Title : NSF 93-163 NSF Support of Ocean Sciences: An Informal Guide
Type : Program Guideline
NSF Org: GEO / OCE
Date : January 12, 1994
File : nsf93163
NSF SUPPORT OF OCEAN SCIENCES
An Informal Guide
DIVISION OF OCEAN SCIENCES
The Foundation provides awards for research in the sciences and
engineering. The awardee is wholly responsible for the conduct of
such research and preparation of the results for publication. The
Foundation does not assume responsibility for such findings or
their interpretation.
The Foundation welcomes proposals on behalf of all qualified
scientists and engineers, and strongly encourages women, minorities
and persons with disabilities to compete fully in any of the
research and research-related programs described in this document.
In accordance with Federal statutes and regulations and NSF
policies, no person on grounds of race, color, age, sex, national
origin, or disability shall be excluded from participation in,
denied the benefits of, or be subject to discrimination under any
program activity receiving financial assistance from NSF.
NSF is equipped with TDD (Telephonic Device for the Deaf) which
enables individuals with hearing impairments to communicate with
the Division of Human Resource Management for information relating
to NSF programs, employment, or general information. The number is
(703) 306-0090.
Facilitation Awards for Scientists and Engineers with Disabilities
(FASED) provide funding for special assistance or equipment to
enable persons with disabilities (investigators and other staff,
including student research assistants) to work on an NSF project.
See Program Announcement NSF 93-46 or contact the program
coordinator at (703) 306-1636.
Copies of the text of most program announcements and other key NSF
publications are available electronically using the Science and
Technology Information System (STIS). The full text can be searched
on-line, and copied from the system. Forms and tables, however, are
not included. Instructions for use of the system are in NSF 91-10
STIS Flyer. The printed copy of the STIS Flyer is available from
NSF Forms and Publications Unit, Room P15, 4201 Wilson Blvd.,
Arlington, VA, 22230, or call (703) 306-1130. If you have access to
BlTNET or the INTERNET, send a request to pubs@nsf or pubs@nsf.gov,
respectively. In your request, include the reference to žNSF 91-10
STIS Flyer, the number of copies, your name, and a complete mailing
address.
Programs described in this publication are in Category 47.050
(Directorate for Geosciences) in the Catalog of Federal Domestic
Assistance.
PRIVACY ACT AND PUBLIC BURDEN STATEMENTS
The information requested on the application material is solicited
under the authority of the National Science Foundation Act of 1950,
as amended. It will be used in connection with the selection of
qualified proposals and may be used and disclosed to qualified
reviewers and staff assistants as part of the review process and to
other government agencies. See NSF-50, Principal
Investigator/Proposal File and Associated Record, and NSF-51,
Reviewer/ Proposals File and Associated Records 56 Federal Register
54907 (October 23, 1991). Submission of the requested information
is voluntary. Failure to provide full and complete information,
however, may reduce the possibility of your receiving an award.
Public reporting burden for this collection of information is
estimated to average 120 hours per response, including the time for
reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering
and maintaining the data needed and completing and reviewing the
collection of information. Send comments regarding this burden
estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information,
including suggestions for reducing this burden, to:
Herman G. Fleming
Reports Clearance Officer
Division of Contracts, Policy & Oversight
National Science Foundation
4201 Wilson Blvd.
Arlington, VA 22230
and to:
Office of Management and Budget
Paperwork Reduction Project (3145-0058)
Washington, DC 20503
CONTENTS
I. INTRODUCTION TO NSF's DIVISION OF OCEAN SCIENCES 1
II. OCEAN SCIENCES RESEARCH SECTION (OSRS) 1
Programs 1
Proposal Target Dates: 1 November and 1 May 3
III. OCEANOGRAPHIC CENTERS AND FACILITIES
SECTION (OCFS) 3
Programs 3
Centers and Facilities 3
Proposal Target Dates 3
Ocean Drilling Program 4
Proposal Target Dates 4
IV. PROPOSAL PREPARATION AND REVIEW 4
Format and Proposal Preparation 4
Notes on Electronic Mail Reviews 5
V. MAJOR OCEAN SCIENCE INITIATIVES 6
V.1 Introduction 6
V.2 Global Change Programs 6
V.2.1 World Ocean Circulation
Experiment (WOCE) 6
V.2.2 Tropical Ocean and Global Atmosphere
(TOGA) 6
V.2.3 U.S. Joint Global Ocean Flux Study
(US - JGOFS) 6
V.2.4 Ridge Interdisciplinary Global
Experiments (RIDGE) 6
V.2.5 Global Ocean Ecosystems Dynamics
(GLOBEC) 6
V.2.6 Land Margin Ecosystems Research (LMER) 6
V.2.7 Arctic System Science Ocean-
Atmosphere-Ice Interactions (ARCSS-OAII) 6
V.2.8 Marine Aspects of Earth System
History (MESH) 6
VI. OTHER MAJOR OCEAN SCIENCES INITIATIVES 7
VI.1 Coastal Ocean Processes (CoOP) 7
VI.2 Continental Margins (MARGINS) 7
VI.3 Marine Biotechnology 7
VI.4 High Performance Computing and
Communications (HPCC) 7
VII. POSTDOCTORAL PROGRAMS 7
VII.1 Postdoctoral Program in Ocean Modeling 7
VII.2 Ridge Interdisciplinary Global Experiments
(RIDGE) Postdoctoral Fellowship Program 7
VII.3 Special Notice - Research Fellowships in
