Structure and Physics of the Solid Earth

The Structure and Physics of the Solid Earth (SPSE) Program is a funding initiative of the National Science Foundation (NSF), operating under the Directorate for Geosciences and the Division of Earth Sciences. This new solicitation, NSF 25-518, was posted on December 6, 2024, and represents a reorganization of the disciplinary funding programs within the Division of Earth Sciences. It supports research aimed at understanding the fundamental processes shaping Earth’s structure from the core to the crust, with a specific interest in phenomena that influence geohazards such as earthquakes and mass flows. The SPSE Program encourages a wide variety of research topics across structural geology, tectonics, and geophysics, with acceptable methodologies including laboratory experiments, fieldwork, theoretical analyses, and computational modeling. Research areas of interest include tectonic deformation, geohazard physics, mantle dynamics, core structure, and planetary processes that inform understanding of Earth. Proposals may also address topics such as the geodynamo, Earth’s magnetic field history, and isostatic adjustments across Earth’s internal boundaries. Projects integrating cross-disciplinary approaches are encouraged and may be jointly reviewed and funded with other NSF programs when appropriate. The total anticipated funding available through this program is approximately $22 million, with an estimated 60 to 75 awards expected. SPSE may issue either Standard or Continuing Grants depending on project needs and funding availability. While there are no restrictions on the number of proposals an organization or individual can submit, all proposals must conform to the NSF’s Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG). Letters of intent and preliminary proposals are not required for this opportunity. Notably, proposals are accepted on a rolling basis with no formal deadlines, making the opportunity continually open to submissions. Eligible applicants include U.S.-based institutions of higher education (two- and four-year colleges, including community colleges) and non-profit, non-academic research entities such as independent museums, observatories, and professional societies. No cost-sharing or matching funds are required, and proposals that include international components must clearly justify their necessity. Proposals must also comply with requirements regarding student mentoring plans, collaboration letters, and field safety protocols. Applicants are required to describe any permits or formal approvals necessary for their work and submit data and sample management plans in accordance with EAR division policy. Submissions may be made through Research.gov or Grants.gov, though collaborative proposals must be submitted via Research.gov. Each proposal must include a clearly articulated project description, evaluation metrics, and integration of broader impacts. SPSE particularly encourages efforts to broaden participation in STEM fields by underrepresented groups and institutions, including HBCUs, TCUs, community colleges, women’s colleges, and MSIs. The program also supports conference proposals, community workshops, and international collaborations. Additional submission types such as RAPID, EAGER, and planning proposals are accepted with prior program officer approval. For inquiries, applicants are directed to contact SPSE program staff by phone at (703) 292-5058 or email at spse@nsf.gov. Specific program officers listed include Wendy Panero (wpanero@nsf.gov), Kimberly D. Blisniuk (kblisniu@nsf.gov), and Luciana Astiz (lastiz@nsf.gov). Applications can be submitted at any time, and the program remains open for the foreseeable future with no expiration date currently specified.

Proposals must adhere to NSF’s PAPPG guidelines. A field safety protocol, mentoring plan for undergraduates, and letters of collaboration (where applicable) are required.