NASA Names Astrophysics Fellowship for Iconic Woman Astronomer

WASHINGTON, Aug. 30, 2011 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- NASA has established an astrophysics technology fellowship named for the woman many credit as one of the key contributors in the creation of the Hubble Space Telescope. The Nancy Grace Roman Technology Fellowship in Astrophysics is designed to foster technologies that advance scientific investigations in the origin and physics of the universe and future exoplanet exploration. The fellowship will help early career researchers develop innovative technologies to enable scientific breakthroughs, while creating the skills necessary to lead astrophysics projects and future investigations. It also will foster and support early-career instrument builders on the path to long-term positions. "The Roman fellowship is an important opportunity to infuse new ideas and technologies into frontier research areas as diverse as dark energy, black holes and life elsewhere in the universe," said Jon Morse, astrophysics division director at NASA Headquarters in Washington. "This will be the most substantial fellowship at five years, compared to others that typically run two to three years." Beginning Nov. 18, early-career researchers may submit proposals for one-year concept studies for the development of new astrophysics technologies. Following a NASA review of the proposals, three to six applicants will be chosen for one-year fellowships to develop their concepts. Based on peer-review of the reports from the one-year studies, NASA will then select the fellows to implement the proposed technologies for up to four additional years. The first selection of fellows will be announced during February 2012. Finalists selected in early 2013 to execute their projects over four years will receive up to $1 million in funding. The fellowship's namesake is a distinguished American astronomer. Her celebrated career included multiple scientific and technical achievements at NASA and her important contributions to the design of the Hubble Space Telescope.