[U.S. National Science Foundation](https://www.nsf.gov/)

Proposals accepted anytime

Estimated total program funding: $22,000,000; 60–75 awards expected per year; typical award size varies by project scope.

Supports fundamental research on the structure and physics of the solid Earth, including geodynamics, tectonics, seismology, and related fields.

--- ## Description The Structure and Physics of the Solid Earth (SPSE) Program supports research to advance understanding of the dynamic processes shaping Earth’s structure from the core to the crust. The program encompasses laboratory, field, theoretical, and computational studies across a broad range of disciplines including structural geology, tectonics, geophysics, geodynamics, geomagnetism, seismology, mineral physics, and related fields. Research funded by SPSE aims to improve knowledge of geohazards (such as earthquakes and mass flows), planetary formation, and the Earth’s magnetic field. Projects may be single- or multi-investigator, collaborative, or involve international partners. The program also welcomes proposals for community workshops, planning activities for large-scale efforts, and interdisciplinary projects that integrate Earth science questions across fields and methodologies. --- ## Due Dates - Proposals accepted anytime --- ## Funding Amount - Estimated total program funding: $22,000,000 annually. - Expected number of awards: 60–75 per year. - Award size and duration: Varies by project scope; both standard and continuing grants are made. - No cost-sharing or matching required. --- ## Eligibility - **Institutions of Higher Education (IHEs):** Accredited two- and four-year institutions (including community colleges) in the U.S., acting on behalf of their faculty. - **Non-profit, non-academic organizations:** Independent museums, observatories, research laboratories, professional societies, and similar organizations in the U.S. directly associated with educational or research activities. - **International branch campuses of U.S. IHEs:** Proposals involving these must justify the benefit and necessity of work at the branch campus. - No restrictions on who may serve as PI or co-PI. - No limit on the number of proposals per organization or per PI/co-PI. --- ## Application Process - **Submission platforms:** [Research.gov](https://www.research.gov/) or [Grants.gov](https://www.grants.gov/). - **Proposal preparation:** Follow the [NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG)](https://www.nsf.gov/publications/pub_summ.jsp?ods_key=pappg) and the [NSF Grants.gov Application Guide](https://www.nsf.gov/publications/pub_summ.jsp?ods_key=grantsgovguide). - **Required documents:** Full proposal (no letter of intent or preliminary proposal required). - **Special requirements:** - Undergraduate student mentoring plan (if undergraduates involved). - Field safety protocols (if fieldwork is proposed). - Data and sample management plan. - Letters of collaboration (if applicable). - Permits or formal approvals (if required for the research). - **Review criteria:** Proposals are evaluated on Intellectual Merit and Broader Impacts, per NSF standards. --- ## Additional Information - The program encourages broadening participation in STEM, including proposals from institutions serving underrepresented groups. - Proposals for RAPID, EAGER, Planning, and Conference grants are accepted but require prior program officer approval. - Projects that integrate lessons from planetary science or address both Earth and other planetary bodies are welcome. - Proposals declined by the program are not eligible for resubmission for one year unless substantially revised. --- ## External Links - [Program Solicitation and Details](https://www.nsf.gov/funding/opportunities/spse-structure-physics-solid-earth/nsf25-518/solicitation) - [NSF Publication 25-518](http://www.nsf.gov/publications/pub_summ.jsp?ods_key=nsf25518) - [Apply via Grants.gov](https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/357578) - [NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide](https://www.nsf.gov/policies/pappg/24-1) --- ## Contact Information | Name/Group | Email | Phone | |-----------------------------|-------------------------------|-----------------| | SPSE Program Inquiries | spse@nsf.gov | (703) 292-5058 | | Wendy Panero | wpanero@nsf.gov | (703) 292-5058 | | Kimberly D. Blisniuk | kblisniu@nsf.gov | (703) 292-4522 | | Luciana Astiz | lastiz@nsf.gov | (703) 292-4705 | | NSF Grants.gov Support | grantsgovsupport@nsf.gov | - | | NSF Information Center | nsfpubs@nsf.gov | (703) 292-5111 | ---

Structure and Physics of the Solid Earth

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