Biological Oceanography

The National Science Foundation (NSF) Biological Oceanography Program (BioOce) supports fundamental research in biological oceanography and marine ecology. The program funds studies conducted in various marine environments, including estuarine, coastal, open ocean, deep sea, and the Great Lakes. The research funded under this program must be grounded in population, community, or ecosystem ecology, and proposals should contribute to a greater understanding of marine or Great Lakes ecosystems. The program also encourages interdisciplinary research and frequently co-reviews and co-funds projects in collaboration with other programs within the NSF’s Division of Ocean Sciences (OCE) and the Directorate of Biological Sciences (BIO). The program accepts proposals related to a variety of research topics, including population dynamics, biogeochemical cycles, trophic interactions, biodiversity, and responses of marine ecosystems to environmental changes. The NSF Biological Oceanography Program also supports supplemental funding opportunities, such as RAPID (Rapid Response Research), EAGER (Early-concept Grants for Exploratory Research), and other specialized funding mechanisms. Applicants can explore previous awards and funded research projects through the NSF’s website. Eligible applicants must adhere to the NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG) when preparing their proposals. Proposals can be submitted through Research.gov or Grants.gov, following the specific submission guidelines provided for each platform. Applicants should ensure that their proposals meet all requirements before submission, as submitting early does not guarantee compliance with program expectations. The program operates on a recurring cycle with two annual target deadlines. The next target date for submission is August 15, 2025, followed by February 17, 2026. These target dates repeat annually, with proposals due on August 15 and February 15 each year thereafter. Proposals should be submitted well in advance of the deadline to allow time for any necessary revisions. For further inquiries, potential applicants can contact program officers directly. The primary contacts for the Biological Oceanography Program include Jayne Gardiner, Stephanie Kamel, Ricardo M. Letelier, and Cynthia L. Suchman, all of whom are affiliated with NSF’s Directorate for Geosciences (GEO) and the Division of Ocean Sciences (OCE). Their contact details, including phone numbers and email addresses, are available on the NSF’s official website. The NSF Biological Oceanography Program plays a crucial role in advancing marine science by funding innovative and impactful research that enhances our understanding of biological and ecological processes in marine and Great Lakes ecosystems. Scientists interested in applying for this funding should carefully review the program guidelines and ensure their proposals align with the program's objectives.