Biological Oceanography | PD 23 1650

FAQs: NSF Biological Oceanography Program (PD 23 1650)

What is this funding opportunity?

This opportunity is the National Science Foundation (NSF) Biological Oceanography Program, Funding Opportunity Number PD 23 1650. It is a discretionary grant program that supports fundamental research in biological oceanography and marine ecology.

What kinds of research does the program fund?

The program funds fundamental, hypothesis-driven research aimed at improving core scientific understanding of how aquatic ecosystems function. Proposals are expected to be grounded in strong ecological or oceanographic theory and to make a meaningful contribution to knowledge of marine or Great Lakes ecosystems.

Is the program focused on basic research or applied/local studies?

Based on the description provided, the emphasis is on fundamental, hypothesis-driven work that advances general understanding. Projects should go beyond narrowly local outcomes or purely descriptive studies and should be framed so that results contribute to broader knowledge of marine or Great Lakes ecosystems.

Which aquatic environments are included?

Supported study environments span estuaries and coastal zones, the open ocean, deep-sea systems, and the Great Lakes.

What does it mean for a proposal to be grounded in a strong ecological or oceanographic framework?

It means the proposal should clearly connect its research questions and methods to established areas such as population ecology, community ecology, ecosystem ecology, and/or biological oceanography. The framing should show how the work fits within, tests, or advances these conceptual frameworks.

What disciplines or approaches does NSF encourage in this program?

A major theme is interdisciplinarity. The program description indicates that projects often link biological patterns and processes with complementary perspectives such as physical oceanography, biogeochemistry, ecosystem modeling, and observational and experimental approaches, including work across different spatial and temporal scales.

Can proposals be co-reviewed or co-funded with other NSF programs?

Yes. NSF notes that Biological Oceanography proposals may intersect with other areas across the Division of Ocean Sciences and the Directorate for Biological Sciences (BIO). When the science spans multiple disciplines, projects may be co-reviewed and co-funded with other NSF programs.

Who is eligible to apply?

The listing states the opportunity is open to unrestricted eligible applicants (as defined by the listing). For exact eligibility rules and any organization-specific requirements, applicants should consult the official NSF program page and related links referenced for the opportunity.

How is this opportunity categorized (CFDA) and what is the general area?

It is categorized under Science and Technology and other Research and Development, with CFDA 47.050.

What is the closing date?

The original closing date shown in the provided information is August 15, 2025.

Does the listing provide an award ceiling or expected number of awards?

No. The provided source text does not specify an award ceiling or the expected number of awards. Applicants are directed to rely on the program’s official NSF page and related links for current guidance on typical award sizes, submission windows, and portfolio priorities.

Where can applicants find the most up-to-date guidance on what topics are funded?

The program points applicants to an “Additional Program Information” link described as the place to find details on specific research topics the program funds.

Are supplements or special NSF mechanisms mentioned for this program?

Yes. The “Additional Program Information” resource is described as including information about supplements and NSF mechanisms such as RAPIDS (for urgent, time-sensitive research needs) and EAGER (for exploratory, potentially transformative early-stage ideas).

How can applicants see examples of projects that have been funded recently?

The program references a “What Has Been Funded” resource that provides recent awards and abstracts. This can help applicants understand the types of questions, methods, and interdisciplinary approaches that have recently been competitive.

What is the overall goal of the program?

The stated goal is to improve core scientific understanding of how aquatic ecosystems function, across a range of marine and Great Lakes environments.

What should a competitive proposal emphasize, based on the description provided?

Based on the program description, proposals should emphasize: (1) fundamental, hypothesis-driven questions; (2) strong grounding in ecological and/or oceanographic theory; (3) relevance to understanding marine or Great Lakes ecosystems in a way that is not narrowly local or purely descriptive; and (4) where appropriate, interdisciplinary integration with related fields or methods.