The Baruch Blumberg Grants in Astrobiology are prestigious research awards offered through a partnership between the American Philosophical Society (APS) and the Green Bank Observatory (GBO).
These grants, funded by Dr. Martine Rothblatt, honor the legacy of Dr. Baruch Blumberg—a Nobel Laureate, the first Director of the NASA Astrobiology Institute, and past President of the APS.
Astrobiology is a highly interdisciplinary field focused on the origin, evolution, distribution, and future of life both on Earth and beyond. It draws on research from astronomy, chemistry, biology, geology, oceanography, planetary science, and more. This program supports early-career scientists exploring environments and conditions that may help us understand life’s beginnings and its possibilities in the universe.
Summary of Baruch Blumberg Grants in Astrobiology 2025
| Aspect | Details |
| Organizer | American Philosophical Society (APS) & Green Bank Observatory (GBO) |
| Funding Source | Dr. Martine Rothblatt, United Therapeutics, Inc. |
| Eligibility | Graduate students, postdoctoral, and early-career scientists |
| Funding Focus | Field work (including in China), collaborative research, and conference participation |
| Grant Amount | $5,000 – $7,000 |
| Deadline | November 17, 2025 |
| Notification | April 2026 (for work starting May 2026 or later) |
| Open To | U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and foreign nationals affiliated with U.S. institutions |
About the Program
The Baruch Blumberg Grants in Astrobiology aim to advance scientific understanding of life in the universe by funding research that is often under-supported by other sources. The program focuses on:
- Field work in China and other significant astrobiological sites
- Collaborative research projects involving multiple institutions or disciplines
- Conference participation to share groundbreaking findings
It complements the Lewis and Clark Fund for Exploration and Field Research in Astrobiology, which supports a broader range of field studies.
Baruch Blumberg Grants in Astrobiology Eligibility
Applicants must be:
- Graduate students or postdoctoral/early-career scientists within five years of receiving their Ph.D. (exceptions may rarely be made)
- Affiliated with a U.S.-based institution (citizens, permanent residents, and foreign nationals are eligible)
- Able to conduct research anywhere in the world, including the U.S.
Applications should demonstrate clear relevance to astrobiology and align with the Astrobiology Roadmap. Graduate students must include a letter from their supervisor or field leader detailing their role and the educational value of the research.
Funding and Allowable Costs
Grants typically range from $5,000 to $7,000 and may cover:
- Travel expenses (including lodging and subsistence)
- Field equipment necessary for the research
- Related costs for fieldwork or conference attendance
Funds cannot be applied retroactively or used to pay income tax on the award.
Selection and Review Process
Applications are evaluated by a panel from the GBO, APS members, and external experts as needed. Selection is based on:
- Scientific merit
- Relevance to astrobiology
- Feasibility and safety of the proposed work
Notification of awards will be sent in April 2026 for projects beginning May 2026 or later.
Reporting Requirements
Grant recipients must submit:
- Project report – summarizing the research outcomes
- Financial report – detailing how funds were spent
Both reports are due within one month after the funded work is completed.
Application Process for the Baruch Blumberg Grants in Astrobiology
To apply for the Baruch Blumberg Grants in Astrobiology, follow these steps carefully to ensure your application is considered:
- Access the Application Form
Download the official application form from the designated link. Complete all sections in the provided format, using a font size no smaller than 11 pt. Type all responses directly into the form and answer every question within the allotted space. - Submit Your Completed Application
Once complete, send your application as an email attachment to applications@amphilsoc.org before the stated deadline. - Arrange Letters of Support
- Download the referee letter form and share it with your chosen referees.
- Inform them of the submission deadline and request that they email their completed forms directly to lettersofsupport@amphilsoc.org.
- Follow up to confirm both letters have been submitted on time.
- Required Documents
- Blumberg Astrobiology Application Form
- Blumberg Astrobiology Referee Form
- Contact for Assistance
For questions about project eligibility, applicant suitability, allowable use of funds, or to confirm receipt of your application and letters of support, contact:
Linda Musumeci, Director of Grants and Fellowships
Email: LMusumeci@amphilsoc.org
Phone: 215-440-3429
Examples of Recent Awardees (2024–2025)
- Clay A. Abraham – Foundation for Applied Molecular Evolution – Arctic Microbes and the Quest for Analog Alien Life
- Dani Buchheister – Pennsylvania State University – Hunting for a Missing Early Earth Metabolism in Anoxic Waters
- Rui-Lin Cheng – Cornell University – In-Situ Study of Organic Matter in Colorado
- Daniela de Paulis – SETI Institute – Astronomy in Chile Educator Ambassadors Program
- Ophélie Mcintosh – Pennsylvania State University – Stable Nitrogen Isotope Analysis of Extraterrestrial Samples
- Brennan O’Connell – University of Cambridge – Exploring Early Animal Evolution in Namibia
- Adomas Valantinas – Brown University – Decoding Mars Through Iceland’s Ferrihydrite
- Michael L. Wong – Carnegie Science – Searching for Anomalous Biosignatures in Colorado
Key Dates for 2025 Cycle
- Application Deadline: November 17, 2025
- Notification: April 2026
- Earliest Project Start Date: May 2026
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