Chemical Oceanography
🏛 U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF)
✓ Free, no account · Source: Grants.gov · Last verified Jul 15, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for researchers studying chemical oceanography and marine chemistry. Academic institutions, universities, and research organizations can apply. Geographic scope includes U.S.-based research institutions and eligible international collaborators. Funded projects typically advance understanding of ocean chemistry, seawater composition, and chemical processes in marine ecosystems.
NSF typically requires applicants to have research infrastructure and qualified personnel. Graduate students and postdoctoral researchers can be supported on these grants. Individual researchers, research teams, and collaborative groups are all eligible to apply.
Eligibility focuses on scientific merit and capability to conduct oceanographic research. Applications must align with NSF's marine science priorities and chemical oceanography research directions.
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Program description
TheChemical OceanographyProgram supports research into the chemistry of the oceans and the role of the oceans in global geochemical cycles. Areas of interest include chemical composition, speciation, and transformation; chemical exchanges between the oceans and other components of the Earth system; internal cycling in oceans, seas, and estuaries; and the use of measured chemical distributions as indicators of physical, biological, and geological processes.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Required documents
- NSF PAPPG Cover Sheet (NSF Form 1207)
- Project Narrative (research description and methodology)
- Budget and Budget Justification
- Biographical Sketches of senior personnel
- Current and Pending Support documentation
- Letters of collaboration (if applicable)
- 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 NSF Chemical Oceanography grants?
Academic researchers at universities and research institutions can apply. Researchers must be affiliated with an eligible organization. Individual scientists with institutional support are eligible.
What types of projects are funded?
Projects studying ocean chemistry, seawater composition, and marine chemical processes. Research on chemical cycling, pollution, and oceanographic methods are common. Interdisciplinary projects connecting chemistry to biology or geology may qualify.
Are graduate students and postdocs eligible?
Yes, they can be supported as personnel on grants. They cannot be the primary applicant but can lead significant research components. Funding for their stipends and training is typical.
How competitive are these grants?
NSF research grants are highly competitive. Success rates typically range from 20-30%. Strong preliminary data and clear research methodology improve chances.
What is the typical funding range?
Most awards range from $100,000 to $500,000 over 2-3 years. Large collaborative projects may exceed this range. Budget size depends on research scope and duration.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Establish preliminary data or pilot results showing feasibility of your research approach. Strong evidence of methodology increases competitiveness.
- Align your proposal with NSF Chemical Oceanography program priorities. Review recent funded abstracts to understand current emphasis areas.
- Include a clear timeline with milestones and expected outcomes for each project year. Realistic timelines demonstrate planning rigor.
- Emphasize broader impacts beyond science: education, public understanding, or application to marine management. NSF values societal benefits equally with research merit.
- Build collaborative partnerships with other institutions or international researchers when relevant. Diversity of expertise strengthens proposals.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Proposals lacking preliminary data or evidence of research feasibility. Vague methodology sections that don't clearly explain how you'll answer research questions.
Failing to address NSF's broader impacts criterion adequately. Applications focused purely on research merit without discussing educational or societal benefits typically score lower.
Unrealistic budgets or timelines that don't align with proposed scope. Reviewers evaluate whether the budget and time requested match the actual work described.
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