Geospace Cluster

The NSF Geospace Cluster (AGS-GC) within the Division of Atmospheric and Geospace Sciences supports fundamental and applied research, technology development, and educational activities related to Earth's near-space environment, including the mesosphere, thermosphere, ionosphere, magnetosphere, radiation belts, and inner heliosphere. The goal of the program is to advance understanding of the Sun-Earth system and how different parts of this system interact through various processes. This research is crucial for increasing resilience to natural hazards such as space weather and upper atmosphere climate changes, as these phenomena can significantly impact critical infrastructure. The Geospace Cluster welcomes proposals for research on a variety of topics including aeronomy, magnetospheric physics, solar-terrestrial interactions, space weather, and space climate. This work often involves both ground-based and space-based observational facilities, data centers, modeling, theoretical studies, laboratory experiments, and data analysis efforts. Several specific targeted research programs are also supported by the Geospace Cluster: 1. Coupling, Energetics, and Dynamics of Atmospheric Regions (CEDAR) - This program aims to understand the interactions and dynamics of the Earth's atmospheric regions from the middle atmosphere upwards, exploring coupling, energetics, and chemical processes. 2. Geospace Environment Modeling (GEM) - GEM supports studies on the physics of the Earth's magnetosphere and its coupling with the atmosphere and solar wind, contributing to accurate predictions of the geospace environment. 3. Solar, Heliospheric, and Interplanetary Environment (SHINE) - SHINE focuses on understanding and predicting processes like solar flares, coronal mass ejections, and the transportation of solar energy to Earth through the heliosphere. 4. Faculty Development in Geospace Science (FDSS) - FDSS integrates geospace topics into natural sciences or engineering programs in higher education institutions, enhancing curriculum and developing future leaders in geospace sciences. In addition to these focused programs, the Geospace Cluster also participates in several other NSF initiatives, including the Distributed Array of Small Instruments (DASI) and the ECosystem for Leading Innovation in Plasma Science and Engineering (ECLIPSE). The Cluster encourages proposals from institutions of all types, including Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) and emerging research institutions, as well as initiatives that foster workforce development, education, outreach, and broad participation in the geospace sciences. Proposals are accepted at any time for general research topics, while specific programs like CEDAR, GEM, SHINE, and FDSS have targeted deadlines. Applications should be submitted in accordance with the NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG), using either Research.gov or Grants.gov, depending on the applicant's preference. The Geospace Cluster also supports career development initiatives, including: 1. AGS Postdoctoral Research Fellowship (AGS-PRF) - Providing up to 24 months of support for postdoctoral researchers to gain experience that broadens their perspectives and establishes leadership positions within the geospace community. 2. Faculty Early Career Development Program (CAREER) - A 5-year grant supporting early-career faculty who show potential as academic role models and leaders in their field. 3. Mid-Career Advancement (MCA) - Targeted at associate professors to enhance their research through partnerships, advancing their scientific contributions and career. For further details and specific proposal requirements, applicants should refer to the relevant solicitation documents, which are regularly updated to reflect new priorities and guidelines.