Atmosphere Cluster

The Atmosphere Cluster, administered by the Division of Atmospheric and Geospace Sciences within the U.S. National Science Foundation, supports fundamental research on atmospheric processes from the Earth’s surface to the stratosphere. This program encompasses a wide range of time scales, from nanoseconds to millennia, and prioritizes studies that deepen scientific understanding of the chemical, physical, and dynamical properties of the atmosphere. Research funded under this program informs knowledge about clouds, weather, climate, air quality, and the water cycle, and integrates both experimental and observational approaches, as well as modeling and measurement advancements. The program’s research scope is broad. It includes the study of atmospheric chemical reactions, aerosol dynamics, and transformations that influence environmental interactions. It also covers climate and hydroclimate processes, with emphasis on variability, external forcing, and contributions to global energy and water balances. Investigations may also address interactions among land, oceans, and the atmosphere, as well as studies on paleoclimate and the drivers of past climate change. Additionally, researchers may explore atmospheric motions at scales ranging from planetary circulation to microscale turbulence, along with investigations into physical meteorology, aerosol-cloud interactions, precipitation physics, and atmospheric electricity. The Atmosphere Cluster also supports research on synoptic and mesoscale meteorology, including predictability and future changes in severe and hazardous weather. To achieve its objectives, the program encourages proposals that incorporate laboratory experiments, field studies, and advances in analytical methods. Applications may also involve the use of NSF-supported facilities and instrumentation, which must be requested through the separate Facility and Instrumentation Request Process solicitation. Proposals are evaluated under NSF’s merit review criteria, which require integration of broader impacts, such as education, outreach, workforce development, and open science practices. Eligibility for this program is unrestricted, and applicants may include individuals, institutions of higher education, nonprofits, for-profit organizations, and government entities. The program particularly encourages participation from Minority Serving Institutions, Emerging Research Institutions, and institutions in jurisdictions affiliated with the Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research. Proposals from early career investigators, postdoctoral researchers, and faculty at primarily undergraduate institutions are also welcomed, with specialized opportunities available through complementary programs such as the AGS Postdoctoral Research Fellowship, CAREER, and Mid-Career Advancement programs. Applications may be submitted at any time, as the program accepts full proposals on a rolling basis through either Research.gov or Grants.gov. All proposals must follow the guidelines outlined in the NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide. Proposals not meeting compliance requirements will be returned without review. No pre-application steps such as letters of intent or concept papers are required unless specified by related solicitations. Funding levels are not explicitly capped in the program description, as awards vary depending on the scope and scale of proposed research. Separate solicitations within NSF define the funding ranges for programs related to instrumentation and research infrastructure, such as the Major Research Instrumentation Program and Mid-Scale Research Infrastructure initiatives. Cost-sharing or matching requirements do not apply to this program. Program contacts include Nicholas F. Anderson (nanderso@nsf.gov, 703-292-8522), Eric DeWeaver (edeweave@nsf.gov, 703-292-8522), Sylvia Edgerton (sedgerto@nsf.gov, 703-292-8522), and David Wilmouth (dwilmout@nsf.gov, 703-292-8522). The program remains active and proposals are continuously accepted. Applicants should consult the official NSF Atmosphere Cluster program description, PD-24-7790, for full details and ensure compliance with submission requirements.

Applicants are advised to integrate workforce development, diversity, education, outreach, and open science practices into their proposals