Marine Biotechnology Program 7
VIII. AGENCY-WIDE (Cross Directorate) PROGRAMS 8
VIII.1 Underrepresented Groups Activities 8
VIII.1.1 Women's Programs 8
VIII.1.1.1 Research Planning Grants
(RPG) 8
VIII.1.1.2 Career Advancement Awards
(CAA) 8
VIII.1.2 Visiting Professorships for
Women (VPW) 8
VIII.1.3 Minority Programs 8
VIII.1.3.1 Minority Research Initiation
(MRI) 8
VIII.1.3.2 Minorities in Marine
Sciences 8
VIII.1.4 Support for Persons with
Disabilities 8
VIII.1.4.1 Facilitation Awards for
Scientists and Engineers with
Disabilities (FASED) 8
VIII.2 Undergraduate Activities 9
VIII.2.1 Research in Undergraduate
Institutions (RUI) 9
VIII.2.2 Research Experiences for
Undergraduates (REU) 9
VIII.2.3 Undergraduate Faculty Enhancement
(UFE) 9
VIII.2.4 Instrumentation and Laboratory
Improvement (ILI) 9
VIII.2.5 Course and Curriculum Development
(CCD) 9
VIII.3 Other Activities 9
VIII.3.1 Graduate Research Traineeships
(GRT) 9
VIII.3.2 Presidential Faculty Fellows
Program (PFF) 9
VIII.3.3 NSF Young Investigator Awards (NYI) 9
VIII.3.4 Small Grants for Exploratory
Research (SGER) 10
VIII.3.5 Small Business Innovation Research
(SBIR) 10
I. INTRODUCTION TO NSF's DIVISION OF OCEAN SCIENCES
The Division of Ocean Sciences (OCE) and its closely related
divisions, the Divisions of Earth Sciences (EAR) and Atmospheric
Sciences (ATM), are in the Directorate for Geosciences (GEO).
Marine-related research, while primarily found in OCE and also EAR
and ATM, is also supported by the Directorates for Biological
Sciences in specific programs such as Systematic and Population
Biology and Molecular and Cellular Biosciences, Engineering (Ocean
Engineering), and the Office of Polar Programs (Polar Ocean
Sciences and Polar Biology and Medicine).
The Division of Ocean Sciences is composed of the Ocean Sciences
Research Section (OSRS), and the Oceanographic Centers and
Facilities Section (OCFS). OSRS supports research through five
programs in: (1) Physical Oceanography, (2) Chemical Oceanography,
(3) Marine Geology and Geophysics, (4) Biological Oceanography, and
(5) Ocean Technology and Interdisciplinary Coordination to improve
understanding of processes in the ocean and the Laurentian Great
Lakes.
The Oceanographic Centers and Facilities Section (OCFS) supports
acquisition, and operation of instruments and facilities needed to
carry out these research programs. Within OCFS is the Ocean
Drilling Program (ODP), which provides for the operation and
maintenance of the ocean drilling ship JOIDES RESOLUTION, and
provides funds to conduct research related to drilling programs.
This guide provides general information on the structure, functions
and policies of the Division of Ocean Sciences. An organizational
chart for the Division (Figure 1) also shows telephone numbers. All
staff can be reached using electronic mail via INTERNET and OMNET.
A general mailbox may be used (ocerev@nsf.gov or NSF.OCE
respectively) for forwarding to the appropriate staff member. All
program management staff members have both INTERNET and OMNET
mailboxes.
The most efficient U.S. Postal Service mailing address is:
Program or Person
Division of Ocean Sciences, Rm. 725
National Science Foundation
4201 Wilson Blvd.
Arlington, VA 22230
The NSF building is one block from the Ballston Metro Station on
the Orange Line.
Please note that all NSF publications referred to in this document
are available by electronic mail, 24 hours a day, using NSF's
Science and Technology Information System (STIS). Other documents
available via STIS include: NSF Bulletin, žDear Colleaguež letters,
press releases, NSF organizational charts and phone directories,
NSF vacancy announcements and award abstracts (1989 to present). An
informational sheet on how to use STIS is attached. In addition,
whenever possible, the NSF publication number is given following
the description of a program so that the official program
announcement can be readily obtained for those who require more
specifics.
II. OCEAN SCIENCES RESEARCH SECTION (OSRS)
Programs
The five OSRS programs have common proposal target dates and panel
schedules for unsolicited proposals, so that interdisciplinary
proposals can be effectively handled.
The Biological Oceanography Program supports studies of
relationships among marine organisms as well as interactions of
these organisms with their geochemical and physical environment. A
central focus is to understand ecosystems ranging from ocean
margins and continental shelves to central gyres and ocean basins,
and to understand the roles of organisms in global-scale processes.
The program supports research on ecosystem function, biological
adaptation, population and community ecology, marine biotechnology,
behavioral ecology, and related studies required to address these
themes.
The Chemical Oceanography Program supports scientists who seek to
understand processes affecting the chemistry of oceans, and how
these processes respond when perturbed. This research involves
processes and mechanisms affecting chemical compounds and phases in
the ocean to determine routes and rates of chemical cycles in the
ocean, as well as alterations during transit. The program is
divided into five areas: equilibria and physicochemical properties;
transfers and transformations at the land/sea boundary; material
fluxes, transport, and alterations; the influence of biochemical
processes; and development of tracers to study large-scale
processes.
