Alaska Sea Grant Biennial Research Call

The Alaska Sea Grant Biennial Research Call invites proposals for the 2026–2028 funding cycle, reflecting the organization’s enduring commitment to supporting scientific inquiry that advances sustainable use and conservation of Alaska’s marine, coastal, and watershed resources. Founded in 1970 and based at the University of Alaska, Alaska Sea Grant is one of 34 state programs within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Sea Grant College Program. Its mission is realized through research, education, and extension activities, funded by federal and state appropriations as well as local, industry, and agency support. This funding opportunity supports one- to two-year research projects with a primary emphasis on topics that address challenges and opportunities relevant to Alaska’s marine and coastal systems. Applicants must submit proposals that align with at least one of four strategic focus areas: Healthy Coastal Ecosystems; Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture; Resilient Communities and Economies; and Environmental Literacy and Workforce Development. Eligible investigators must be affiliated with an Alaska-based institution such as a university, museum, nonprofit, or Tribal entity. Proposals involving interdisciplinary and collaborative approaches, especially those led by early-career researchers, are strongly encouraged. Each application must follow a two-stage process: submission of a preliminary proposal by February 5, 2025, and, if encouraged, a full proposal by May 15, 2025. Only those who submitted a pre-proposal are eligible to submit a full proposal. Applications are submitted via the eSeaGrant system. Review of full proposals will occur in summer 2025, with final award announcements expected by September 23, 2025. The earliest project start date is February 1, 2026, and funded projects must conclude by January 31, 2028. Up to approximately $1 million in funding will be available for selected projects, with budgets typically averaging $100,000 total over two years. Each awarded project will also receive separate graduate student support, including a stipend, tuition, and health insurance. A critical aspect of the application is the engagement plan, which should demonstrate how proposed research will address the four principles of Relationship, Responsibility, Reciprocity, and Redistribution. These principles ensure that researchers engage respectfully and productively with community partners and stakeholders, from conceptualization to dissemination of results. Projects must also clearly articulate broader societal impacts and how findings will benefit Alaskan coastal communities and related user groups. A 50 percent non-federal cost share is required for all proposed projects, meaning applicants must provide matching funds equal to one dollar for every two dollars in federal funding requested. Matching contributions may include salaries, supplies, ship time, or other documented in-kind or cash resources. Applicants experiencing difficulty identifying eligible matching funds are encouraged to consult the program director. Comprehensive guidelines are outlined in the official funding announcement, including detailed expectations for both preliminary and full proposals. These include narrative requirements, budget preparation, data management plans, and NEPA compliance. Investigators must also agree to ongoing reporting requirements to support program evaluation and accountability. For assistance, applicants may contact Alaska Sea Grant staff, including the Associate Director and Communications and Technology Specialist, who provide support for proposal development and technical inquiries related to the eSeaGrant system.

Strong alignment with the four R’s (Relationship, Responsibility, Reciprocity, Redistribution) is essential for competitiveness.