ROSES25: A.11 Early Career Investigator Program in Earth Science

The Early Career Investigator Program in Earth Science is administered by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration under its broader Research Opportunities in Space and Earth Sciences solicitation. NASA’s Science Mission Directorate oversees this omnibus research announcement, which encompasses numerous program elements designed to support a wide range of basic and applied research activities. This specific program element is intended to support early career investigators conducting research aligned with Earth science priorities. NASA typically issues awards through grants or cooperative agreements depending on the nature of the proposed work, with most awards under this solicitation being grants. The program operates within a broader federal research framework and is open to a variety of institutional applicants, primarily within the United States. The purpose of this funding opportunity is to encourage and support early career scientists in developing independent research programs that contribute to NASA’s Earth science objectives. The scope includes both fundamental and applied research, often tied to understanding Earth systems, environmental processes, and related technologies. Funding supports research activities such as data analysis, modeling, observational studies, and technology development. While the synopsis does not provide specific allowable or unallowable cost categories, standard NASA grant policies apply, including compliance with the NASA Grant and Cooperative Agreement Manual. There is no cost-sharing or matching requirement specified, which lowers the barrier to entry for early-stage investigators and institutions. Eligibility is broadly defined but requires affiliation with an institution registered in NASA’s NSPIRES system. NASA primarily funds U.S.-based institutions, although foreign organizations may participate under specific conditions, typically on a no-exchange-of-funds basis. Additional provisions apply to international collaborations and proposals involving U.S. personnel. The program includes specific clarifications regarding eligibility, including updates indicating that certain fellowships, such as the third year of NPP fellowships, are not eligible for funding. Applicants are encouraged to consult the full program element documentation for precise eligibility criteria and restrictions. The submission process includes a mandatory Notice of Intent, which must be submitted through NSPIRES prior to the full application. This requirement is critical, as failure to submit the Notice of Intent by the stated deadline may disqualify applicants from submitting a full proposal. Full proposals are typically submitted through Grants.gov or NSPIRES, depending on prior arrangements. Applicants are also encouraged to review the detailed program element PDF and associated solicitation materials, which outline proposal structure, required components, and evaluation criteria. NASA provides additional support through informational webinars and published FAQs to guide applicants through the process. The timeline for this opportunity is clearly defined, with Notices of Intent due in mid-May and full proposals due approximately one month later in mid-June. The solicitation was posted in April, providing a relatively short preparation window. NASA also scheduled virtual informational sessions in May to assist applicants. While the exact award notification timeline is not specified in the synopsis, typical NASA research awards follow a review process that may take several months, with project performance periods generally lasting around three years, though some may extend up to five years depending on the program element. Evaluation of proposals is conducted based on scientific merit, relevance to NASA’s mission, and the qualifications of the proposing team, consistent with standard NASA review practices. Applicants are encouraged to align their proposals closely with the goals of the Earth Science Division and to demonstrate the potential impact of their research. Points of contact are provided for both programmatic and administrative inquiries, including named program managers and general NASA research offices. These contacts serve as key resources for clarifying requirements and addressing technical questions. Overall, this funding opportunity represents a significant federal investment in developing early career researchers within the Earth sciences. It is part of a recurring annual solicitation framework, suggesting that similar opportunities are likely to be available in future cycles. Applicants should carefully review all supporting documentation and adhere strictly to submission requirements, particularly the mandatory Notice of Intent, to ensure eligibility and competitiveness in the review process.

Review the full program element PDF carefully and align proposal with NASA Earth science priorities; submit Notice of Intent on time as it is mandatory; attend informational sessions for clarification