The Marine Geology and Geophysics Program supports studies of the
composition and evolution of oceanic lithosphere, deep-ocean
basins, and continental margins; the distribution, composition and
history of terrigenous and biogenic sediments on the seafloor; and
the history of the oceans. Research methods include seismic
reflection and refraction; magnetic studies of crust and sediments;
analysis of gravity data; petrologic and geochemical studies of
ocean crustal and mantle rocks; paleontologic, mineralogic, and
geochemical analyses of marine sediments; and studies of samples
recovered by the Ocean Drilling Program.
The Physical Oceanography Program supports research to better
understand physical oceanographic phenomena and their interactions
on scales from global (e.g. thermohaline circulation) to molecular
(e.g. turbulence and diffusion). Emphasis is on understanding
complex physical oceanic processes through a balanced program of
field studies, analysis, laboratory studies and theoretical and
numerical modeling. In-situ and remote sensing techniques, as well
as new technology and interdisciplinary activities are encouraged.
Major programs are currently supported to understand ocean
circulation and variability; heat and salt budgets; air-sea
interactions; wave motions and tides; turbulence, microstructure,
and diffusion; and coastal, near-shore, estuarine and lacustrine
processes.
The Ocean Technology and Interdisciplinary Coordination Program
supports a wide range of multidisciplinary activities that broadly
seek to develop, transfer, or apply instrumentation and
technologies that will benefit research programs supported by OCE
and enhance the conduct of basic ocean science research.
Instrumentation and technology projects supported by this program
must be broadly usable and be of benefit to more than a particular
research project. The scope of projects varies from short-term
feasibility studies to developing, constructing and at-sea testing
of a prototype to demonstrate that useful and applicable data are
obtained. If ocean research is to be undertaken, joint
consideration with the relevant research program may be undertaken
for the instrument development phase of the project.
In addition, the interdisciplinary coordination program area
supports a limited number of research initiatives that cross the
four basic ocean science sub-disciplines (physics, chemistry,
biology, geology and geophysics). Limited support is also provided
for international planning activities in relation to
intergovernmental and international science organizations.
If you have questions concerning which program to direct your
proposal or want to discuss interdisciplinary proposals, please
contact the OSRS Section Head.
Proposal Target Dates: 1 November and 1 May
Merit review panel meetings occur about 3 months after these target
dates. A target date is a cutoff date for the receipt of proposals
after which date the proposals will still be reviewed, but they may
be delayed until the next cycle. Proposals requesting ship time in
a given calendar year should be submitted by the 1 November target
date, 14 months preceding. May 1 is the latest target date for
proposals requiring major ship time commitments for the following
calendar year. Ship time may no longer be available by this late
date, however, since the organization and coordination of the US
academic fleet through UNOLS (University-National Oceanographic
Laboratory System) requires this amount of lead-time to schedule
ship time.
III. OCEANOGRAPHIC CENTERS AND FACILITIES SECTION (OCFS)
Programs
The Oceanographic Centers and Facilities Section supports
construction, conversion, acquisition, and operation of major
shared-use oceanographic facilities. The University-National
Oceanographic Laboratory System (UNOLS) schedules the use of these
facilities as well as expeditionary programs. These large and
expensive shared-use facilities aid NSF-funded research and
training of oceanographers. Examples include ships, submersibles,
shipboard equipment, and instruments to collect and analyze data.
OCFS also supports the Ocean Drilling Program (ODP). ODP is
responsible for managing the internationally supported Ocean
Drilling Program and providing the U.S. contribution to that
program. Operation of the JOIDES Resolution, downhole logging and
core curation are contracted to the Joint Oceanographic
Institutions, Inc. (JOI). Additionally, JOI manages and coordinates
the U.S. Science Support Program with NSF support. The ODP program
includes funds for (1) planning workshops and U.S. participation in
the JOIDES planning structure; (2) support of U.S. scientists
participating in shipboard scientific teams and for necessary
follow-up studies leading to publication in the Initial Reports;
(3) acquisition of site-specific geologic and geophysical data; (4)
support for a national advisory structure; and (5) educational
activities. Separate guides are available for the Ocean Drilling
Program and Centers and Facilities.
Centers and Facilities
The Ship Operations Program funds operation and maintenance of
research vessels and submersibles used by NSF-funded scientists.
This includes crew and marine staff salaries; maintenance,
overhaul, and repair; direct operating costs such as fuel, food and
supplies; shore facility costs directly related to ship operations;
and indirect costs.
The Shipboard Scientific Support Equipment Program funds ship
equipment deemed essential to proper and safe conduct of ocean
science research, for example, deck, navigational, and
communication equipment.
The Ship Construction or Conversion Program supports new-ship
construction, conversions of ships to research vessels, and
remodeling and refitting of research ships.
The Instrumentation and Technical Services Program provides
oceanographic instrumentation for shared-use aboard various
research vessels that are commonly used by NSF-funded scientists.
The program also provides support for marine technicians who supply
basic technical services on these ships through the Marine
Technician program. Examples of shared-use instrumentation include
CTD's, rosettes, box corers, shipboard computers, etc. Basic
technical services provided by marine technicians include the
maintenance, calibration, scheduling, logistical assistance and
at-sea supervision of shared-use instrumentation.
