ROSES25: B.2 Heliophysics Foundational Research

The Heliophysics Foundational Research program is administered by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration as part of its broader Heliophysics Research Program. The program is designed to support fundamental scientific investigations that deepen understanding of the interconnected Sun Heliosphere Planetary system. Rather than focusing on applied forecasting or operational capabilities, this program prioritizes foundational science that reveals first principle mechanisms, system level interactions, and emergent behaviors across heliophysical environments. The initiative aligns with NASA strategic priorities and the Heliophysics Decadal Survey, emphasizing themes such as the interconnected nature of space systems and the use of space as a laboratory for plasma and magnetic processes. The purpose of the program is to fund high impact research that addresses long standing scientific questions and gaps in heliophysics knowledge. It seeks to enable coordinated and multidisciplinary research teams known as Strategic Science Teams. These teams are expected to advance theoretical understanding, interpret observational data, and establish frameworks that guide future missions and scientific investments. Research supported under this program may include analysis of spacecraft and ground based data, theoretical modeling, simulation efforts including artificial intelligence guided approaches, and the use of heterogeneous data sources. All investigations must be tied to advancing fundamental scientific understanding rather than operational forecasting. Funding is structured around three Strategic Science Teams, each addressing a specific scientific challenge. These include Solar Dynamo State Estimation, Cross Regime Coupling, and Lunar Working Environment. Each team has a defined scope, duration, and anticipated funding level, ranging from approximately one million to four million total per award depending on the team and duration. Funding is typically awarded for periods of two to four years, with annual funding expectations specified per award. Allowable uses of funds include research personnel, modeling and data analysis activities, and required travel for a program specific Science Showcase event. There is no explicit cost sharing requirement stated, and awards are expected to be issued as grants or cooperative agreements. Eligibility is broad and includes organizations capable of conducting advanced scientific research, including universities, research institutions, government entities, and potentially international collaborators participating without NASA funding. Principal Investigators are limited to leading one proposal within the program, and proposals must demonstrate that the proposed work is distinct from any currently funded efforts. Collaborative, multidisciplinary teams are strongly encouraged, and participation across multiple proposals is limited to maintain focus and integrity of submissions. The submission process follows a two step structure. Applicants must first submit a Step 1 proposal, which is a three page anonymized document outlining science objectives, relevance, and methodology. Only selected applicants are invited to submit a full Step 2 proposal, which includes a detailed scientific and technical plan, budget, and required documentation such as an Open Science and Data Management Plan. Proposals must comply with dual anonymous peer review requirements, meaning identifying information must be removed from the main submission documents. Submission is conducted electronically through the NSPIRES system, and all required documents must adhere to strict formatting and content guidelines. Evaluation is conducted based on scientific merit, methodological soundness, relevance to program goals, and cost reasonableness. Reviewers assess the importance of the proposed science, feasibility of the approach, and alignment with NASA strategic priorities. Additional evaluation includes the effectiveness of the management plan and the clarity of success metrics. Awards are expected to begin approximately six months after proposal deadlines, with ongoing reporting requirements including annual progress reports and a final report prior to project completion. Key timeline elements include a required Step 1 proposal deadline of May 1, 2026, with Step 2 deadlines announced later. The program operates on a recurring annual cycle as part of the broader ROSES solicitation. Selected teams are also required to participate in a Science Showcase event near the end of the award period. Program contacts are provided through a shared NASA email address, and applicants are encouraged to consult official guidance documents and templates to ensure compliance with submission requirements.

Focus on strong scientific merit alignment with heliophysics priorities ensure methodology feasibility and clearly define success metrics adhere strictly to anonymization rules