Deadline: 10-Jul-2026
The Heising-Simons Foundation scientific meetings and workshops grant funds scientific events that advance knowledge and collaboration in key areas of physical science. It is administered by the Heising-Simons Foundation and supports gatherings that connect researchers, enable collaboration, and strengthen scientific communities.
Purpose and Objectives
The programme aims to support high-quality scientific exchange in astronomy, cosmology, fundamental physics, and climate science. It also seeks to improve representation of underrepresented groups in these fields and strengthen collaboration among researchers, institutions, and stakeholders.
Key Focus Areas
The funding supports events in the following domains:
- Astronomy, including planetary science
- Cosmology and fundamental physics
- Climate change science, including physical drivers and impacts
- Diversity, equity, and inclusion in scientific communities
- Scientific collaboration, networking, and knowledge sharing
Climate Science Eligibility Scope
For climate-related proposals, eligible topics must focus on physical climate science, including:
- Extreme weather events
- Droughts and hydrological changes
- Ecosystem and biosphere shifts
- Ocean circulation and dynamics
- Cryosphere and ice system changes
Events focused only on climate communication or outreach are not eligible unless strongly tied to scientific research.
Eligible Activities
The programme supports:
- Scientific conferences and symposiums
- Workshops and collaborative meetings
- Summer schools and training programmes
- Hybrid, virtual, or in-person scientific gatherings
- Research coordination and collaboration events
Funding Details
The foundation expects to award up to $800,000 in total funding. Individual grants typically range from $20,000 to $80,000. Events may be conducted in-person, hybrid, or fully virtual formats depending on scope and design.
Geographic Requirements
In-person events must be held within the United States, including U.S. territories. Event duration must not exceed 15 days.
Eligibility Criteria
Eligible applicants include:
- U.S. tax-exempt organizations under IRC Section 501(c)(3)
- Organizations classified under IRC Section 509(a)(1) or 509(a)(2)
- U.S. or state government entities and their instrumentalities
University-affiliated applicants must apply through their sponsored projects office or affiliated foundation.
Ineligible Activities
The programme does not fund events focused solely on science communication, public outreach, or advocacy without a strong scientific research component.
Application Process
Applicants must submit proposals outlining the scientific focus, event structure, participant engagement, and expected outcomes. Institutions must ensure compliance with tax-exempt status and administrative requirements before submission.
Success Factors
Strong proposals demonstrate clear scientific value, high-quality participant engagement, and strong alignment with eligible disciplines. Inclusion of early-career researchers and underrepresented groups is highly encouraged.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Common issues include proposing non-scientific outreach events, unclear research objectives, exceeding the 15-day limit, or planning in-person events outside the U.S. Weak inclusion strategies may also reduce competitiveness.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- The programme is funded by the Heising-Simons Foundation.
- Grants support scientific meetings in astronomy, physics, and climate science.
- Funding ranges from $20,000 to $80,000 per award.
- Total programme funding is up to $800,000.
- In-person events must be held in the United States.
- Events must focus on scientific research, not only communication.
Conclusion
The Heising-Simons Foundation scientific meetings and workshops grant strengthens global scientific collaboration by supporting high-quality research gatherings in physics and climate science. Through funding from the Heising-Simons Foundation, the programme advances discovery, inclusivity, and knowledge exchange across critical areas of science.
For more information, visit Heising-Simons Foundation.