The National Ocean Sciences Accelerator Mass Spectrometer (NOSAMS)
is supported by OCFS and is located at Woods Hole Oceanographic
Institution. The facility was established to provide radiocarbon
dating services for the oceanographic research community and to
provide research into new isotopic dating methods. Scheduling and
use of the facility are controlled by the facility director, and
user fees are charged. Persons who wish to use the facility should
contact the Director, NOSAMS, McLean Laboratory, Woods Hole
Oceanographic Facility, Woods Hole, MA, 02543
Proposal Target Dates
Ship Operations: 1 October
Marine Technicians: 1 October
Oceanographic Instrumentation: 1 September
Shipboard Scientific Support Equipment: 1 September
Ship Construction/Conversion: contact the Program
Miscellaneous (not otherwise classified) facilities: contact
the Section.
Ocean Drilling Program
The Ocean Drilling Program accepts unsolicited proposals in four
areas:
1. Regional geological and geophysical field studies to define
scientific problems that require drilling. Work is concentrated on
high priority areas that address the major thematic goals of the
ODP as well as areas and themes identified by the long-range plans
of the JOIDES planning structure. In general, priority will be
given to studies proposed for regions that will be drilled
approximately 2-3 years following the research cruise.
2. Downhole geophysical or geochemical experiments/techniques that
are related to a specific drilling leg or drilling program. These
research projects must also be endorsed by the appropriate JOIDES
panel for inclusion in the scientific plan for the proposed
drilling leg.
3. New methods, techniques, or concepts to improve drilling or the
collection and analysis of drilling data. Instrument projects
involve only the initial development, not the advanced development,
production or ongoing use of the tool or technique.
4. Synthesis research projects to provide new insights toward
future drilling goals.
Proposal Target Dates
For proposals submitted in response to the above-stated areas of
interest, the two OSRS target dates are observed. Primary
responsibility for research on the geologic samples recovered by
the Deep-Sea Drilling Project (DSDP) and by ODP resides with
research programs, such as the Marine Geology and Geophysics
Program.
IV. PROPOSAL PREPARATION AND REVIEW
Format and Proposal Preparation
Grants are awarded on the basis of competitive, merit review of
solicited and unsolicited research proposals. Such reviews are
normally conducted through the mail and/or by a panel. Proposals
may request support for up to five years. Single-year support
requests are discouraged. Grants are usually made as continuing
grants and funded in yearly increments. The yearly increments
require minimal (but essential) application effort on the part of
the principal investigator (PI) to secure the following year
continuing commitment, the extent of which is described at the end
of this section.
Proposals may request support for individual efforts by one
investigator or for collaborative efforts by a group of
investigators. Group proposals should be indicated as such in a
cover letter accompanying the proposal and in the project
description. The cover letter should describe the objectives of the
project and the relevant contributions of each investigator. Where
multiple organizations are involved, the proposal can only be
submitted by one of them. One PI is designated as the leader and
that PI's institution should submit 15 copies of the proposal.
Other institutions need submit only one signed copy. Except for the
cover page, the proposals should be identical and should contain
all the information necessary for reviewing the project. It is
helpful if, on the page following the cover page, all investigators
in the project are listed with their affiliations and a budget
summary is included. In the case of larger, collaborative research
programs, discussion of the proposal with the cognizant program
officers prior to submittal is advised.
The proposal format and requirements are specified in the latest
revision of Grants for Research and Education in Science and
Engineering (currently NSF 92-89, revision October 1992, 2nd
Printing) which is available upon request from:
Forms and Publications Unit, Room P15
National Science Foundation
4201 Wilson Blvd.
Arlington, VA 22230
Phone: (703) 306-1130
INTERNET: pubs@nsf.gov
Please be aware the NSF regulations for proposal formatting are
subject to frequent change and failure to comply with the most
recent guidlines will result in processing delays. For your benefit
as well as ours, check STIS (see cover) for electronic information
regarding the latest requirements or contact the program of
interest well in advance of submission.
At the time of this printing (December 1993), the following
requirements for proposal format must be followed in order to avoid
delays in review. Investigators should make sure they are cognizant
of the most up-to-date guidelines. The research coordination office
or business office of your institution should be able to help.
Each proposal must include:
Information about Principal Investigators/ Project Directors, NSF
Form 1225 (1/90).
Only a single copy of Form 1225 should be submitted with each
proposal sent to the Foundation. It must be received before the
proposal review is initiated. Submission of the information on the
form is voluntary (submitting the form is not), and individuals who
do not wish to provide the personal information should check the
box provided for that purpose.
Cover Page, NSF Form 1207 (4/92). The 1992 update is required with
all proposals. Signatures of the PI and the Authorized
Organizational Representative are required.
Table of Contents.
Project Summary. The summary should not be more than one page in
length, should be written in the third person, and should include
a statement of objectives, methods to be employed, and the
significance of the proposed activity to the advancement of
knowledge.
Project Description (including Results from Prior Support). The
Project Description, including results from prior support, must not
exceed 15 pages except for multi-PI collaborative proposals. The
Results from Prior NSF Support sections may not exceed 5 pages of
the 15. Visual materials, including charts, graphs, maps, tables,
photographs, and other pictorial presentations ARE NOT INCLUDED in
the 15-page limit, but the number of these should not be excessive.
