Physical Oceanography
🏛 U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF)
✓ Free, no account · Source: Grants.gov · Last verified Sep 4, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for research institutions and individual researchers studying physical oceanography and marine processes. Eligible applicants include universities, colleges, national laboratories, and nonprofit research organizations. Non-U.S. citizens may apply if they are employed by or affiliated with eligible U.S. institutions. Funded activities include field research, laboratory studies, modeling, and data analysis of ocean currents, waves, coastal processes, and related physical phenomena.
Researchers must demonstrate scientific merit and broader impacts of their work. Graduate and postdoctoral researchers can apply as principal investigators if affiliated with eligible institutions. International collaborations are encouraged but the applicant organization must be U.S.-based.
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Program description
The Physical Oceanography Program supports research on a wide range of topics associated with the structure and movement of the ocean, with the way in which it transports various quantities, with the way the ocean’s physical structure interacts with the biological and chemical processes within it, and with interactions between the ocean and the atmosphere, solid earth and ice that surround it.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Required documents
- NSF Form 1207 (Biographical Sketch) for each senior personnel member
- NSF Form 1345 (Disclosure of Conflict of Interest)
- Project Narrative (Research Plan)
- Budget Justification
- Facilities and Equipment Description
- Letters of Support from collaborators or data providers (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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$125,964,875
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$82,550,071
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$76,780,323
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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 $701.0M
- MA 12 awards $647.6M
- OR 5 awards $456.1M
- DC 4 awards $241.5M
- CA 13 awards $236.2M
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
What types of organizations can apply?
Universities, colleges, community colleges, national laboratories, and nonprofit research organizations are eligible. Your institution must have a DUNS number and be registered in SAM.gov.
What research areas does this program fund?
Physical oceanography including ocean dynamics, waves, coastal processes, currents, and related marine phenomena. Interdisciplinary projects connecting physical oceanography to biology or chemistry are welcome.
What is the typical funding range?
NSF oceanography grants typically range from $100,000 to $500,000+ depending on project scope. Funding amounts vary; check the program solicitation for specific guidance.
How competitive is this program?
This is a highly competitive NSF program with success rates typically 20-30%. Proposals must demonstrate clear scientific merit and innovative approaches.
When are proposals due?
The next deadline is August 17, 2026. Proposals must be submitted before 5 PM ET on the deadline date.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Start with a clear research question and explain why it matters to oceanography and society.
- Include letters of support from collaborators, especially if using their facilities or data.
- Use NSF's merit review criteria: intellectual merit and broader impacts. Address both explicitly.
- Budget carefully and justify all costs, including personnel, equipment, and travel for fieldwork.
- Involve students and early-career researchers; NSF values workforce development in STEM.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Weak broader impacts section that fails to connect research to education or public engagement. Underestimating logistics and costs for oceanographic fieldwork, leading to unrealistic budgets. Proposing research that lacks novelty or clear advancement over existing work in the field.
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