ROSES 2025: B.4 Space Weather Science Application Research-to-Operations-to-Research

The Space Weather Research-to-Operations-to-Research (SWR2O2R) opportunity is a program element under NASA’s Research Opportunities in Space and Earth Sciences (ROSES). Administered by the Heliophysics Division of NASA’s Science Mission Directorate, this program supports applied research and applications aimed at improving space weather forecasting, user-responsive modeling tools, and operational readiness. NASA released the ROSES-2025 omnibus announcement to solicit proposals for research that aligns with national priorities and NASA’s mission to improve understanding and preparedness for space weather events. SWR2O2R emphasizes research that is directly informed by the needs of operational users such as NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center, the Department of Defense, or NASA’s own mission directorates. The key objective is to fund two-year projects that begin at a minimum of Readiness Level (RL) 2 and advance at least two levels by the end of the performance period. Proposals must demonstrate how the work will transition toward real-world use and meet end-user needs. Interdisciplinary teams are encouraged, particularly those incorporating social sciences, economic analysis, or human factors into the research. Eligible entities include U.S.-based institutions, with certain exceptions for international participants operating under no-exchange-of-funds agreements. The program is open to universities, private sector organizations (including nonprofits and for-profits), government labs, and more. Proposal submissions must follow a two-step process. A Step-1 proposal (due August 26, 2025) is required and must be approved before a Step-2 proposal (due April 10, 2026) can be submitted. The application process is dual-anonymous to minimize bias during review, with extensive anonymization requirements applying to both the scientific and budget sections. Key proposal components include demonstration of user need, articulation of existing capabilities and gaps, clear transition pathways to operational use, detailed performance metrics, and a plan for user engagement throughout the project lifecycle. Step-2 proposals must also include an anonymized Open Science and Data Management Plan. Detailed guidelines and templates are provided through NSPIRES, NASA’s proposal submission portal. Awards will typically be structured as grants or cooperative agreements, with an anticipated $1 million budget to fund 3–5 projects. Selected PIs are expected to submit quarterly and annual progress reports and participate in annual team meetings held during the Space Weather Workshop in Boulder, CO. The earliest expected project start date is approximately six months following the Step-2 deadline. Applicants are strongly encouraged to review ROSES B.1, the Heliophysics Research Program Overview, and the ROSES Summary of Solicitation for complete requirements. Further guidance and program documents can be found on the NSPIRES program element page. Questions about this program may be directed to Jamie Favors or Esayas Shume at NASA Headquarters via the emails provided.

Carefully anonymize all documents; proposals that violate dual-anonymous rules will be rejected. Co-design with end users is strongly encouraged and increases competitiveness. Proposals must detail user need, proposed application, and performance metrics.