NSF Provides Travel Support for Observing at Major Foreign Optical Telescopes

David S. De Young

For several years the National Science Foundation has provided funding, administered by NOAO, to support travel to large or unique foreign optical telescopes. The telescopes normally covered by this policy include:

To qualify for travel support, the applicant must be the PI on the proposal for foreign telescope time, and must be based in the United States. In addition, the PI should give evidence that his/her presence is essential for the successful pursuit of the research program. Graduate students are encouraged to apply if they meet the above criteria. These funds are not available to staff employed at national observatories. Reimbursement covers round-trip intercontinental airfare only; intra-country travel, subsistence and incidental expenses are not covered. Normally, only one trip per fiscal year per investigator can be supported (our fiscal year begins 1 October).

To apply, send a letter explaining why your presence is essential at the foreign telescope, together with a copy of your proposal and the letter or observing schedule that indicates you have been granted observing time. Please mail this to me at the following address:

Requests should be received at least one month before travel commences. Please note that travel must be on a US carrier if available.