ROSES25: F.17 Research Initiation Awards

The Research Initiation Awards program is administered by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) through its Science Mission Directorate as part of the broader Research Opportunities in Space and Earth Sciences (ROSES) omnibus solicitation. NASA, a federal agency responsible for the United States civilian space program and aeronautics research, uses ROSES to fund a wide range of scientific investigations that support its mission objectives. This specific program element, identified as F.17 within ROSES, is designed to support early-stage or newly established researchers in initiating projects aligned with NASA’s science priorities. The primary purpose of the Research Initiation Awards is to provide funding for research efforts that contribute to space and Earth science disciplines. These awards are intended to help investigators begin or expand their research activities, often serving as an entry point into NASA-funded research programs. The funding supports scientific and technical work that aligns with NASA’s mission goals, including data analysis, modeling, and other research activities. Awards are typically structured as grants or cooperative agreements depending on the nature of the proposed work. Funding under this opportunity is capped at a total of 300000 dollars over a two-year period. Applicants are required to submit a detailed budget narrative along with a table outlining work effort. The program imposes a strict page limit of six pages for the Science, Technical, and Management section of the proposal, indicating a focused and concise application format. There is no cost sharing or matching requirement associated with this opportunity, allowing applicants to request full funding for their proposed work within the stated cap. Eligibility for the program is broad but includes important conditions. Applicants must be affiliated with an institution registered in NASA’s NSPIRES system. In general, NASA provides funding primarily to U.S.-based institutions, although non-U.S. organizations may participate under specific conditions, such as a no-exchange-of-funds policy or through jointly sponsored programs. Additional guidance for international participation is provided in the NASA Grant and Cooperative Agreement Manual. The program allows participation from a wide range of organization types, including academic institutions, government laboratories, and private entities, provided they meet the stated requirements. The application process requires submission through NASA’s NSPIRES system or Grants.gov if requested in advance. Unlike some other NASA opportunities, this program does not require a Notice of Intent or a preliminary Step-1 proposal, simplifying the submission process. Proposals are evaluated using a dual-anonymous peer review process, which is designed to reduce bias by concealing the identities of both proposers and reviewers during evaluation. Applicants must follow specific formatting and submission guidelines outlined in the ROSES solicitation and associated program documents. The timeline for this opportunity includes a posted date of May 20, 2026, and a final application deadline of August 18, 2026. An informational webinar is scheduled for June 16, 2026, to provide additional guidance to prospective applicants. While the ROSES solicitation is issued annually, each program element may have its own schedule and requirements. Awards are typically made following the review process, with performance periods generally spanning multiple years depending on the scope of the project. Applicants are encouraged to consult program officers or official resources for detailed guidance and updates throughout the application cycle.

Ensure compliance with page limits and dual-anonymous review requirements; align proposal with NASA science priorities