TAP Programs for Students

Graduate Student Research Prize

The Theoretical Astrophysics Program (TAP) seeks to award one student at the University of Arizona with the Graduate Student Research Prize. This competition, held annually, is an opportunity to highlight students conducting exceptional theoretical astrophysics research. The application period opens each fall semester with applications due early January. Graduate students are encouraged to apply before the final year of their program. 

The winner of the competition will receive a commemorative plaque, a $1000 cash award, and an invitation to present their work during the spring colloquia series. Review and selection are done by committee and based on the quality and originality of the research.

The 2024 Graduate Student Research Prize was awarded to Yangyang Cai (Sam Gralla, advisor). Dr. Cai will give a TAP Colloquia talk on February 17, 2025.

The 2025 competition is now open. Applications due Friday, December 13, 2024. Awardee will be invited to provide a TAP Colloquia in March 2025. Join the TAP mailing list to receive future announcements.

Eligibility criteria:

1) Must be either a current grad student or < one-year post-Ph.D. completion and be working with a TAP General Faculty Member.

Note: To increase program impact, applicants must be a current grad student starting in AY26 (fall 2025 application cycle).

2) Have submitted or published a research paper in a peer-reviewed journal within the past two years.

3) Complete the TAP Research Prize application including:

• Provide a one-page summary outlining the importance and context of the work.
• Submit endorsement statement by TAP Faculty advisor, including an estimate of the student’s percent contribution to both the research and the writing (minimum 60% student contribution expected).

Please contact Rosie Johnson, TAP Project Manager, with any questions. 

Graduate Student Research Prize Recipients

TAP Travel and Training Grants for Students

The TAP small matching grants program seeks to provide resources to undergraduate and graduate students to assist with training, travel for research collaboration, or confernece attendance to support their educational and research pursuits and help to prepare them for entering the future job market.

Grant awards up to $1,000 may be used for training opportunities, conferences, research-related travel, or professional supplies/equipment. Preference will be given to new applicants and those in the later stages of their degree program.

Applications are now being accepted for 2025 awards (due date is January 3, 2025). Awardee decisions will be announced in March to support early planning for spring/summer travel. Application availability will be announced through the TAP listserv.

Past Awardees of TAP Travel and Training Grants