FY2025 NMFS-Sea Grant Fellowship in Population and Ecosystem Dynamics and Marine Resource Economics
This fellowship provides financial support for U.S. doctoral students conducting research in marine population dynamics or resource economics, helping them contribute to the conservation and management of marine ecosystems.
The FY2025 NMFS-Sea Grant Fellowship in Population and Ecosystem Dynamics and Marine Resource Economics, offered by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) in partnership with the National Sea Grant College Program, aims to support doctoral students pursuing research in population and ecosystem dynamics or marine resource economics. This fellowship program focuses on preparing the next generation of scientists to contribute to the conservation and management of marine resources. The fellowship supports thesis research that is directly relevant to the mission of the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) and aligns with NOAA's goal of maintaining healthy and productive marine ecosystems. The fellowship program is divided into two distinct focus areas: Population and Ecosystem Dynamics (PED) and Marine Resource Economics (MRE). For PED, Sea Grant anticipates funding at least four new Ph.D. fellowships for research focused on quantitative methods for assessing marine ecosystems, including fishery resources, marine mammals, and protected species. For MRE, at least one new Ph.D. fellowship is expected to support research on quantitative methods for assessing economic aspects of marine resource conservation and management. Fellows will work alongside NMFS mentors at participating NMFS Science Centers or Offices, ensuring their research addresses public interest issues. Eligible applicants must be U.S. citizens and either currently admitted to or provisionally accepted into a Ph.D. program at an accredited U.S. university. Their academic focus must be in fields such as population dynamics, ecosystem dynamics, resource or environmental economics, marine biology, quantitative ecology, applied mathematics, or similar disciplines. Applications must be submitted through an eligible Sea Grant program in the applicant's state or territory. If a student resides in a state or territory without a Sea Grant program, they must consult the NMFS-Sea Grant Fellowship Program Manager for guidance on where to submit their application. The fellowship provides up to $66,700 per year in federal funding, with a required 20% matching contribution ($13,340) per year. Funding can support up to three years of doctoral research. Indirect costs are not permitted under this fellowship. Applicants must ensure their institution is registered with SAM.gov, Grants.gov, and eRA Commons, which can take 4 to 6 weeks to complete. Therefore, applicants are encouraged to begin the registration process well in advance. Application packages must include all required forms and documents as outlined in the full funding announcement. These include a detailed project proposal, a budget justification, and letters of support. Interested applicants are encouraged to reach out to their state Sea Grant program at least one month before the application deadline to receive assistance and guidance. Proper adherence to submission requirements and documentation is critical for the application to be considered for review. The application deadline is March 13, 2025, and applicants are advised to thoroughly review all submission instructions to avoid errors. For technical assistance, applicants may contact the National Sea Grant Office directly. This fellowship represents a significant opportunity for doctoral students to contribute to the advancement of marine science and resource management while receiving valuable mentorship and financial support.
Award Range
$10,000 - $240,120
Total Program Funding
Not specified
Number of Awards
Not specified
Matching Requirement
Yes - 20% Match Required.
Eligible Applicants
Additional Requirements
The following entities are eligible to submit to this opportunity:Full applications submitted to Grants.gov must come from an eligible Sea Grant program. Prospective fellows enrolled towards a degree in a graduate program in a state or territory served by a Sea Grant program must submit to that program. Applications that are not approved and submitted by the students state Sea Grant program will not be considered for review. Interested students in states or territories without a Sea Grant program must submit their applications to the Sea Grant program to which they were referred to by the NMFS-Sea Grant Fellowship Program Manager listed in section VII.Those eligible to submit to a Sea Grant Program:1) Prospective fellows must be United States citizens.2) At the time of application, prospective fellows must be admitted to a Ph.D. degree program at a U.S. accredited university in the U.S. in population dynamics, ecosystem dynamics, resource or environmental economics, or a related field such as wildlife biology, fishery biology, natural resource management, marine biology, quantitative ecology, applied mathematics, applied statistics, or simulation modeling at an institution of higher education in the United States or its territories.3) Alternatively, a prospective fellow may submit a signed letter from the institution indicating provisional acceptance to a Ph.D. degree program conditional on obtaining financial support such as this fellowship.The National Sea Grant College Program champions diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) by recruiting, retaining, and preparing a diverse workforce, and proactively engaging and serving the diverse populations of coastal communities. Sea Grant is committed to building inclusive research, extension, communication, and education programs that serve people with unique backgrounds, circumstances, needs, perspectives, and ways of thinking. We encourage Sea Grant program applications to reflect diverse participation with regards to age, race, ethnicities, national origins, gender identities, sexual orientations, disabilities, cultures, religions, citizenship types, marital statuses, education levels, job classifications, veteran status types, income, and socioeconomic status.To be eligible to apply or receive an award, applicant organizations must complete and maintain three registrations; SAM.gov, Grants.gov, and eRA Commons. For each, the complete registration process can take 4 to 6 weeks, so applicants must begin this activity as soon as possible and well before the proposal due date. For more information on how to meet these registration and application submission requirements without errors, we advise all to carefully review relevant Applicant and Grantee Training modules: https://www.commerce.gov/ocio/programs/gems/applicant-and-grantee-training. Additionally, we advise that all carefully read Additional Application Package Forms within the Full Proposal Required Elements section below.
Geographic Eligibility
All
Application Opens
November 19, 2024
Application Closes
March 13, 2025
Grantor
U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC NOAA - ERA Production)
Phone
(301) 734-1066Subscribe to view contact details