They never won observing time on the largest telescopes because their quest was considered so hopeless. (kavliprize.org)
That algorithm provides for a physically based correction for observing time changes based on station history information. (ncdc.noaa.gov)
So you can propose to do a specific bit of science with them and if you get observing time then they'll give you some money to help you with that. (boingboing.net)