Ocean Drilling Program

The International Ocean Discovery Program (IODP), supported by the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) and its global partners, serves to advance foundational research in the marine geosciences. As part of this broader initiative, the Ocean Drilling Program (ODP) supports scientific exploration of Earth's oceanic crust and sediment layers to address critical research questions regarding climate change, geological processes, and the Earth’s history. The program is guided by the IODP Science Plan titled “Illuminating Earth's Past, Present, and Future,” covering 2013–2023. Although that specific plan period has passed, ongoing program operations and strategic planning continue under cooperative agreements, underscoring the sustained relevance of these research efforts. A multi-platform operational model defines the IODP’s strategic approach. The JOIDES Resolution, a light non-riser drillship provided by the NSF, is managed by Texas A&M University through a cooperative agreement, with scientific direction overseen by the JOIDES Resolution Facility Board. Japan’s Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) contributes the heavy riser-equipped vessel Chikyu, operated by the Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC), focusing on deep-crust drilling. Additionally, the European Consortium for Ocean Research Drilling (ECORD) supplies Mission Specific Platforms (MSPs), enabling expeditions in high-latitude or shallow-water regions unsuitable for conventional drillships. These platforms are managed by the European Science Operator (ESO) under ECORD’s guidance. Support functions essential to the IODP’s infrastructure are provided by the Science Support Office (SSO) at Scripps Institution of Oceanography under NSF direction. The SSO manages critical logistics, oversees proposal submission and review processes, and maintains the Site Survey Data Bank. Furthermore, the SSO facilitates the online portal that acts as a central hub for scientific planning. The United States Science Support Program (USSSP), managed by Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory at Columbia University through a cooperative agreement with NSF, plays a pivotal role in involving the U.S. scientific community in IODP activities. USSSP supports U.S.-based researchers in participating on expeditions, contributing to planning workshops, and conducting initial post-expedition research. For drilling-related research, NSF offers grant support to U.S.-based scientists. Most proposals for pre-expedition (e.g., site characterization) and post-expedition studies should be submitted through NSF’s existing programs within its Ocean Sciences, Earth Sciences, and Polar Programs divisions. Additional support, particularly for expedition planning, outreach, and thematic workshops, is also available through USSSP. Funding types include supplemental grants (typically under $18,000) for post-expedition research, support for planning and regional integration workshops, and pre-drilling activities designed to enhance expedition readiness. Application and submission are conducted through either Research.gov or Grants.gov, following standard NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide protocols. No specific deadlines are currently posted for Program PD 14-5720. Applicants are responsible for ensuring full compliance with current NSF requirements and should consult the applicable guide for any updates. Research-related proposals must adhere to policies on research security, including annual certifications, foreign talent program disclosures, and other compliance measures introduced in NSF’s 2025 policy updates. The primary contact for this opportunity is Kevin T. Johnson of NSF’s Division of Ocean Sciences (GEO/OCE), reachable at ktjohnso@nsf.gov or (703) 292-7442. While no future submission deadlines have been listed, the program remains a recurring opportunity with an established history of funding. Applicants are encouraged to monitor NSF's website for updates on proposal windows and new cycles. Awards are made through a cooperative framework and are evaluated through standard NSF peer review processes.