Coupling, Energetics, and Dynamics of Atmospheric Regions
Can you apply?
This grant is for research organizations studying atmospheric dynamics and energy coupling in Earth's atmosphere. Eligible applicants include colleges, universities, research institutes, and other organizations with research capacity. The program supports fundamental atmospheric science research conducted in the United States. Funded activities include investigations of atmospheric processes, modeling, observations, and theoretical work related to coupled atmospheric regions.
This grant is for research organizations studying atmospheric dynamics and energy coupling in Earth's atmosphere. Eligible applicants include colleges, universities, research institutes, and other organizations with research capacity. The program supports fundamental atmospheric science research conducted in the United States. Funded activities include investigations of atmospheric processes, modeling, observations, and theoretical work related to coupled atmospheric regions.
Program description
The Coupling, Energetics, and Dynamics of Atmospheric Regions (CEDAR) program supports research to increase our understanding of the behavior of atmospheric regions from the middle atmosphere upward through the thermosphere and ionosphere into the exosphere. Projects explore coupling, energetics, chemistry, and dynamics on regional and global scales. The research topics include investigations of upper atmosphere responses due to a) processes driven by the lower atmospheric perturbations and (b) solar radiation and particle inputs from above. The activities supported by this program include observations from ground-based and space-based platforms, as well as theory and modeling of the upper atmosphere of the Earth and other planets in our solar systems. Novel approaches that include AI and ML tools and open data and open science practices are encouraged.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
Details
This grant is for research organizations studying atmospheric dynamics and energy coupling in Earth's atmosphere. Eligible applicants include colleges, universities, research institutes, and other organizations with research capacity. The program supports fundamental atmospheric science research conducted in the United States. Funded activities include investigations of atmospheric processes, modeling, observations, and theoretical work related to coupled atmospheric regions.
How to apply
Application links
Required documents
- NSF Proposal Cover Page (SF-424 R&R)
- Project Narrative (technical description)
- References Cited
- Budget and Budget Justification
- Biographical Sketches (key personnel)
- Current and Pending Support
- Facilities, Equipment, and Other Resources statement
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?
Colleges, universities, research institutions, and nonprofit research organizations. Individual researchers need institutional affiliation.
What is the application deadline?
March 3, 2027. Applications open November 14, 2024. Check NSF Grants.gov for exact submission times.
What types of research are funded?
Fundamental atmospheric science focusing on energy coupling and dynamics. Includes observational, theoretical, and modeling studies of atmospheric regions.
How competitive is this program?
NSF atmospheric science grants are highly competitive. Strong proposals typically demonstrate novel research questions and institutional support.
What is the typical funding range?
NSF atmospheric programs typically award grants ranging from $100,000 to $500,000+. Budget depends on project scope and duration.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Align your research with NSF's atmospheric science priorities and demonstrate innovation in studying atmospheric coupling and energetics.
- Include letters of commitment from your institution and collaborators showing institutional support for your research.
- Provide clear research objectives with measurable outcomes and explain how your work advances fundamental atmospheric science understanding.
- Budget carefully for personnel, equipment, and travel. NSF scrutinizes indirect costs closely.
- Use NSF's online resources and past solicitations to understand reviewer expectations and competitive proposals in atmospheric science.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Submitting proposals without clear connections to atmospheric coupling and dynamics. Underestimating the importance of institutional research infrastructure and support letters. Weak evaluation plans that don't measure research outcomes or broader impacts.
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