Structure and Physics of the Solid Earth
🏛 U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF)
✓ Free, no account · Source: Grants.gov · Last verified Jul 17, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for researchers and academic institutions conducting fundamental research in solid Earth science. Eligible applicants typically include universities, colleges, research institutions, and individual researchers affiliated with institutions in the U.S. This NSF program supports investigations into the structure, composition, dynamics, and physical properties of the Earth's interior and crust. Funded activities include field studies, laboratory experiments, computational modeling, and theoretical work addressing core questions in geophysics, seismology, tectonics, and mineral physics. The geographic scope is international in terms of research locations, though applicants must be based in or affiliated with U.S. institutions.
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Program description
The Structure and Physics of the Solid Earth Program (SPSE) aims to advance fundamental knowledge about the ongoing dynamical processes over the age of the Earth that evolve the structure of planet Earth and underpin geohazards. SPSE supports research at all temporal and spatial scales, from the Earth’s core to its crust. Through laboratory, field, theoretical, and computational studies, the program encompasses a wide range of disciplines including structural geology, tectonics, and geophysics. Research in these areas can help improve our understanding of natural hazards including earthquakes and mass flows, as well as Earth’s formation and its magnetic field.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Required documents
- NSF PAPPG standard forms (typically SF-424, SF-424A or equivalent)
- Project narrative (typically 15 pages)
- Budget and budget justification
- References and bibliographic citations
- Biographical sketches (CVs) for all senior personnel
- Current and pending support documentation
- Letters of collaboration (if applicable)
- Facilities and equipment description
- Data management plan
Program contact
- 👤 U.S. National Science Foundation
- 📧 grantsgovsupport@nsf.gov
- 📞 703-292-4203
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 47.050 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
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$640,746,599
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$399,999,980
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$220,735,035
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$106,638,563
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$82,550,071
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$74,280,323
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$73,335,203
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$68,622,497
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$64,462,832
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$63,916,877
Top States by Funding
- TX 4 awards $689.8M
- MA 16 awards $667.5M
- OR 5 awards $452.4M
- CA 12 awards $286.7M
- NY 7 awards $217.5M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 47.050). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2024 | $1,009,920,000 | |
| 2025 | $1,013,630,000 | |
| 2026 est. | $374,350 |
FAQ
Who can apply for this grant?
Universities, colleges, research institutions, and individual faculty or researchers affiliated with U.S.-based academic institutions are eligible. Some grants may be available to international researchers at U.S. institutions.
What type of research does this program fund?
The program supports fundamental research on Earth's structure and physical processes, including seismology, tectonics, mineral physics, geodynamics, and related subdisciplines of solid Earth science.
Is there a deadline for applications?
This is a rolling deadline program, meaning applications can be submitted throughout the year. Check the NSF website for any specific submission windows or review cycles.
How competitive is this funding?
NSF programs are highly competitive. Success rates typically range from 20-30%, with preference given to novel research approaches, strong preliminary data, and clear intellectual merit and broader impacts.
What is the typical funding range?
Grants typically range from $100,000 to $500,000+ over 2-3 years, depending on project scope and institution type. Check the current program solicitation for exact funding guidelines.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Align your research with NSF priorities: clearly articulate intellectual merit (advancing knowledge) and broader impacts (societal benefit, education, diversity, infrastructure)
- Build strong collaborations: multi-institutional projects and partnerships with international researchers strengthen competitiveness
- Use preliminary data strategically: demonstrate feasibility with pilot studies, prior publications, and institutional support
- Follow NSF formatting requirements precisely: page limits, font sizes, figure quality, and budget justifications are strictly enforced
- Emphasize methodological rigor: describe your research design, validation approaches, and contingency plans in detail
⚠️ Common mistakes
Applications often fail because they lack clear broader impacts beyond scientific publications, fail to demonstrate how the research advances fundamental knowledge, or present unrealistic budgets and timelines. Another common issue is insufficient detail on methodology or failure to address potential weaknesses in the proposed research approach. Reviewers also penalize applications that don't clearly connect to NSF program goals or that underestimate project complexity.
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