[American Philosophical Society] Astrobiology is the study of the origin, evolution, distribution, and future of life on Earth and in the universe. It encompasses research in, among others, the fields of astronomy, chemistry, evolutionary biology, field and population biology, geology, microbiology, molecular biology, oceanography, paleontology, and planetary science.
Astrobiology includes investigations of the geologic and fossil record to understand the conditions of the early Earth when life arose. Its scope also includes research of contemporary locations on Earth that might be similar to early Earth and to environments elsewhere in our Solar System (such as on Mars, Europa, and Titan), which may be, or have been in the past, suitable for life.
Astrobiology is also about understanding the characteristics of life, which requires investigations into extreme natural environments on Earth and, eventually, elsewhere.
The Baruch Blumberg Grants in Astrobiology are open to field studies in any area of interest to astrobiology. Applications will be reviewed by a committee that includes members of the NASA Astrobiology Program, the APS, and the wider science community as needed. Recipients will be designated as Baruch Blumberg Field Scholars in Astrobiology.
Ph.D. candidates wishing to pursue projects in disciplines with a large dependence on field studies, such as archeology, anthropology, biology, ecology, geography, geology, linguistics, paleontology, population genetics, and other fields, should consult the program description and forms for the Lewis and Clark Fund for Exploration and Field Research.
Additional information about the NASA Astrobiology Program and the scope of its research can be found at: https://astrobiology.nasa.gov/research/.
Funding is provided from NASA, as well as a grant to the Green Bank Observatory by Dr. Martine Rothblatt, Chair and CEO of United Therapeutics, Inc.
Deadline: November 2, 2026
Notification: March 2027, for work taking place in April or later
More information on eligiblity at American Philosophical Society
