Physical Oceanography

The Physical Oceanography Program, administered by the National Science Foundation (NSF), supports cutting-edge research in the geophysical and environmental sciences. Housed within the Directorate for Geosciences and specifically the Division of Ocean Sciences (GEO/OCE), the program is rooted in NSF’s long-standing commitment to advancing knowledge in physical, chemical, and biological ocean processes. It invites research that deepens understanding of oceanic structure, fluid motion, interactions with the atmosphere, and its dynamic role in Earth’s climate system. By funding high-impact projects, the program seeks to expand the scientific community’s understanding of how physical forces influence biological and chemical processes in the ocean and how these, in turn, affect global systems. The program’s scope is broad, supporting investigations related to ocean circulation, wave dynamics, sea ice, and coupled interactions with the atmosphere and solid Earth. Research may focus on large-scale patterns such as thermohaline circulation, regional ocean systems, or the modeling of physical processes that impact climate variability and change. The NSF emphasizes cross-disciplinary approaches that integrate observational data, field studies, and modeling techniques. Funded research is expected to contribute to national and global scientific goals in oceanography and to inform decision-makers on issues ranging from climate resilience to resource management. Applications are submitted through either Research.gov or Grants.gov, following the proposal preparation guidelines outlined in the NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG) that is in effect at the time of submission. There are no preliminary application requirements such as letters of intent or concept papers. Proposals must adhere strictly to the requirements laid out in the relevant solicitation and the overarching NSF guidelines. The program maintains multiple target dates for submissions, which recur annually to allow applicants flexibility in planning their proposal timelines. The current application window closes on February 17, 2026, with the next expected target date on August 17, 2026, and then every February 17 and August 17 annually. The total estimated program funding is $10 million, with awards beginning at a minimum of $250,000. There is no specified maximum award ceiling in the opportunity notice. The program does not require any cost sharing or matching funds. Funding decisions are made following merit review processes, taking into account intellectual merit, broader impacts, and alignment with NSF’s strategic goals. The program does not impose geographic restrictions and is open nationwide to eligible institutions. Those eligible to apply include institutions of higher education (both public and private), as well as other nonprofit research organizations. The program operates on a discretionary basis, and applicants are encouraged to contact program officers for guidance. The primary contacts for the program are Baris M. Uz ([email protected]), Sean C. Kennan ([email protected]), and Sabine Mecking ([email protected]), all based in the GEO/OCE division. Due to the recurring nature of this funding opportunity, researchers planning ahead can anticipate semiannual target dates and prepare accordingly. The funding is designed to support multi-year research projects, with award periods typically spanning several years depending on project scope and budget. All submitted proposals are evaluated using NSF’s two core review criteria—intellectual merit and broader impacts—and decisions are communicated after the review process concludes.