Chemical Evolution of the Solid Earth and Volcanology

The Chemical Evolution of the Solid Earth and Volcanology (CESEV) program, under the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF), aims to advance fundamental understanding of Earth's core, mantle, and crust, as well as high-temperature geological processes. CESEV supports laboratory, field, experimental, theoretical, and computational studies exploring igneous and metamorphic geochemistry, volcanology, ore deposits, and geochronology. Research areas include planetary formation, magmatic processes, volcanic eruption dynamics, compositional evolution of continents, and the formation and cycling of critical elements and minerals. The program encourages interdisciplinary approaches that integrate various analytical methods and techniques. CESEV prioritizes studies that address fundamental Earth science questions while fostering broader impacts such as broadening participation in STEM, public engagement, and societal applications of research findings. Collaborative projects that span disciplines within the Division of Earth Sciences or other NSF directorates are encouraged. Research involving meteorites or extra-terrestrial materials must demonstrate relevance to understanding Earth's formation and evolution. Proposals involving marine samples may be considered jointly with the Division of Ocean Sciences. The program anticipates funding 40 to 60 awards with a total annual budget of $18,000,000. Awards will be issued as standard or continuing grants, subject to the availability of funds. There are no restrictions on the number of proposals an organization or individual may submit. Proposals are accepted at any time and must adhere to the NSF Proposal and Award Policies and Procedures Guide (PAPPG). Cost sharing is not permitted, and budgetary limitations apply, such as equipment requests generally not exceeding $50,000. Eligible applicants include U.S.-based institutions of higher education, such as two- and four-year colleges, including community colleges, and nonprofit, non-academic organizations directly involved in research or educational activities. International branch campuses of U.S. institutions must justify project activities occurring at those campuses. Proposals must include essential components such as a project description, budget justification, data management plan, and broader impacts activities. Specific requirements include mentoring plans for undergraduate students, field safety protocols for field-based research, and documentation of permits or formal approvals when necessary. Proposals that were previously declined may not be resubmitted for one year unless substantially revised and approved by a program officer. Proposals are evaluated based on NSF’s merit review criteria: intellectual merit and broader impacts. Reviewers will assess the project's potential to advance knowledge, its societal benefits, creativity, feasibility, and qualifications of the team. Successful proposals will also demonstrate a clear plan for assessment and use of appropriate resources. The review process involves ad hoc and panel reviews, with final recommendations made by program officers and division leadership. For questions or clarification, program officers Jennifer Wade, Rachel Teasdale, Colin Shaw, and Wendy Panero are available for contact. Proposals can be submitted via Research.gov or Grants.gov, with detailed technical instructions provided on those platforms. Applicants are encouraged to contact NSF program staff with questions regarding project relevance, preparation, and submission requirements.