Geospace Environment Modeling | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the NSF Geospace Environment Modeling (GEM) opportunity?

The NSF Geospace Environment Modeling (GEM) opportunity is a discretionary grant program in the science and technology/research and development category. It supports community-driven basic research focused on Earth's magnetosphere and its connections to the upper atmosphere and the solar wind, with an emphasis on modeling and prediction.

What is the main purpose of the GEM program?

GEM is aimed at improving scientific understanding of how geospace behaves and evolves. Its long-term goal is to produce a global Geospace General Circulation Model (GGCM) that can describe, and ultimately predict, large-scale magnetospheric dynamics.

What kinds of scientific topics does GEM emphasize?

The program emphasizes the underlying physics of geospace, including both its structural organization and its time-dependent behavior during quiet periods as well as disturbed conditions such as geomagnetic storms and substorms.

Is GEM focused on modeling, observations, or both?

Based on the description provided, GEM has a modeling-oriented vision. It supports work that strengthens global-scale simulation and predictive modeling, including improvements to simulation frameworks, coupling interfaces, and data-model comparisons.

What is a Geospace General Circulation Model (GGCM) in the context of this opportunity?

In this opportunity, a GGCM is described as a global, predictive model intended to represent large-scale magnetospheric dynamics. NSF frames the desired outcome as a predictive capability that can describe and ultimately predict how geospace behaves.

Does GEM require a single modeling approach?

No. The opportunity is not limited to a single modeling approach. NSF describes the GGCM as something that may be built as a modular system or organized around a central "spine" model (for example, a global magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) model) that links to specialized modules.

What is meant by a "spine" model and modular system?

The solicitation describes a "spine" model as a central model (with a global MHD model provided as an example) that can connect to specialized modules. A modular system implies components that can be coupled together, potentially allowing different parts of the geospace system to be modeled through linked elements rather than one monolithic code base.

What kinds of projects could fit under GEM based on the stated goals?

Examples of activities explicitly aligned with the program description include improving global-scale simulation frameworks, developing or validating coupling interfaces between model components, advancing data-model comparisons, and targeting key physical processes that must be represented correctly for prediction to be credible.

Does GEM support work at boundaries between systems (for example, magnetosphere-ionosphere coupling)?

Yes. The emphasis on coupling indicates proposals may focus on boundaries where the magnetosphere interacts with the ionosphere-thermosphere system, as well as where solar wind energy and momentum enter the system, as long as the work strengthens broader modeling and predictive objectives.

What are GEM Focus Groups?

GEM is organized around Focus Groups, described as collaborative, problem-centered teams formed to tackle specific gaps in understanding and modeling the magnetosphere. They are used to define high-impact science questions, coordinate community efforts, and accelerate progress toward the GGCM goal.

Where can applicants learn about active Focus Groups and how GEM is structured?

The solicitation points applicants to the GEMwiki site for details on program structure, which Focus Groups are currently active, and how new Focus Groups can be proposed or created.

Can new Focus Groups be proposed or created under GEM?

Yes. The description notes that information on how new Focus Groups can be proposed or created is available via the GEMwiki, and it signals that the program is designed to be responsive to emerging scientific challenges.

What is the funding mechanism for this opportunity?

The opportunity uses a grant mechanism and is described as a discretionary grant program.

Is cost sharing or matching required?

No. The opportunity states there is no cost sharing or matching requirement.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is listed as unrestricted, meaning it is broadly open to applicant types, subject to any clarifications NSF may include in the full announcement.

How many awards and how much total funding were anticipated for the referenced cycle?

NSF anticipated around 12 awards with an estimated total funding amount of $750,000 for the referenced cycle described.

What are the key identifiers for this funding opportunity (publication number, opportunity number, CFDA)?

The opportunity is listed under NSF Publication 10-510 with Funding Opportunity Number 10-510 and CFDA number 47.050 (Geosciences).

What was the historical proposal deadline schedule mentioned?

The opportunity historically used an annual full proposal deadline of October 15, with specific deadlines shown for October 15, 2010 and October 15, 2011, followed by "October 15, annually thereafter" through the listed current closing date of October 15, 2015.

What is the listed archive date?

The archive date listed for the opportunity is November 14, 2015.

What should applicants do if they cannot access the announcement through Grants.gov?

The notice directs applicants who have trouble accessing the announcement through Grants.gov to contact NSF Grants.gov support at grantsgovsupport@nsf.gov.

How does GEM encourage coordination across the research community?

GEM uses Focus Groups to coordinate community efforts around high-impact questions and specific gaps in modeling and understanding. The structure is described as encouraging coordination across researchers working on related parts of the geospace system, supporting a community pathway toward a functional GGCM.