Biological Oceanography | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is this NSF funding opportunity?

This is a discretionary grant opportunity from the National Science Foundation (NSF) within the Division of Ocean Sciences (OCE), Biological Oceanography Program. It supports research that advances marine ecology in a broad sense, including studies in the oceans and the Great Lakes.

What research areas does the Biological Oceanography Program support?

The program supports research in marine ecology broadly defined. In practical terms, it funds studies that examine relationships among aquatic organisms and how those organisms interact with their surrounding environments in ocean or Great Lakes systems.

Are Great Lakes projects included, or is this only for ocean research?

Great Lakes systems are explicitly included. The scope covers marine and large-lake systems, including ecological dynamics and biological processes in both oceans and the Great Lakes.

What types of scientific questions are a good fit for this program?

Projects are generally a good fit when they focus on biological processes and ecological dynamics, including how physical, chemical, and biological factors shape communities, populations, and ecosystem function in marine or Great Lakes environments.

How broad is the program scope?

The scope is intentionally wide, covering biological processes and ecological dynamics across marine and large-lake systems. It includes work examining interactions among organisms and their environments, and how multiple drivers influence ecology and ecosystem function.

Does NSF expect proposals to be interdisciplinary?

Yes. A central feature of the opportunity is its emphasis on interdisciplinary work. Many proposals combine multiple approaches or scientific disciplines.

Can projects collaborate with other NSF ocean science programs?

Yes. Projects may involve collaboration with other NSF Division of Ocean Sciences (OCE) programs, particularly when the work crosses traditional boundaries and remains centered on biological oceanography and ecological interactions.

What kinds of cross-disciplinary linkages are mentioned as relevant?

The description notes that proposals can link organismal biology with ocean physics, biogeochemistry, climate variability, or ecosystem modeling, as long as the core focus stays within biological oceanography and ecological interactions in marine or Great Lakes environments.

What is the Funding Opportunity Number for this program?

The Funding Opportunity Number is PD 98 1650.

How is this opportunity categorized (type and field)?

It is categorized as a grant opportunity within the broader field of Science and Technology and other Research and Development.

What CFDA number is associated with this opportunity?

The opportunity falls under CFDA 47.050 (Geosciences).

Is cost sharing or matching required?

No cost sharing or matching requirement is indicated. This generally means applicants are not expected to provide mandatory institutional matching funds as a condition of eligibility.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is listed as unrestricted, meaning the competition is open to any type of applicant entity, subject to any additional eligibility clarifications contained in the official program materials.

Where can applicants find the official program guidance?

NSF provides an additional information link to the official NSF program description for PD 98 1650, which is the most authoritative source for fit, expectations, and related program connections.

Are there recurring proposal due dates?

Yes. The full proposal target date schedule is listed as February 15 and August 15 each year.

What are the key dates listed for this opportunity record?

The original posting date is March 5, 2009. The original closing date is August 15, 2009. A listed current closing date is August 15, 2015. An archive date is shown as September 14, 2025.

Does the archive date mean proposals are still being accepted?

Not necessarily. The archive date typically indicates how long the opportunity information remains available in archived form, rather than implying ongoing submission acceptance beyond the listed closing date.

What should applicants do if they have trouble accessing or submitting through Grants.gov?

Applicants encountering access issues are directed to NSF Grants.gov support at grantsgovsupport@nsf.gov.

Is there a contact for linking problems in the announcement?

The announcement notes separate contact guidance for linking problems, but the specific contact line appears incomplete in the provided source text.