Collaborations in Artificial Intelligence and Geosciences (CAIG)
This grant supports interdisciplinary research partnerships between artificial intelligence and geoscience experts to advance understanding and innovation in geosciences while promoting diversity and workforce development in STEM fields.
The National Science Foundation (NSF) has released the CAIG program solicitation (NSF 25-530), titled Collaborations in Artificial Intelligence and Geosciences. This program is a collaborative initiative by NSF’s Directorate for Geosciences (GEO), the Directorate for Computer and Information Science and Engineering (CISE), and the Directorate for Mathematical and Physical Sciences (MPS). The CAIG program aims to support interdisciplinary research that leverages innovative artificial intelligence (AI) methods to enhance understanding and discovery in geosciences. Specifically, it seeks to create partnerships between AI and geoscience experts to advance both fields concurrently. CAIG-funded projects must meet three core objectives: advancing geoscience research through AI, making impactful advancements in AI methodologies applicable to geosciences, and forming meaningful interdisciplinary partnerships that involve a diverse team of 2–3 lead senior/key personnel. The program emphasizes building workforce capacity and broadening participation in STEM by encouraging proposals from institutions such as community colleges, minority-serving institutions, and tribal colleges. Each project is expected to last up to three years, and awards will fund interdisciplinary teams including faculty, students, postdoctoral researchers, and research software engineers. The estimated number of awards is between 5 and 9 per competition cycle, with total funding ranging from $6 million to $10 million. Projects must avoid developing new hardware and should instead make use of NSF-supported computing resources like CloudBank and the National AI Research Resource. Eligibility is limited to U.S.-based institutions of higher education, non-profit non-academic organizations, tribal nations, and certain federal agencies and federally funded research and development centers. Proposals must be submitted through Research.gov or Grants.gov, in line with the NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide. Individuals may be listed as senior/key personnel on no more than two proposals per competition. Submissions must include a project description that explicitly addresses three required components: geosciences advancement, AI impact, and partnership development. These aspects will be evaluated alongside the standard NSF merit criteria of Intellectual Merit and Broader Impacts. Proposals are also expected to include a data management plan and may optionally request cloud computing resources through CloudBank. Key deadlines include an opening submission date of January 2, 2025, with full proposals due by April 2, 2025, and a second submission window closing on February 4, 2026. For guidance, proposers are strongly encouraged to consult with one of the program officers listed in the solicitation. General inquiries can be directed to caig@nsf.gov or to any of the listed contacts including Andrew A. Zaffos at (703) 292-4938.
Award Range
Not specified - Not specified
Total Program Funding
$10,000,000
Number of Awards
9
Matching Requirement
No
Additional Details
Estimated Number of Awards: 5 to 9 Estimated number of awards is the number of projects to be supported per competition. The actual number of awards will be determined based on the results of the merit review process and availability of funds. Anticipated Funding Amount: $6,000,000 to $10,000,000 Anticipated funding amount is per competition. Estimated program budget, number of awards, and average award size/duration are subject to the availability of funds.
Eligible Applicants
Additional Requirements
Proposals may only be submitted by the following: Institutions of Higher Education (IHEs): Two- and four-year IHEs (including community colleges) accredited in, and having a campus located in the US, acting on behalf of their faculty members. Special Instructions for International Branch Campuses of US IHEs: If the proposal includes funding to be provided to an international branch campus of a US institution of higher education (including through use of sub-awards and consultant arrangements), the proposer must explain the benefit(s) to the project of performance at the international branch campus, and justify why the project activities cannot be performed at the US campus. Non-profit, non-academic organizations: Independent museums, observatories, research laboratories, professional societies and similar organizations located in the U.S. that are directly associated with educational or research activities. Tribal Nations: An American Indian or Alaska Native tribe, band, nation, pueblo, village, or community that the Secretary of the Interior acknowledges as a federally recognized tribe pursuant to the Federally Recognized Indian Tribe List Act of 1994, 25 U.S.C. §§ 5130-5131. Other Federal Agencies and Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs): Prospective proposers from Other Federal Agencies and FFRDCs, including NSF sponsored FFRDCs, must follow the guidance in PAPPG Chapter I.E.2 regarding limitations on eligibility.
Geographic Eligibility
All
Application Opens
Not specified
Application Closes
February 4, 2026
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