Government of Spain-Ministry of Defence - Research Grants of the Royal Naval Institute and Observatory

What you get

You will receive 4,000 EUR total to carry out a 6-month research project at the Royal Institute and Observatory of the Spanish Navy (ROA) in San Fernando, Cádiz. The funds will be paid in two instalments of 2,000 EUR each: the first upon receipt of the fellowship, and the second upon submission of the completed work. You will work with the observatory’s scientific instruments, its historical and artistic collections, and its library. The fellowship is administered by the Fundación Alvargonzález in conjunction with the ROA and is awarded once a year.

Who can apply

• Nationality: You are a Spanish national. There is no age limit.
• Research topic: Your project falls within one of the Observatory’s specialist areas: astronomy, geodesy, geophysics, metrology or the history of science.
• Where you research: You will carry out your work on site at the ROA in San Fernando, making use of its instruments, collections and library.
• Background: You can show relevant experience, past work or academic certificates linked to these topics.
• Field of study: Any degree is acceptable, provided your project relates to the subject areas listed.

How to apply

Please send your application by post or email to the ROA office in San Fernando. Please enclose your identity card, academic certificates, CV and a plan for the project you wish to carry out. The deadline for applications is 12 April at 12:00. A panel comprising members of the Foundation and the Observatory will review the applications and select the scholarship recipient within 30 days of the deadline.

How realistic are your chances?

This grant is narrow: only one person is chosen each year, you must be a Spanish citizen, and your project has to fit the observatory's fields and be done on site in San Fernando. That keeps the applicant pool small. If you have a solid background in astronomy, geodesy, geophysics, metrology or the history of science and a clear project plan, your prospects are good.