The PATT travel grants for competitively awarded observation time 2026, offered by the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC), support travel and subsistence costs for UK-based researchers who have been competitively awarded science observation time at eligible astronomy facilities. This programme enables observers to visit telescopes and facilities worldwide to carry out approved observing programmes.

Overview

The Panel for the Allocation of Telescope Time (PATT) provides funding for travel and subsistence in support of competitively awarded science observation time at astronomy facilities available to the UK research community. Two related funding routes are available: travel grants for groups with annual travel costs exceeding £7,500, and travel claims for applicants who do not hold or have access to a travel grant. This opportunity covers the travel grant route, which provides two-year funding.

Funding and Benefits

• Maximum award: £15,000
• Funding level: STFC will fund 100% of the full economic cost (FEC)
• Award duration: Two years, with grants starting on 1 April 2027
• Eligible costs: Full cost of expenses for travel and subsistence in support of competitively awarded science observation time
• Costs not covered: Postdoctoral salaries, equipment, applicant time, commissioning work, or observations at private facilities

Eligibility

Applicants must be based at a UK research organisation eligible for STFC funding. Before applying, organisations should confirm their eligibility. The funding supports UK-based observers only.

Eligible observers include:

• The project lead or project co-lead, or a nominated representative
• A member of academic or research staff at the institution of the project lead
• A student attached to the institution of the project lead whose credentials have firmly established them as a bona fide observer

A nominated representative must be experienced and qualified to use or operate the facility on which time has been allocated. Travel funds will normally support one observer per visit; requests for a second observer require approval at least four weeks in advance. Funding may not be used to support students undertaking observations that form part of their PhD preparation without prior discussion with STFC.

Application Process

Applications must be submitted through the UKRI Funding Service. The Joint Electronic Submissions (Je-S) system cannot be used. The project lead is responsible for completing the application, and only the lead research organisation can submit.

Key application components include:

• Summary (550 words): A plain English summary suitable for public release. The following text must be added to the summary box: "The funds awarded will be used to pay for travel and subsistence costs associated with observing runs on telescopes around the world."
• Purpose (3,000 words): Explain why the travel is needed, including who will use the award, how it will be used, a list of academic and research staff, how funds compare to any previous award, and how previous funding was used.
• Resources and cost justification (1,500 words): Justify travel and subsistence costs, expected trips and destinations, details of any non-approved telescope use, and any data collation or reduction visits.
• Trusted Research and Innovation (TR&I): Answer questions about the National Security and Investment Act, intended collaborations, and export control licensing.

Applicants who hold an existing travel grant must also download and complete the Expenditure breakdown template and upload it with the application.

Deadline and Timeline

• Publication date: 20 July 2026
• Opening date: 20 August 2026 at 9:00am UK time
• Closing date: 15 October 2026 at 4:00pm UK time
• Award start: 1 April 2027
• Assessment: Applications are reviewed by the Panel for the Allocation of Telescope Time (PATT), with assessment completed within approximately two months of submission

Contact Information

For questions related to this funding opportunity, contact the STFC office using the email addresses below and include "PATT Travel Grant" in the subject line:

• Karen Hall, Programme Manager: karen.hall@stfc.ukri.org
• Chloe Woodcock, Senior Programme Manager: chloe.woodcock@stfc.ukri.org

For technical support with the Funding Service, contact the helpdesk at support@funding-service.ukri.org or call 01793 547490. Phone lines are open Monday to Thursday 8:30am to 5:00pm and Friday 8:30am to 4:30pm.

Applicants should contact their research office in the first instance for help with costings and application writing.