Pages should be of standard size (21.6 cm x 27.9 cm = 8.5" x 11")
and should conform to the standard formatting instructions (in
particular, 2.5 cm margins and type no smaller than 10 point font
size). In addition metric units should be used throughout unless
impractical or inefficient. Call the program officer if you are
unsure about these strictly enforced page limits.
Bibliography. Include full title of articles and/or books.
Biographical Sketches. Limited to 2 pages per investigator.
Required for all senior personnel are: (1) vitae, listing only
academic essentials and investigator mailing address; (2) list of
a maximum of 5 publications most closely related to the proposed
project and up to 5 other significant publications, including those
being printed; (3) list of persons, other than those cited in the
publication list, who have collaborated on a project, book, article
or paper within the past 48 months; and, (4) names of each
investigator's own graduate and postdoctoral advisors. Other
information is not needed.
Budget Justification
Budget, NSF Form 1030 (8/90). Should include itemized costs for
equipment and the time and dollar amount associated with each
individual.
Current and Pending Support, NSF Form 1239 (1/87) or equivalent.
Ship Request, Form 831 (7/92) (mandatory ship is required).
Where to Submit. Send the original and 15 copies of the proposal
to:
Announcement No.________ (if based on a specific program
solicitation)
Proposal Processing Unit, Rm. 60
National Science Foundation
4201 Wilson Blvd.
Arlington, VA 22230
If a proposal is being submitted in response to a specific NSF
Announcement or Solicitation, the delivery address MUST CLEARLY
IDENTIFY THE NSF ANNOUNCEMENT OR SOLICITATION NUMBER under which
the proposal is being submitted. If not, be sure to indicate the
Division and Program to which the proposal should be directed.
FIFTEEN copies of the proposal are needed. Do not send the 15
copies to the program office. It is advisable, however, to send an
informal advance copy (does not need official signatures) to the
program so that staff will be alerted to its arrival and can
expedite its handling.
Essential forms, which must be submitted as part of the proposal,
can be found in the latest edition of NSF publication Grants for
Research and Education in Science and Engineering (currently NSF
92-89, revision October 1992, 2nd printing).
CONTINUING COMMITMENTS (Committed Renewals) To secure the next year
of funding for a continuing commitment, the principal investigator
need send only a brief summary of scientific progress to the
cognizant program officer NO LESS THAN THREE MONTHS prior to the
renewal date. This can be done via electronic mail, but be sure to
contact the cognizant NSF program for acknowledgment of receipt. In
addition to this, however, you must notify the program in any of
the following circumstances:
1. A need for a budget increase - in all cases consult with your
program officer to see whether this is financially possible, and,
if so, what extra documentation is necessary.
2. Unexpended funds expected to exceed 20% at the end of the
current support period.
3. A change in current support of senior personnel.
Notes on Electronic Mail Reviews
You are encouraged to send proposal reviews to the Division of
Ocean Sciences via OMNET/Telemail, or INTERNET. Approximately
one-third of the reviews submitted to the Ocean Sciences Research
Section for proposals considered for funding are submitted via
E-mail. Instructions for using each system are included in the
proposal review package. It is not necessary to fill out the
enclosed hard copy review form, or to return it if you use E-mail.
An interactive form has been prepared by OMNET/Telemail to simplify
the proposal review process. PLEASE USE THIS FORM WHEN SUBMITTING
REVIEWS VIA OMNET/Telemail. To activate this form, type COMPOSE
OCE.REVIEW at the Command? prompt. The interactive form includes
on-line help to guide you through the process. When OCE receives
your review, a receipt will be posted to your mailbox identifying
the proposal you reviewed only by its NSF number.
INTERNET - You may submit reviews through the INTERNET. An
acknowledgment will be sent back to your INTERNET address. The
address to which you should post your reviews is: ocerev@nsf.gov
Please make sure to include all the necessary Additional
Information in addition to the review itself, i.e.:
Program Requesting Review
Your Name
Proposal Number
Principal Investigator's Name
Overall Rating (1.0 [excellent] - 5.0 [poor])
Prior Support Rating (1.0 - 5.0), if applicable.
V. MAJOR OCEAN SCIENCE INITIATIVES
V.1 Introduction
From time to time, ocean scientists propose to undertake major
programs often of a multidisciplinary, multi-institutional and
international scope. Through a variety of mechanisms involving
workshops, identification of steering committees and development of
science plans, such efforts become recognized within the government
and funds are assigned for their support. Usually, government
agencies, either individually, or in concert, publish program
solicitations (also sometimes called Requests for Proposals, (RFPs)
or announcements of opportunity) with specific deadlines for
proposals. One of the larger suites of such programs are grouped
together in the U.S. Global Change Research Program. These and
other programs supported by OCE are briefly described below,
together with the OCE programs which have responsibility for them.
Further information can be obtained from the OCE program noted in
each case, including the location of the relevant national
community planning office.
V.2 Global Change Programs
V.2.1 World Ocean Circulation Experiment (WOCE)
The goal of WOCE is to understand the global ocean circulation well
enough to model its present state and predict its evolution and
relate them to long-term climate change. A secondary goal is to
provide a scientifically sound strategy for continued monitoring of
the ocean after the experiment. A knowledge of ocean circulation is
critical to other oceanographic programs, since it controls the
transports of heat and other biological and chemical constituents.
