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

The Rapid Response and Novel Research in Earth Science (RRNES) program is an initiative of the Earth Science Division (ESD) within NASA’s Science Mission Directorate (SMD). It was created to enable timely responses to unexpected Earth system events and to support exceptionally novel ideas in Earth remote sensing that cannot be anticipated in standard solicitations. As part of the Research Opportunities in Space and Earth Sciences (ROSES), this program recognizes that some critical research needs and innovative scientific opportunities arise suddenly or fall outside the scope of existing programs. To address this, RRNES accepts proposals on a rolling basis and funds a limited number of highly meritorious submissions each year, though it has no dedicated funding set aside. The RRNES program is structured into two distinct subelements: Rapid Response to Earth System Events and Novel Ideas in Earth Remote Sensing. The Rapid Response subelement is designed to support urgent investigations triggered by natural or human-caused extreme events, such as major wildfires, floods, volcanic eruptions, harmful algal blooms, and large-scale pollution episodes. These proposals must justify the urgency of the research and demonstrate how the work requires rapid deployment of data collection or fieldwork. Successful proposals must also present a dissemination plan for quick data sharing. It is critical to note that this program is not intended for hazard mitigation or disaster response; such efforts should be directed to other relevant NASA program managers. The second subelement, Novel Ideas in Earth Remote Sensing, targets proposals that introduce groundbreaking concepts in Earth science that are not covered by any NASA solicitation within the past three years. These must represent high-risk, high-reward research paths that advance the understanding of the Earth system using remote sensing. Proposals should not be related to instrument development, data system infrastructure, or educational initiatives, and must include a plan to validate or demonstrate the feasibility of the concept. This mechanism provides researchers with an entry point for longer-term investment through NASA’s traditional funding streams. Applications to either subelement must include a detailed Technical Plan with specific page limits: five pages for Rapid Response and fifteen pages for Novel Ideas. All proposals must contain an Open Science and Data Management Plan of up to two pages, describing how research outputs, including data and software, will be made publicly available. Proposals are submitted through the NSPIRES portal, and there is no requirement to file a Notice of Intent. The program accepts submissions at any time through March 31, 2026. Funding for RRNES proposals is contingent on availability within relevant disciplinary programs in NASA’s Earth Science Division, and not all proposals—even those of high merit—can be funded. Internal review is standard, with external peer review used selectively, especially for higher-budget proposals. Awards are typically for one year but may extend up to three years with sufficient justification. Funding instruments may include grants, cooperative agreements, or NASA center internal funding, but not contracts. Applicants are strongly encouraged to contact the appropriate NASA program officer prior to submission. For this program, the primary points of contact are Amy Chen (amy.p.chen@nasa.gov) and Kelsey Bisson (kelsey.bisson@nasa.gov, 202-674-4019), both at the NASA Science Mission Directorate. Proposals for Rapid Response are expected to begin no sooner than 1.5 months after receipt, while Novel Ideas proposals may start approximately six months after submission.

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