Application deadline for grants is July 15, 2024
The SETI Institute is announcing the launch of a pioneering grants program dedicated to advancing technosignature science. This first-of-its-kind initiative aims to support innovative research addressing criti-cal observational, theoretical, and technical questions in the search for technosig-natures that could provide evidence of past or present extraterrestrial technology.
At the heart of this groundbreaking research is the Allen Telescope Array (ATA), a world-class instrument known for its capabilities in the search for extraterrestrial intelligence. The ATA is the first, and still only observatory built specifically to con-duct SETI research. With its upgraded feeds and and backend processing capabil-ities, the ATA’s advanced technology and strategic design make it a pivotal tool in detecting potential technosignatures, solidifying its position as a leading asset in this scientific frontier.
“In just the last few years, a wealth of new research avenues have opened up in technosignature science, made possible by new ideas, new technologies and a fast growing community of early-career researchers,” said Dr. Andrew Siemion, Bernard M. Oliver Chair for SETI at the SETI Institute. “ The novel investigations enabled with this grants program will spur the state-of-the-art in the technosig-nature field, continuing in the spirit of the SETI Institute’s 40 years of leadership in SETI science.”
Grant Program Details
The Technosignature Science and Technology Grants Program invites applications from Principal Investigators (PIs) in two distinct categories:
- Non-Tenured Faculty or Researchers who are eligible to serve as Principal Investigators at universities or non-profit organizations with award amounts up to $100,000 USD, including overhead.
- Post-Prelim Graduate Students Master’s or Doctoral degree programs who have completed preliminary ex-ams and for whom the only remaining degree requirement is their thesis or equivalent with award amounts up to $25,000 USD, including overhead.
Research Focus Areas
Funded investigations must focus on technosignature science, encompassing a broad range of topics that could include, but are not limited to:
- Observational programs or the development of observational techniques and strategies for detecting tech-nosignatures
- Theoretical models that predict or explain technosignature phenomena
- Technical innovations that enhance the capability to detect and analyze technosignatures
- Research at the intersection of social sciences and technosignature research, exploring the societal implica-tions and human factors related to the search for technosignatures
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