We’re here to maximize humanity’s chances of detecting a signal from an extraterrestrial civilization through supporting projects and people involved in SETI (Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence)

Scientific initiatives support program – competitive selection process for funding scientific research projects aimed at the search for extraterrestrial life.

Aim of the project: funding for scientific projects compatible with the organization’s current or future missions, designed to promote cutting-edge research in astrobiology, SETI and related fields, while strengthening global cooperation in extraterrestrial life detection efforts.

Requirements for candidates

Education: PhD degree in one of the following areas:

• astrophysics;

• astronomy;

• planetology;

• biophysics;

• computer science or related disciplines;

• chemical and biological sciencies.

Fields of scientific interests: SETI, astrophysics, astronomy, astrobiology.

Scientific experience and achievements:

• experience of publishing in peer-reviewed journals within the project’s subject field;

• participation in scientific conferences and grant projects;

• possession of patents or practical developments will be considered an advantage.

Funding terms

Funding amount: individual grants awarded depending on project complexity and scope.

Eligible expenses:

• salaries for team members;

• procurement of necessary equipment and software;

• access to supercomputing resources/cloud services;

• participation in partner-organized events;

• publication charges.

Team composition: both individual and collective applications (up to 5 members) are permitted. An interdisciplinary approach to the project is encouraged.

Funding duration: determined on a project’s specification.

Participant obligations

• submission of semi-annual reports (including complete project datasets);

• open-access publications acknowledging organizational support;

• participation in the organization’s working groups;

• willingness to publicly disseminate research findings (lectures, interviews).

Selection criteria

Scientific novelty:

• does the project propose innovative SETI methodologies?

• does the project utilize unique datasets or operational instruments?

Interdisciplinary approach: demonstration of linkages between astrophysics, astronomy, biology, chemistry and artificial intelligence.

Practical applicability: potential for integration of project data with ongoing missions (e.g., proposing viable observational targets for JWST).

Feasibility of implementation: realistic work plan with achievable milestones.

Team qualifications:

• demonstrated expertise of participants;

• access to necessary research infrastructure.

Funding requirements: appropriateness of requested budget relative to project scope.

Selection procedure

Application submission: applications must be submitted via the website by completing an online form with the following required information:

Personal details:

• First Name, Last Name;

• date of birth;

• country of Residence;

• highest educational qualification at the time of application;

• languages proficiency;

• E-mail address.

Project information:

• project title & abstract;

• required funding amount & duration.

Required supporting documents (in PDF):

• identity verification document;

• educational credentials (in English; translations are of the applicant’s responsibility);

• curriculum Vitae (CV) of key team members;

• detailed project proposal (extended project abstract, max. 10 pages, including a work plan/timeline).

Evaluation process:

• peer review: independent expert assessment of submitted proposals;

• online interview (in English): shortlisted candidates whose applications are approved and pass the initial review will be invited for a virtual interview with the selection committee.

Any questions left?

To find the answers or learn more about the program, write to info@setifund.org