STFC Astronomy Small Awards Grants Panel: member vacancies

• Closing date: 27 April 2026
• Number of positions: Approximately six to eight
• Length of term: One year, with additional two year extension
• Time commitment: In-person peer review meetings (2.5 to 4 days) in September, half-day online kick-off meeting (February or March), half-day online meeting (November or December).

  Most pre-meeting workload occurs in April, application reading and scoring in July and August.

• Remuneration: £170 per day
• Outcomes communicated: November to December 2026

The Astronomy Small Awards Grants Panel (AGP) is an advisory body set up to carry out peer review in the area of astronomy research and exploitation along with novel technology development.

Who we're looking for

AGP welcomes applications from individuals which meet the following criteria:

• disciplinary expertise within the AGP remit (essential)
• experience of peer reviewing applications within STFC’s remit (desirable)
• experience of serving on STFC panels, boards, oversight committees of equivalent (desirable)

Panel members will be expected to:

• be able to meet the commitments and attendance requirements of the panel
• be able to work across research disciplines
• adhere to UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and STFC’s equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) policies and procedures

AGP will recruit new members based on the strength of the applications received. Applications from early career researchers are welcome.

What you’ll be doing

The Small Awards panel is split into two sub-panels, in your application indicate the sub-panel your expertise is relevant to.

Astronomy Observation and Astronomy Theory Sub-panel

This sub-panel covers theory, including modelling, simulation and related software development, observation, experiment and new technology research, relevant to all aspects of astronomy and astrophysics beyond the solar system. This includes:

• stellar physics, including star formation and extra-solar planetary systems (studies of the Sun as part of a programme of stellar physics may fit here)
• studies of transient phenomena
• the interstellar medium and galactic astronomy
• extra-galactic astronomy and cosmology
• the astrophysical aspects of particle astrophysics, where particle astrophysics includes dark matter, the origin of cosmic rays and gravity
• blue skies technology and instrumentation development applicable to the aforementioned areas (Technology Readiness Levels 1 to 4)
• laboratory astrophysics, including software development, relevant to the programmes mentioned

Solar Studies and Planetary Studies Sub-panel

This sub-panel covers:

• theory, including modelling, simulation and related software development
• observation, experiment and new technology research, relevant to all aspects of solar system science

This includes:

• solar physics and heliospheric physics
• space-based terrestrial magnetospheric science and fundamental space plasma physics (excluding the impact on the Earth’s neutral atmosphere)
• planetary science, including the surfaces and interiors, atmospheres, ionospheres, and magnetospheres of the solar system bodies other than the Earth
• studies of other solar system bodies including comets, asteroids, meteorites (for example)
• laboratory studies of solar system material such as meteorites, returned samples, solar system analogues, other laboratory physics relevant to the area of the call and related software development
• blue skies technology and instrumentation development applicable to the areas mentioned (Technology Readiness Levels 1 to 4)

Our handbook for members of STFC’s advisory bodies will help you to understand our expectations of a panel member. The handbook also includes useful information on other topics, such as:

• equality and diversity
• conflicts of interest
• confidentiality
• our policy on travel, subsistence, and remunerated meeting fees

How to apply

Read the application guidance documents, which include:

• a preview of the application form
• questions and answers from a guidance webinar
• testimonies from members of STFC panels, boards and committees

Apply using the online form on the UKRI Engagement Hub.

How we’ll assess your application

Applications will be assessed against the following selection criteria.  Demonstrate how you meet the criteria in your application:

• relevant scientific expertise in one or more of the areas outlined in ‘What you’ll be doing’
• experience of assessing grant applications or peer review
• skills in participating and balancing views, arguments and interests of other participants

All applications will be assessed based on STFC panel recruitment guidelines and in consultation with the committee chair.

Further information

Contact Chloe Woodcock if you have any questions.

Email: chloe.woodcock@stfc.ukri.org

We are committed to the principles of fair and transparent decision-making, promoting EDI. In addition to UKRI principles on EDI, STFC continues to develop a range of measures and objectives around EDI. We have undertaken an equality, diversity and inclusion impact assessment for this opportunity (see application guidance documents).

Appointments to the advisory panel are made on merit. However, we are keen to maintain diversity in its membership. Applications from women, those with a disability or members of minority ethnic groups are especially welcome.

Last updated: 11 March 2026