(Physical Oceanography Program)
V.2.2 Tropical Ocean and Global Atmosphere (TOGA)
The goals of the TOGA Program are to investigate (1) the
interannual variability of the tropical ocean-global atmosphere
system, its predictability, its interactions, and the mechanisms
responsible for them, and (2) the feasibility of modeling the
coupled interannual variability of ocean-atmosphere interaction for
predicting climate on interannual time scales (Physical
Oceanography Program). This is a joint program with the Division of
Atmospheric Sciences.
V.2.3 U.S. - Joint Global Ocean Flux Study (US - JGOFS)
The goals of US-JGOFS are to determine and understand on a global
scale the processes controlling the time-varying fluxes of carbon
and associated biogenic elements in the ocean, and to evaluate the
related exchanges with the atmosphere, sea floor and continental
boundaries, to enable prediction of their influences on, and
responses to, global change perturbations. (Chemical or Biological
Oceanography Programs)
V.2.4 Ridge Interdisciplinary Global Experiments (RIDGE)
RIDGE seeks to understand the physical, chemical, and biological
causes and consequences of energy transfers between the global
mid-ocean-ridge volcanic system and the ocean environment. (Marine
Geology and Geophysics or Biological Oceanography Programs)
V.2.5 Global Ocean Ecosystems Dynamics (GLOBEC)
Animal populations in the ocean often exhibit huge oscillations in
numbers on time scales varying from seasonal to decadal. Some
oscillations in living populations result from man's direct
perturbations, but others can result from or indicate changes in
the physical processes working in and around our seas and our
planet. A much enhanced understanding of the controls on
populations and secondary production in marine ecosystems is
essential for the preservation and utilization of living resources
in the sea, and because marine animals are pivotal in shaping ocean
ecosystems and in cycling biogenic materials. (Biological
Oceanography Program)
V.2.6 Land Margin Ecosystems Research (LMER)
The goals of LMER are to increase understanding of: (1) the
organization and function of land-margin ecosystems (estuaries,
coastal wetlands, tidal portions of rivers, the Laurentian Great
Lakes, and coastal reefs are examples); (2) the linkages between
these systems and adjacent terrestrial and marine systems; and (3)
the impacts of major natural environmental perturbations in these
regions, particularly sea-level rise and freshwater inputs
(Biological Oceanography Program). This is a joint program with the
Division of Environmental Biology.
V.2.7 Arctic System Science Ocean-Atmosphere-Ice Interactions
(ARCSS-OAII)
ARCSS seeks to understand the physical, geological, chemical,
biological and social processes of the arctic system that interact
with the total Earth system, and, thus, contribute to or are
influenced by global change. Ocean-Atmosphere-Ice Interactions
goals are to understand how feedback processes within the Arctic
amplify global climate change, how Arctic and global systems will
be affected by, and have an effect on, changes in the fluxes of
ice, fresh water, and water-borne materials; how ecosystems and
humans in the Arctic will respond to global change; and how changes
in the Arctic system will affect the concentrations of greenhouse
gases in the atmosphere (Ocean Technology and Interdisciplinary
Coordination Program). This is a joint program with the Office of
Polar Programs.
V.2.8 Marine Aspects of Earth System History (MESH)
The purpose of MESH is to determine the ocean's role in global
climate change by reconstructing ocean/atmosphere/ice dynamics
under conditions different from those of the present; and thereby
to test climate models in order to determine whether they can
successfully reproduce climatic conditions known to have occurred
in the past. (Marine Geology and Geophysics Program)
VI. OTHER MAJOR OCEAN SCIENCES INITIATIVES
VI.1 Coastal Ocean Processes (CoOP)
CoOP is the NSF component of the proposed U.S. National Program in
coastal ocean processes. CoOP is identifying and promoting
fundamental interdisciplinary science programs which can provide
the nation with tools needed to attack the pressing societal
coastal issues of the next decade. These include the effects of
global change, coastal population increase and effects of
development, and fisheries management. (Ocean Technology and
Interdisciplinary Coordination)
VI.2 Continental Margins (MARGINS)
This program will study the physical mechanisms responsible for
deformation and seismic activity on continental margins, determine
the magma sources and processes resulting in volcanism on passive
and active margins, and identify and quantify the controls upon
sediment accumulation and transport on the continental margins.
(Marine Geology and Geophysics Program)
VI.3 Marine Biotechnology
There are two aspects of OCE's activities in Marine Biotechnology.
One focus is aimed at using marine systems to develop products and
processes of significant economic, environmental and human value.
This centers on the need for ocean scientists to provide the
fundamental understanding and experience for breakthroughs in
biotechnology using marine systems. The second thrust is aimed at
assimilating modern molecular biological techniques into the ocean
sciences to address fundamental problems in ocean and environmental
sciences. (Biological Oceanography Program)
VI.4 High Performance Computing and Communications (HPCC)
OCE's goal is to foster the solution of fundamental problems in
ocean sciences, with broad economic and scientific impact, which
require the application of HPCC techniques and resources. (The OCE
program most relevant to your interests.)
