ROSES 2025: A.4 Rapid Response and Novel Research in Earth Science

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration, through its Science Mission Directorate, is soliciting proposals under the ROSES 2025 A.4 Rapid Response and Novel Research in Earth Science program. This funding opportunity is designed to address highly relevant and unforeseen research needs in the Earth sciences that cannot be anticipated in the standard annual solicitation cycle. The Earth Science Division has structured this program to capture both rapid response to unexpected Earth system events and exceptionally novel ideas in Earth remote sensing that are not covered under other NASA solicitations within the last three years. The rapid response component focuses on unique research opportunities that arise from extreme or unpredictable Earth system events, such as volcanic eruptions, catastrophic floods, large-scale environmental pollution, major wildfires, harmful algal blooms, or coral bleaching episodes. Proposals in this category must demonstrate urgency, scientific significance, and the inability to pursue funding through other avenues. Proposers are required to outline clear objectives, justify the urgency of the work, and provide detailed dissemination plans for data and results. Rapid data acquisition and fieldwork are expected, and while proposals may request up to three years of funding, most awards are intended for one year or less. The novel research subelement targets highly innovative ideas in Earth remote sensing. Proposals should present original approaches that can provide breakthroughs in the interpretation and application of remote sensing data. They must demonstrate that the proposed ideas have not been solicited or funded under NASA programs in the past three years. While NASA anticipates only a very small number of awards in this category each year, selected projects will be of strategic importance to advancing Earth system science. Proposals that focus solely on instrument or technology development, data systems, or educational activities are not considered responsive to this element. All proposals must align with the broader goals and objectives of NASA’s Earth Science Division and demonstrate relevance to the division’s science plans, decadal surveys, program roadmaps, or advisory body findings. The research must clearly support the use of airborne or space-based measurements to enhance understanding of Earth system processes. Proposers are encouraged to consult with relevant NASA program officers prior to submission to confirm alignment with program requirements and funding availability. Proposals may be submitted at any time up to March 31, 2026, which serves as the final deadline for the ROSES 2025 cycle. The program will transition to ROSES 2026 immediately after, ensuring continuous submission opportunities. No notices of intent are required, and submissions must be made electronically through NSPIRES, with Grants.gov submission available only by prior request made at least 30 days in advance. The program requires an Open Science and Data Management Plan to ensure timely and public dissemination of research data and findings in accordance with NASA’s Earth Science Data Policy. No specific program budget has been reserved, and the number of awards will depend on the quality and merit of proposals as well as available funds in relevant program areas. Awards will be made as grants, cooperative agreements, or internal NASA funding, but not as contracts. Typical funding ranges for novel ideas are expected to fall between $75,000 and $150,000 for one year, although higher requests may be justified. Proposals requiring NASA facilities must include feasibility and cost estimates. General questions can be directed to the Science Mission Directorate at NASA Headquarters, with primary contacts being Amy Chen (amy.p.chen@nasa.gov) and Kelsey Bisson (kelsey.bisson@nasa.gov; 202-674-4019).