Fire Science Innovations through Research and Education

The Fire Science Innovations through Research and Education (FIRE) program, funded by the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF), supports research and education initiatives designed to transform our understanding of wildland fire. Recognizing the increasing complexity and prevalence of wildland fires, the NSF is soliciting multidisciplinary and multisector proposals that bring together a wide range of stakeholders—from academics and scientists to community members and Tribal representatives. The initiative emphasizes the need for convergent research that transcends traditional boundaries and focuses on large-scale, cross-cutting scientific breakthroughs. The FIRE program comprises three distinct focus areas. FIRE-MODEL encourages the development of next-generation predictive models that can more accurately capture fire dynamics, including smoke behavior, across spatial and temporal scales. It supports proposals leveraging novel algorithms, artificial intelligence, and digital twins to reduce uncertainties in fire modeling. FIRE-WUI (Wildland-Urban Interface) targets research to enhance resilience in zones where human settlements meet wildland vegetation. Proposals in this category are expected to examine infrastructure vulnerability, socioeconomic impacts, public perception, and community-level adaptation to wildfires. FIRE-NET aims to facilitate collaboration among researchers, practitioners, and communities through network-building activities like conferences, data sharing, and the creation of community standards. The program invites proposals that include new approaches to data collection and sharing, modeling techniques, governance structures, and community engagement. Examples of supported activities include experiments on fire dynamics, development of predictive fire ecology frameworks, and technologies to retrofit structures affected by fire events. It also encourages capacity building and novel educational strategies, highlighting the need to integrate Earth observation data and workforce development initiatives into wildland fire science. Eligible applicants span the full scope of groups typically supported by the NSF. These include higher education institutions, research organizations, nonprofits, and governmental entities. The program encourages collaboration between various sectors and prioritizes inclusive partnerships that integrate diverse knowledge systems, including those of Indigenous and local communities. The submission process requires adherence to guidelines provided in the NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG) in effect at the time of submission. Applications must be submitted via Research.gov or Grants.gov under the program code PD 25-345Y. The target submission window for full proposals is April 1–7, 2026, by 5:00 p.m. local time of the submitting organization. Recurring submissions are expected annually, beginning the first Tuesday of February following publication. Program contacts are centralized through the email [email protected] and include several program directors across NSF directorates such as GEO, ENG, BIO, and EDU. Partner organizations include the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation, NASA, and SERDP-ESTCP. The FIRE program does not list a specific PDF link for this opportunity but provides contact points and additional information on the NSF website. Applicants are advised to carefully review all submission criteria, as proposals must strictly follow the specified guidelines to be eligible for consideration.

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