2027 New Faculty Awards Request for Proposals
California Sea Grant’s 2027 New Faculty Awards fund applied research by new California faculty on coastal resilience, fisheries, and ecosystems, prioritizing community-driven, collaborative science.
Funder: California Sea Grant
Due Dates: August 26, 2026 (Letter of Intent) | September 23, 2026 (Full Proposal)
Funding Amounts: Up to $100,000 per project (direct + indirect costs); total pool $600,000; project duration up to 9 months.
Summary: Supports applied research by new California-based faculty addressing coastal resilience, fisheries, and ecosystems with strong community engagement.
Key Information: 25% non-federal match required; only new faculty (first research position after June 1, 2023) at California universities eligible.
Description
California Sea Grant’s New Faculty Awards support early-career faculty at California-based universities in conducting applied research that advances solutions for the state’s coastal communities, ecosystems, and fisheries. The program prioritizes projects that are community-driven, collaborative, and produce tangible benefits for California’s coastal and Indigenous or less-resourced communities. Funded research must align with one or more of California Sea Grant’s strategic focus areas: Resilient Communities and Economies, Sustainable Fisheries (fisheries-focused only), or Healthy Coastal Ecosystems. Proposals are expected to demonstrate meaningful engagement with community partners and generate outcomes that inform resource management, build capacity, or foster continued collaboration.
