ROSES 2024: C.18 Planetary Science Early Career Award

The "Research Opportunities in Space and Earth Sciences (ROSES) 2024" program, announced by NASA’s Science Mission Directorate, solicits proposals across a wide array of topics in basic and applied research for space, Earth, and biological sciences. This program encompasses multiple “program elements,” each with specific goals, timelines, and funding criteria. Applications are processed through NASA’s NSPIRES system, with some elements also available via Grants.gov. Key objectives include fostering research in Earth sciences, heliophysics, planetary sciences, astrophysics, and biological sciences, aligning with NASA's mission to advance knowledge of Earth systems, space weather, solar systems, and the universe. Projects may involve flight-based research, data analysis, technology development, or lab-based studies. Program elements are categorized by scientific divisions, including Earth Science (Appendix A), Heliophysics (Appendix B), Planetary Science (Appendix C), and Astrophysics (Appendix D). The proposal solicitation emphasizes alignment with NASA’s strategic goals, particularly concerning scientific excellence, innovation, and the integration of findings into public knowledge and societal applications. Eligibility extends to domestic and foreign organizations, including academic institutions, nonprofits, and private companies. However, proposals involving collaboration with China or Chinese entities are prohibited, and while foreign entities may participate, they must do so on a “no exchange of funds” basis. Proposers must use NASA’s specified proposal format, including electronic submission through NSPIRES, compliance with NASA's open science and data sharing requirements, and adherence to federal and NASA-specific guidelines for managing data, software, and publication access. Each proposal must include a Table of Personnel and Work Effort, detailing the roles and time commitments for all contributors, and a comprehensive Open Science and Data Management Plan. Proposals that involve high-end computing resources can request access to NASA’s facilities, such as the NASA Center for Climate Simulation (NCCS) and the NASA Advanced Supercomputing (NAS) facility. Program elements may require a two-step application process, and some are managed through dual-anonymous peer review (DAPR) to ensure unbiased evaluation. ROSES 2024 also includes new policies, such as the requirement for an Inclusion Plan Pilot Study, to promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) within research teams. The program has expanded the use of the Dual-Anonymous Peer Review and adjusted guidelines for data management and software sharing to enhance accessibility. Grant amounts and award durations vary across program elements, with typical project periods lasting three years, though some are shorter or extend up to five years.