Collaborations in Artificial Intelligence and Geosciences (CAIG)

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.