With the aim to promote the science of cosmology and other branches of astronomy, the Peter Gruber Foundation (PGF) has created the Fellowships.

The IAU Executive Committee recognizes this contribution to our science and shares the desire of the PGF to give these distinctions the highest possible scientific standing and international character. Accordingly, at its 73rd meeting in Manchester, UK, in August 2000, the IAU Executive Committee decided to collaborate with the PGF in the nomination of candidates and the selection of recipients, effective as of January 1, 2001.

The procedures applying to the Fellowships is as follows:

With funding from the PGF, two fellowships will be available to be awarded during the year 2009, and again at three-year intervals beginning in 2012. Each fellowship amounts to USD 37,500 and will be given as a stipend covering travel, subsistence and research expenses during a postdoctoral appointment for a period which is typically of one year duration but may be extended to two years. The Fellowships will be given to extremely promising, young astrophysicists working in any field of astrophysics - either theoretical, observational or experimental. There are no limitations on nationality, but preference will be given to applicants from countries in difficult economic conditions.

The host institution of the postdoctoral appointment shall be a center of excellence in the applicant's field of research, located in a country different from that of the applicant's current country of residence. The host institution must agree to administer the stipend and to offer the basic facilities such that the PGF stipend is not used as a replacement for those. The stipend is primarily intended to cover living and research expenses, but upon agreement between the host institution and the IAU, part of it can also be used for salary.

For the year 2006, the Fellowships have been awarded to Inma Martinez-Valpuesta and Hum Chand. The list of past awardees can be found here.

Applications for PGF Fellowships to be awarded in 2009 should be submitted to the IAU General Secretary (98bis Bd Arago, FR - 75014 Paris, France)

deadline to be announced later.

They must contain:

1. A research plan for the period during which the stipend will be used, and a draft budget for the use of the money;
2. A CV with a list of publications;
3. Letters of support from 2-4 people who know the applicant's work; and
4. A letter of acceptance from the host institution.

They will be reviewed by an international Selection Committeeappointed by the IAU Executive Committee.

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