Summer Student Programme

The Netherlands Institute for Radio Astronomy (ASTRON) and the Joint Institute for VLBI ERIC (JIVE) announce up to 7 grants to participate in their 2026 Summer Research Programme.

The Programme is an opportunity for students at MSc level with astronomy, physics, computer science or comparable backgrounds to spend the summer (10-12 weeks) at a world-leading research institute and to conduct astronomy-related studies under the supervision of ASTRON and JIVE staff members. For 2026, there are six astronomy positions available and one position for an engineering or instrumentation project.
The topics of research are diverse, reflecting the broad research and development areas of ASTRON and JIVE.

Students can indicate interest in broad research themes during the application process. The summer student projects will be defined from ongoing active research, and the accepted students will be offered a research project that is related to one of the broader research themes that they selected. Final research plans will be discussed and refined together with the successful candidates. 

ASTRON has its headquarters based in Dwingeloo and operates the Westerbork Synthesis Radio Telescope (WSRT) and the LOw Frequency ARray (LOFAR) telescope. LOFAR consists of a core area near Exloo with a large, expanding network of antenna stations through the Netherlands and European partner countries.
JIVE is the main data processor centre of the European VLBI Network (EVN) and is leading the development of real-time e-VLBI in Europe. For more information see the institutes' websites.

Compensation and Benefits

The summer student research grants will provide successful candidates with accommodation in the locality of the Observatory in Dwingeloo, a modest stipend for up to three months of €190,- per week, and full travel reimbursement. We expect the participants to start in the third week of June 2026 to ensure overlap of the participants so they can fully benefit from the scheduled lectures and social activities. The Observatory and the guesthouse are located in a tranquil environment at the edge of a national park. Public transport, supermarkets, cafes etc are available within cycling distance. Students will be provided with bicycles for the whole period.

More information about recent summer student programmes can be found at https://www.astron.nl/education/summer-research-programme/

In case it is necessary to change or even cancel the 2026 programme, we will inform all selected participants well in advance.

 
Included Benefits
Accommodation at the institute's guesthouse, a weekly stipend of 190 Euros, liability and medical insurance during the stay.

Programme start date
2026 June 15-22

Programme end date
2026 August 21-28

Inquiries
Please see our FAQ page at: Frequently Asked Questions | ASTRON

If your question is not answered there, e-mail [email protected]