Ocean Drilling Program
🏛 U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF)
✓ Free, no account · Source: Grants.gov · Last verified Jul 27, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant supports U.S. scientists participating in the International Ocean Discovery Program (IODP). Research institutions, universities, and individual scientists can apply to conduct research aboard the JOIDES Resolution drillship or collaborate on IODP expeditions.
The program funds research proposals that advance marine geoscience knowledge. Eligible activities include seismic surveys, core analysis, paleoclimate research, and crustal studies. Proposals must align with IODP science objectives outlined in the international science plan.
Applicants must have institutional affiliation. The program is open to U.S.-based researchers and institutions. International collaboration is encouraged through IODP partnerships.
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Program description
International Ocean Discovery Program Operations
The International Ocean Discovery Program (IODP) serves to advance basic research in the marine geosciences and is supported by the National Science Foundation (NSF) and its international partners. The science plan, Illuminating Earth’s Past, Present, and Future: The International Ocean Discovery Program Science Plan for 2013-2023, provides justification for the United States’ participation in the IODP and reflects the top priorities of the international science community. A multi-platform approach is required to address the goals outlined in the IODP science plan, including a non-riser vessel to collect widely-distributed high-resolution cores to address climate, environmental, crustal and observatory science objectives; a heavy riser-equipped vessel to reach the deep sedimentary and crustal layers; and mission-specific platforms to support high-latitude and shallow-water projects.
The light drillship, JOIDES Resolution, is provided by the U.S. National Science Foundation. Science operations for the JOIDES Resolution are conducted through a Cooperative Agreement with Texas A&M University with scientific planning conducted by the JOIDES Resolution Facility Board.
The Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) of Japan provides the heavy drillship, Chikyu (Earth), to conduct the deep drilling projects in the new program. The Center for Deep Earth Exploration of the Independent Administrative Institution, Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC) operates the vessel for IODP. Scientific planning for Chikyu IODP operations is conducted by the Chikyu IODP Board.
Mission Specific Platforms (MSP) are provided by the European Consortium for Ocean Research Drilling (ECORD). The ECORD Facility Board conducts scientific planning for MSP expeditions and the platforms themselves are operated by the European Science Operator (ESO).
A Science Support Office (SSO) is provided by Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California San Diego under a Cooperative Agreement with the National Science Foundation. The SSO’s primary tasks include:
- providing logistical support for the JOIDES Resolution Facility Board and its advisory panels
- overseeing the proposal submission and review process
- managing the Site Survey Data Bank
- providing a gateway website to IODP scientific planning
U.S. scientific community involvement in IODP is facilitated by the United States Science Support Program (USSSP) for Ocean Drilling. USSSP is run by Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory of Columbia University under a Cooperative Agreement with the National Science Foundation. USSSP’s primary tasks are:
- support for U.S.-based researchers to participate on IODP expeditions, participate on the IODP advisory panels, and conduct initial post-expedition research
- support for planning and thematic workshops and pre-drilling activities to collect, refine, and/or integrate site specific and/or regional data that aid in planning drilling expeditions
- support outreach activities on IODP drilling platforms, for graduate students fellowships, and an IODP-themed lecture series.
United States Science Support for Drilling-Related Research
Grant support for drilling-related research performed by United States scientists is available from the NSF. Proposals for most pre-expedition (e.g., site characterization) and post-expedition studies should be submitted through the appropriate NSF programs, such as Ocean Sciences Marine Geology and Geophysics, Earth Sciences, Polar Programs, etc.
Additional drilling-related research support for United States scientists may be obtained via the U.S. Science Support Program. Funding opportunities from this NSF-sponsored program include, but are not limited to:
- supplemental funding (<$18,000) for post-expedition research by U.S scientists who participate in IODP expeditions
- planning activities, such as workshops on specific ocean-drilling scientific themes, topics, or geographic regions
- pre-drilling activities to acquire data or information that will enhance a drilling expedition.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- Proposal narrative with research objectives and methods
- Site survey data and drilling site justification
- Budget and cost estimate
- Institutional support letter
- CV or biographical information for key personnel
- Letters of collaboration from international partners (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
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$640,746,599
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$399,999,980
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$220,735,035
-
$109,737,723
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$82,550,071
-
$74,280,323
-
$73,335,203
-
$68,622,497
-
$64,462,832
-
$63,916,877
Top States by Funding
- TX 4 awards $689.8M
- MA 16 awards $685.3M
- OR 5 awards $452.4M
- CA 12 awards $299.5M
- DC 4 awards $237.5M
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 IODP funding?
U.S. scientists and research institutions can apply. Postdocs, graduate students, and faculty are all eligible. Individual researchers must have institutional affiliation.
What types of research does IODP support?
The program funds marine geoscience research including paleoclimate, deep-sea drilling, crustal studies, and environmental science. Research must advance understanding of Earth's past, present, and future.
Is there a deadline for applications?
IODP operates on a rolling proposal review process. Check the USSSP website for specific expedition deadlines, which vary by platform.
How competitive is this funding?
IODP is highly competitive. Only the strongest scientific proposals are selected. International peer review ensures high scientific standards.
What is the typical funding level?
Awards typically range from $300,000 to over $1 million depending on project scope. Funding covers shiptime, equipment, and research support.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Align your proposal directly with IODP science plan priorities for marine geoscience research. Review the 2013-2023 science plan before submitting.
- Partner with experienced IODP researchers who have shiptime experience. Collaboration strengthens competitiveness.
- Plan site surveys and data collection carefully. NSF expects detailed methods and clear research objectives.
- Build relationships with JOIDES Resolution Facility Board members. Attend USSSP workshops and advisory meetings.
- Start early on proposal development. IODP expeditions require extensive planning and coordination across international teams.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Proposals lacking alignment with IODP science plan priorities are rejected frequently. Poor site survey data or inadequate drilling site justification weakens applications. Vague research objectives or unclear methods reduce competitiveness significantly.
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