ROSES25: F.6 Science Activation Program

The Science Activation Program (SciAct), part of NASA’s Research Opportunities in Space and Earth Sciences (ROSES), is a major initiative under the Science Mission Directorate (SMD) to bridge the gap between NASA science and communities across the United States. Managed by NASA Headquarters, this program is part of the broader ROSES-2025 omnibus announcement, which encompasses multiple program elements that fund basic and applied research supporting NASA's scientific objectives. The SciAct element seeks to expand access to NASA science and broaden participation in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM), emphasizing effective engagement and educational outreach strategies. The core objective of the SciAct program is to enable institutions and organizations to activate NASA science in ways that are locally relevant, scalable, and sustainable. This includes increasing access to NASA’s data, experts, and content; supporting the use of NASA science to address community priorities; and building the capacity of organizations to serve broader audiences, particularly those historically underrepresented in STEM. Through a combination of education, community partnerships, and public engagement, selected awardees are expected to co-develop and implement innovative approaches that align with NASA’s strategic goals in education and outreach. Applicants may propose projects that span up to five years, though the standard period of performance is typically three years. Proposals must include a Science/Technical/Management section, which is limited to 18 pages, and are subject to a dual-anonymous peer review process. The program offers flexibility in award instruments, including grants and cooperative agreements, depending on the proposed scope of work. While proposals are generally limited to U.S.-based institutions, international organizations may participate on a no-exchange-of-funds basis or under specific guidelines detailed in NASA’s Grant and Cooperative Agreement Manual (GCAM). Notices of Intent (NOIs) are optional but strongly encouraged and must be submitted by January 26, 2026, via NASA’s NSPIRES platform. Full proposals are due by March 31, 2026. A pre-proposal webinar will be held on January 9, 2026, to offer further guidance, and all applicant questions should be directed to Lin Chambers at NASA Headquarters. Responses to frequently asked questions will be compiled and shared on the NSPIRES program page under “Other documents.” The announcement clarifies several procedural updates, including the repositioning of budget formatting guidelines and budget submission instructions. It also emphasizes the importance of dual-anonymous review processes, with detailed instructions available in the ROSES DAPR guidance documents. Submission via Grants.gov is available but must be arranged at least 30 days in advance of the proposal deadline. Although the estimated total program funding and number of awards have not been explicitly defined, the program is expected to fund multiple projects that meet the evaluation criteria and align with NASA’s science engagement objectives. All proposals should clearly define the scientific scope, outreach mechanisms, and evaluation strategies. Organizations interested in applying are encouraged to thoroughly review the ROSES-2025 solicitation tables and accompanying documents to ensure alignment with NASA’s mission and submission requirements.

Follow guidelines for dual-anonymous peer review as described in ROSES DAPR Programs.