VII. POSTDOCTORAL PROGRAMS
VII.1 Postdoctoral Program in Ocean Modeling
Under the sponsorship of NSF and the Office of Naval Research
(ONR), the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR)
offers a postdoctoral program aimed at training the next generation
of ocean modelers. The sponsors and the steering committee are
particularly interested in making appointments to:
fluid dynamicists, applied mathematicians, physicists, and
meteorologists as well as biological, chemical, and physical
oceanographers who wish to pursue dynamical modeling of the ocean;
physical ocean modelers who wish to pursue models that incorporate
the chemistry and biology of the oceans; and
scientists interested in developing fully interactive
ocean/atmosphere models.
The UCAR program offers visiting research appointments of one year,
renewable for a second year. Successful applicants receive
$33,000/year and benefits in accordance with UCAR policies. For
additional information contact the UCAR Office of Programs at (303)
497-8649 or send e-mail to b.appelhans (OMNET) or
bappelha@ncar.ucar.edu (INTERNET).
VII.2 Ridge Interdisciplinary Global Experiments (RIDGE)
Postdoctoral Fellowship Program
The RIDGE Postdoctoral Fellowship Program is intended to foster
interdisciplinary approaches to studies of mid-ocean ridge
processes by providing opportunities for research that cross
traditional disciplinary boundaries of physics, chemistry, biology
and geology. Applicants are normally expected to submit a research
plan that requires a change of institution from the doctoral
institution. It is expected that two fellowships will be awarded
each year for a two year period. The Fellowship provides a stipend,
an institutional allowance, and a special allowance to aid in
defraying costs associated with the research. For additional
information contact either the RIDGE Office, Woods Hole
Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, MA 02543; phone 508-457-2000
ext. 2587; Omnet: RIDGE.OFFICE; Internet ridge@copper.whoi.edu, or
the Marine Geology and Geophysics Program, or the Biological
Oceanography Program.
VII.3 Special Notice - Research Fellowships in Marine Biotechnology
Program (Discontinued)
This is to inform the Ocean Science Community that the Research
Fellowships in Marine Biotechnology Program has been discontinued
following the 1993-1994 competition (deadline of 1 September 1993),
awards to be announced 1 February 1994. This Fellowship Program has
been highly successful and with the completion of the latest round
will have helped train approximately 40 Fellows to use recently
developed molecular tools to study the ecology of the oceans. The
Biological Oceanography program has seen a steady increase in the
number of successful proposals which utilize these new molecular
techniques to address ocean science problems and anticipates this
trend will continue.
VIII. AGENCY-WIDE (Cross Directorate) PROGRAMS
Cross-Directorate programs are targeted towards NSF-wide
initiatives, usually to address education and human resources
needs. The following is a selected list of such programs. More
details can be found in specific NSF announcements or the NSF Guide
to Programs-Chapter 8 (NSF 92-78) which may be on file at your
institution, or can be obtained from NSF's Forms and Publications
Unit. Information can also be obtained from an appropriate OCE
program officer or by contacting the Senior Staff Associate for
Cross Directorate Programs, (703) 306-1603.
VIII.1 Underrepresented Groups Activities
NSF has instituted a number of activities directed specifically at
attracting, retraining or advancing the number of women,
minorities, and persons with disabilities in SEM education and
research.
VIII.1.1 Women's Programs
VIII.1.1.1 Research Planning Grants (RPG)
RPGs are one-time, limited grants for women scientists and
engineers who have not had prior independent Federal research
support, primarily for feasibility studies for longer-term research
projects with the objective of strengthening the investigators
planning and proposal writing capabilities. Contact the program of
interest for further information.
VIII.1.1.2 Career Advancement Awards (CAA)
The goal of the CAA Program is to support activities that will
enhance the applicants research career. Applicants should have had
some prior research experience as a principal investigator or
project leader (typically at least five years beyond any
postdoctoral) or have had a significant research career
interruptions.
VIII.1.2 Visiting Professorships for Women (VPW)
The focus of this program is to support women to serve as visiting
faculty members at a host institution. It enables women scientists
experienced in research to undertake research at a university or
research institution which has the necessary facilities. The
visiting professor also undertakes lecturing, counseling and other
interactive activities to increase the visibility of women
scientists in the academic environment of the host institution, and
to provide encouragement for other women to pursue careers in
science. Inquiries regarding this program should be made to the
Program Director, NSF Visiting Professorships for Women, (703)
306-1697.
VIII.1.3 Minority Programs
VIII.1.3.1 Minority Research Initiation (MRI)
MRI provides one-time grants for minority scientists and engineers
through the following specialized programs:
1) Research Opportunities for Minority Students and College
Faculty,
2) Research Initiation Awards (RIA),
3) Research Planning Grants (RPG),
4) Career Advancement Awards (CAA).
Utilizing existing NSF supplemental programs, principal
investigators with NSF awards may include talented and promising
minority students and college faculty in their research projects as
research assistants. Science teachers (middle and high school) who
are underrepresented minorities, and who have a keen interest in
research, may also participate. Most ROAs are for summer support
but may be made for the academic year and supplements may be
requested for each participant.
The MRI-RIA program supports minority scientists and engineers who
have not served as a principal investigator on a Federal research
award. The MRI-RPG program provides limited grants to minorities
primarily for feasibility studies for longer term research
projects. The MRI-CAA program provides funding to expand the
research opportunities of minority scientists and engineers
(particularly junior faculty) but are not intended to be a
substitute for regular research grants. Contact the program of
interest for more information.
