Physical Oceanography

The Physical Oceanography Program, administered by the National Science Foundation (NSF), is designed to support research related to the physical properties and dynamics of the ocean. The NSF is an independent federal agency of the United States government focused on advancing science and engineering across a wide spectrum of disciplines. Within NSF, the Directorate for Geosciences (GEO) and specifically its Division of Ocean Sciences (OCE) manage this program. The overarching goal is to fund scientific studies that enhance understanding of ocean circulation, the transport of energy and materials within ocean systems, and how these processes interact with biological, chemical, and geological phenomena, as well as with external systems such as the atmosphere and polar ice. This program encourages submissions that focus on the structure and movement of ocean waters, including research into the mechanisms of ocean transport and its implications for global climate systems. Supported topics may include, but are not limited to, surface and deep ocean currents, thermohaline circulation, ocean-atmosphere interactions, and the effects of oceanic processes on marine ecosystems. This multidisciplinary scope fosters comprehensive scientific inquiry into complex environmental systems, promoting collaboration between physical oceanographers and other Earth system scientists. Funding is typically directed towards research projects that address foundational questions in physical oceanography. Awards are made through competitive full proposal submissions, which are evaluated based on NSF’s merit review criteria. These include the intellectual merit of the proposed research and its broader impacts. Proposals must be submitted via Research.gov or Grants.gov following the guidelines outlined in the NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG) applicable at the time of submission. Allowable costs include direct research expenses such as personnel, equipment, travel, and indirect costs as per institutional rate agreements. The program does not explicitly mention required cost-sharing or matching funds. Eligibility is inclusive, encompassing a broad range of institutions and organizations capable of conducting high-quality scientific research. This includes public and private institutions of higher education, nonprofit organizations, and other entities that meet NSF's eligibility criteria. No geographic restrictions are stated, indicating that the opportunity is open to U.S.-based entities on a national scale. Specific eligibility details and proposal requirements are outlined in the PAPPG and accompanying solicitation PD 98-1610. The program operates on a biannual submission schedule, with target dates of February 17 and August 17 each year. Proposals are accepted annually on these dates, indicating a recurring opportunity. There are no pre-application requirements such as letters of intent or concept papers. Applicants are advised to carefully review the current PAPPG guidelines for submission requirements and to ensure full compliance with the formatting and procedural rules outlined therein. Proposals not adhering to these standards may be returned without review. Contacts for the Physical Oceanography Program include Baris M. Uz (bmuz@nsf.gov), Sean C. Kennan (skennan@nsf.gov), and Sabine Mecking (smecking@nsf.gov), all based in the GEO/OCE division of NSF. For general inquiries, NSF's main contact number is (703) 292-5111, and the headquarters is located at 401 Dulany Street, Alexandria, VA 22314. The program does not specify the performance period or award notification timelines, but standard NSF review cycles typically involve several months from submission to decision. Researchers are encouraged to monitor the program website for updates and to attend periodic office hours for guidance.