Researchers in ocean science, environmental research, and data infrastructure have several upcoming opportunities to secure funding and recognition for their work. The opportunities below include research grants, collaborative infrastructure projects, and prestigious international awards for scientists making significant contributions to life and environmental sciences.
Biological Oceanography (BioOce)
APPLY by August 17: The U.S. National Science Foundation’s Biological Oceanography Program supports fundamental research on marine and Great Lakes ecosystems, including population, community, and ecosystem dynamics. Projects should advance understanding of biological processes in estuarine, coastal, open ocean, or deep-sea environments. Proposals often involve interdisciplinary collaboration across ocean science and biology programs.
Chemical Oceanography
APPLY by August 17: The NSF Chemical Oceanography Program supports research on the chemistry of the oceans and their role in global geochemical cycles. Topics include chemical composition and transformations in seawater, exchanges between oceans and other Earth system components, and using chemical distributions to understand biological, geological, and physical ocean processes. Awards typically support research projects examining ocean chemistry across marine and coastal systems.
Ocean Biology and Biogeochemistry (NASA ROSES Program Element A.3)
APPLY by August 31: NASA’s Ocean Biology and Biogeochemistry element of the Research Opportunities in Space and Earth Sciences (ROSES) program supports studies on the ocean’s role in the Earth system. Projects may address ecosystem tipping points, biological pump processes, remote detection of ocean phenomena, and climate-driven changes affecting marine biology and biogeochemistry. Investigations often combine field observations, modeling, and satellite remote sensing.
L’Oréal–UNESCO For Women in Science International Awards (Life and Environmental Sciences)
NOMINATE by July 4: The L’Oréal–UNESCO For Women in Science International Awards recognize five outstanding women researchers in life and environmental sciences worldwide. Each laureate—one per global region—receives €100,000 for significant scientific contributions and leadership in research, education, and mentoring. Candidates must be nominated by an eminent scientist such as a university leader, academy member, or research chair. Self-nominations are not accepted.
Findable Accessible Interoperable Reusable Open Science (FAIROS)
APPLY by April 9: NSF’s FAIROS program supports collaborative research and cyberinfrastructure development to advance findable, accessible, interoperable, reusable (FAIR) data practices and open science. Projects may build tools, services, or community frameworks that improve research data management, accessibility, reproducibility, and sharing across disciplines. Awards support multidisciplinary teams addressing community-scale data challenges and advancing sustainable open science infrastructure.