[American Astronomical Society](https://aas.org)

July 8, 2025 (anticipated, based on previous cycles)

Up to $175,000/year for up to 2 years (Regular) | $50,000–$75,000 for 1 year (Small)

Supports research projects making impactful scientific use of archival SOFIA data from the NASA/IPAC Infrared Science Archive (IRSA).

Open to U.S.-affiliated astronomers; early career researchers encouraged to apply.

--- ## Description The SOFIA Archival Research Program (SARP) funds research projects that utilize archival data from the Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA), with data available through the NASA/IPAC Infrared Science Archive (IRSA). The program aims to encourage the astronomical community to analyze, interpret, and publish results from SOFIA's extensive infrared datasets, maximizing the scientific return of this unique observatory. SARP is intended to complement NASA’s ongoing astrophysics data analysis programs and supports both scientific analysis and, where justified, the development of new theoretical tools or laboratory efforts that directly support the proposed research. --- ## Due Dates - Anticipated proposal deadline: **July 8, 2025** (based on the most recent cycle; check the program page for updates) *All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates.* --- ## Funding Amount - **Regular Proposals:** Up to $175,000 per year for up to 2 years (larger amounts considered in exceptional cases) - **Small Proposals:** $50,000–$75,000 for up to 1 year (with possible 1-year no-cost extension) - Early career researchers (graduate students and postdocs) are especially encouraged to apply for Small Proposals. --- ## Eligibility - Open to all qualified astronomers affiliated with a U.S. institution. - Early career researchers, including graduate students and postdocs, are encouraged to apply (if not permitted to hold grants, a faculty member can serve as the 'US Lead Investigator'). - Proposals must focus on the analysis of publicly available SOFIA archival data; new observations are not eligible. --- ## Application Process - **Proposal Preparation:** Clearly identify the SOFIA archival datasets to be used, state the scientific problem and its relevance, and include a detailed budget and justification. - **Submission:** Proposals must be submitted via the [USPOT tool](https://dcs.arc.nasa.gov/observationPlanning/installUSPOT/uspotDownload.jsp) (version 4.5.0 or later). - **Required Documents:** - [Call for Proposals](https://irsa.ipac.caltech.edu/data/SOFIA/docs/sites/default/files/2022-05/SOFIA_Archival_2022_v1.0.pdf) - [USPOT Manual](https://irsa.ipac.caltech.edu/data/SOFIA/docs/sites/default/files/2022-12/uspot.pdf) - [Grant Budget Guidelines](https://irsa.ipac.caltech.edu/data/SOFIA/docs/sites/default/files/Other/Documents/Grant_Budget_Funding_Guidelines.pdf) - [Grant Progress Report Template](https://irsa.ipac.caltech.edu/data/SOFIA/docs/sites/default/files/Other/Documents/Progress_Report_Template.docx) - **Support:** An informational webinar and seminar series are typically offered prior to the deadline. --- ## Additional Information - Proposals may include support for theoretical or laboratory work (excluding equipment) if directly relevant to the SOFIA archival data analysis. - The program is designed to facilitate timely publication of results. - Proposals may also incorporate supporting data from other observatories as relevant to the SOFIA data analysis and publication. - No new SOFIA observations may be proposed. --- ## External Links - [SOFIA Archival Research Program (SARP) Information](https://irsa.ipac.caltech.edu/data/SOFIA/docs/proposing-observing/proposal-calls/sofia-archival-research-program/sofia-archival-research-program/index.html) - [Call for Proposals PDF](https://irsa.ipac.caltech.edu/data/SOFIA/docs/sites/default/files/2022-05/SOFIA_Archival_2022_v1.0.pdf) - [SOFIA Science Archive (IRSA)](https://irsa.ipac.caltech.edu/Missions/sofia.html) - [USPOT Proposal Submission Tool](https://dcs.arc.nasa.gov/observationPlanning/installUSPOT/uspotDownload.jsp) - [AAS General Funding Opportunities](https://aas.org/subjects/general-funding-opportunities) - [SOFIA Archival Research Webinar Video](https://youtu.be/CYwoRx8117I) --- ## Contact Information | Contact | Details | |------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | SOFIA HelpDesk | [sofia_help@sofia.usra.edu](mailto:sofia_help@sofia.usra.edu) | | IRSA Help Desk | [Contact Page](https://irsa.ipac.caltech.edu/docs/help_desk.html) | | American Astronomical Society | [Contact Page](https://aas.org/contact) | | Program Documentation | [SOFIA Documentation Home](https://irsa.ipac.caltech.edu/data/SOFIA/docs/) |

Funding Available for SOFIA Archival Research

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