The Historical Archives of the European Union (HAEU) is pleased to invite applications for the 2026 edition of the European Space Agency (ESA) Post-graduate Research Grant. The call is open to postgraduate students and early career scholars in history and the social sciences with research projects drawing on ESA archival material.
Applications are welcomed on all aspects of ESA’s history and activities. Research themes may include, but are not limited to, the establishment of the European Space Agency, the development of European space research, Europe’s role in space exploration, scientific and technological cooperation in Europe, and studies related to ESA technologies, including climate research and data and information exchange.
In 2026, the funders are especially keen to support projects that examine ESA’s scientific legacy, through the ESRO and ESA Science Programmes and the whole spectrum of ESA science and technical achievements across programmes.
The grant is offered under an agreement between the European Space Agency and the European University Institute and provides for up to two fellowships of €5,000 each to support on-site archival research at the HAEU.
Detailed information on eligibility criteria, application procedures, and grant conditions is available on the ESA Post-graduate Research Grant webpage.
The deadline for submitting applications is 15 May 2026.