VIII.1.3.2 Minorities in Marine Sciences
This opportunity was developed in the Division of Ocean Sciences to
fund minority undergraduate activities. This program does not
exclusively target minority institutions. The funding is split
about 50% to 50% for minority and majority institutions,
respectively. A wide range of projects have been supported from
sending students to professional society meetings to give
papers/posters, to supporting minority participation in
established, intensive courses in marine sciences, to funding
travel for students and mentors to go on oceanic research cruises.
For additional information, contact OCE Special Programs at (703)
306-1580.
VIII.1.4 Support for Persons with Disabilities
VIIII.1.4.1 Facilitation Awards for Scientists and Engineers with
Disabilities (FASED)
FASED provides funds for specialized equipment or other assistance
needed for handicapped individuals (including principal
investigators, other senior personnel, postdoctoral associates,
other professionals, and graduate and undergraduate students) to
participate in an NSF-sponsored grant. FASED funds may be included
as part of a regular proposal submission or as supplements to
existing NSF grants. General inquiries may be made to the OCE
program of interest or the FASED Program Coordinator at (703)
306-1636.
VIII.2 Undergraduate Activities
VIII.2.1 Research in Undergraduate Institutions (RUI)
RUI is a special program to support research by faculty members of
non-doctorate granting departments at Predominantly Undergraduate
Institutions (defined as those institutions that have awarded 20 or
fewer Ph.D. degrees in the past two years in fields supported by
NSF). Contact the program of interest.
VIII.2.2 Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU)
REU supports hands-on research experiences for promising
undergraduates, through two kinds of REUs. REU supplements are
additions to existing awards (up to $5,000) to support a small
stipend and other needs of an undergraduate. Application should be
made to the cognizant program officer of the existing research
award. REU site awards (up to $5,000 per student) are to support
approximately 8-12 undergraduate students at an institution.
Application should be made to Special Programs, (703) 306-1580.
VIII.2.3 Undergraduate Faculty Enhancement (UFE)
UFE offers opportunities for groups of faculty who teach
undergraduates to learn about new techniques and developments in
their fields. For addtional information contact UFE, (703)
306-1665.
VIII.2.4 Instrumentation and Laboratory Improvement (ILI)
The Instrumentation and Laboratory Improvement Program (ILI)
supports the development of new or improved laboratory courses or
experiments in the sciences, mathematics, and engineering. General
inquiries may be directed to the Division of Undergraduate
Education, (703) 306-1667.
VIII.2.5 Course and Curriculum Development (CCD)
The Course and Curriculum Development Program supports projects to
improve the quality of courses and curricula in science,
mathematics, and engineering. General inquiries may be directed to
the Division of Undergraduate Education, (703) 306-1666.
VIII.3 Other Activities
VIII.3.1 Graduate Research Traineeships (GRT)
The GRT Program provides portable support to enable individual
students the widest latitude in planning their graduate study.
Applications to the GRT Program should follow guidelines that are
set for a given FY including: (1) disciplinary focus; (2)
institutional submission limitations; (3) structural innovation;
and (4) funding pattern. For more information, please contact the
GRT Program Director, Division of Graduate Education and Research
Development, (703) 306-1630.
VIII.3.2 Presidential Faculty Fellows Program (PFF)
The PFF Program was established at the request of the President of
the United States to recognize and support the scholarly activities
of some of the Nation's most outstanding science and engineering
faculty members early in their careers. The awards are intended to
allow Fellows to undertake self-designed, innovative research and
teaching projects, to establish research and teaching programs, and
to pursue other academic related activities. General inquiries may
be addressed to the PFF Program, (703) 306-1697.
VIII.3.3 NSF Young Investigator Awards (NYI)
Young investigator awards are granted to the Nation's most
promising young science and engineering faculty in an effort to
enhance the academic career of recent Ph.D. recipients by providing
flexible support for research and educational activities. These
awards are also aimed at promoting public awareness of the work of
academic scientists and engineers and to foster contact and
cooperation with industry and institutions that support research
and education. These awards consist of a base annual grant for up
to five years with provisions for additional funding to match
dollar-for-dollar any funding or equipment donated by industry
sources. General inquiries may be directed to the Directorate for
Geosciences, GEO NYI Information, (703) 306-1557.
VIII.3.4 Small Grants for Exploratory Research (SGER)
The SGER Program provides one-time grants of up to $50,000 for
small-scale, exploratory, high-risk research. Awards are typically
for one year. General inquiries should be directed to the OCE
program of interest.
VIII.3.5 Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR)
SBIR provides grants to science-based and high-technology small
business firms for advanced research on scientific or engineering
problems that could lead to technological innovation and
significant public benefit. Objectives of this program include
stimulation of innovation in the private sector, facilitation of
the commercial application of NSF supported research results, and
improvement of the return on investment from Federally funded
research for its economic and social benefits to the nation. Areas
of specific interest to OCE include, but are not limited to: 1)
oceanographic measurement, sampling, and reporting systems; and, 2)
marine\estuarine aquaculture. For additional information contact
the SBIR office, (703) 306-1390, or OCE Special Programs, (703)
306-1580.
PT 34, 04
KW 1008004
NSF 93-163
(Replaces NSF 89-49)
