. By supporting postdoctoral programmes, outreach initiatives, technological advancements, and collaborative research, the programme contributes to strengthening Chile’s leadership in global astronomy while expanding scientific knowledge, innovation, and public engagement.

For more information, visit ESO.