Biological Oceanography
Can you apply?
This grant is for researchers and academic institutions conducting fundamental research in biological oceanography and marine ecology. Eligible applicants typically include universities, research institutions, and colleges with research capacity. Projects must address population, community, or ecosystem ecology in estuarine, coastal, open ocean, deep sea, or Great Lakes environments.
Research must have compelling ecological or oceanographic context. The program prioritizes work that significantly advances understanding of marine or Great Lakes ecosystems. Interdisciplinary projects are encouraged, especially those co-funded with other NSF divisions.
This grant is for researchers and academic institutions conducting fundamental research in biological oceanography and marine ecology. Eligible applicants typically include universities, research institutions, and colleges with research capacity. Projects must address population, community, or ecosystem ecology in estuarine, coastal, open ocean, deep sea, or Great Lakes environments.
Research must have compelling ecological or oceanographic context. The program prioritizes work that significantly advances understanding of marine or Great Lakes ecosystems. Interdisciplinary projects are encouraged, especially those co-funded with other NSF divisions.
Program description
The Biological Oceanography Program supports fundamental research in biological oceanography and marine ecologyin environments ranging from estuarine, coastal, and open ocean systems to the deep sea, as well as in the Great Lakes.Proposals submitted to the Program must have a compelling context in population, community, or ecosystem ecology or oceanography, as well as address topics that will contribute significantly to the understanding of marine or Great Lakes ecosystems. The Program supports interdisciplinary research and often co-reviews and co-funds projects with various programs in theDivision of Ocean Sciencesand theDirectorate of Biological Sciences(BIO), among others.Details on research topics funded by the Program, including supplements, RAPIDS, and EAGERS, can be found by selecting the link under Related URLS titled: “Additional Program Information.” To view research projects funded by the Program select the link below titled “What Has Been Funded (Recent Awards Made Through This Program, with Abstracts).”
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
Details
This grant is for researchers and academic institutions conducting fundamental research in biological oceanography and marine ecology. Eligible applicants typically include universities, research institutions, and colleges with research capacity. Projects must address population, community, or ecosystem ecology in estuarine, coastal, open ocean, deep sea, or Great Lakes environments.
Research must have compelling ecological or oceanographic context. The program prioritizes work that significantly advances understanding of marine or Great Lakes ecosystems. Interdisciplinary projects are encouraged, especially those co-funded with other NSF divisions.
How to apply
Application links
Required documents
- NSF standard Grant Proposal Form (Check NSF.gov for current form numbers)
- Project Narrative/Scientific Description
- Budget and Budget Justification
- Biographical Sketches (Senior Personnel)
- Current and Pending Support
- Data Management Plan
- Facilities/Equipment Description
- Letter(s) of Support (if applicable)
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
-
$640,746,599
-
$399,999,980
-
$220,735,035
-
$100,533,563
-
$82,550,071
-
$73,335,203
-
$68,622,497
-
$66,599,053
-
$64,462,832
-
$63,916,877
Top States by Funding
- TX 4 awards $689.8M
- MA 15 awards $645.3M
- OR 5 awards $452.3M
- CA 12 awards $285.2M
- 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 other organizations with research capabilities can apply. Individual researchers typically apply through their institutional affiliation.
What types of research are funded?
Fundamental research in biological oceanography and marine ecology across estuarine, coastal, open ocean, deep sea, and Great Lakes environments. Population, community, and ecosystem ecology studies are priorities.
Is there a deadline?
The fixed deadline is August 17, 2026. Check NSF's website for any rolling submission windows or program-specific deadline changes.
What makes a competitive application?
Strong proposals demonstrate compelling ecological context, significant potential to advance marine ecosystem understanding, and often involve interdisciplinary collaboration or co-funding opportunities with related programs.
Are there funding limits?
Award amounts vary. Review the NSF Biological Oceanography Program page for current funding ranges and budget guidelines for your project type.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Establish clear ecological or oceanographic context for your research question. Vague or incremental studies are less competitive.
- Consider interdisciplinary collaboration or connections to related NSF programs (Ocean Sciences, Biological Sciences). Co-funded projects are often encouraged.
- Review recent funded projects in this program to understand current funding priorities and research trends.
- Align your budget and timeline realistically with project scope. NSF evaluates feasibility carefully.
- Include detailed data management and sharing plans. NSF emphasizes open science and public data access.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Lack of compelling ecological context or unclear significance to marine ecosystem understanding. Applications that are purely descriptive or incremental without strong theoretical framing struggle. Insufficient interdisciplinary framing when the project could benefit from cross-program collaboration or co-funding.
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