ROSES 2025: A.9 User-Centered Applications with Large Earth Foundation Models

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), through its Science Mission Directorate (SMD), has released the "User-Centered Applications with Large Earth Foundation Models" grant program as part of its ROSES omnibus solicitation. This initiative supports user-driven research that harnesses large foundation models tailored to Earth science applications. Funded projects are expected to explore novel uses of these models to address pressing scientific, societal, or operational challenges in Earth system science. Applicants are encouraged to align proposals with the mission and scope of ROSES 2025, which encompasses a broad range of research initiatives under the Earth Science Division (Appendix A). Proposers must submit their applications via the NASA Solicitation and Proposal Integrated Review and Evaluation System (NSPIRES). Notices of Intent (NOIs) are optional but strongly encouraged and are due by December 4, 2025. Full proposals must be submitted by January 9, 2026. The pre-proposal webinar for this program element is scheduled for November 24, 2025. The application process includes submission through NSPIRES with attention to the specific requirements laid out in ROSES Appendix A. Proposals that intend to use the NASA Center for Climate Simulation high-end computing facility must include $0.09 per SBU in their budgets, as outlined in Section 7.3 of the ROSES-25 A.1 Earth Science Research Overview. The expected funding mechanism is primarily through grants and cooperative agreements, and although awards can also be made through contracts, they are generally excluded unless specifically warranted by the nature of the proposed work. The typical award duration is three years, though shorter or longer periods may be acceptable depending on the specifics of each project. While the number of awards is unspecified, NASA anticipates multiple selections depending on the quality of submissions and available funding. Cost sharing is not required. Eligibility is broad but includes an important restriction: proposers must be affiliated with U.S.-based institutions registered in NSPIRES. While proposals from foreign entities are accepted under specific no-exchange-of-funds policies, these organizations must consult the NASA Grant and Cooperative Agreement Manual (GCAM) for eligibility and compliance details. Institutions must demonstrate capability and infrastructure appropriate for the proposed research. Evaluation criteria for this program will follow NASA’s standard peer review processes. Emphasis will be placed on scientific merit, relevance to NASA objectives, innovation, feasibility, and the qualifications of the project team. Proposers must review the full ROSES 2025 Summary of Solicitation and refer to Tables 2 or 3 for program-specific details, including the announcement document for A.9, accessible via NSPIRES. General inquiries about the ROSES 2025 solicitation can be directed to the office of the SMD Deputy Associate Administrator for Research via sara@nasa.gov. For this specific program element, the point of contact is Emily Sylak-Glassman, who can be reached at eglassman@nasa.gov or (202) 358-1122. Additional information, updates, and FAQs can be accessed on the ROSES-2025 blog and the SMD mailing lists.

Include $0.09/SBU in budget if using the NASA Center for Climate Simulation facility; follow Section 7.3 of ROSES-25 Earth Science Research Overview.