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

February 17, 2026

No minimum or maximum; typical awards range from 1–5 years based on project scope.

Supports fundamental research in biological oceanography and marine ecology, from estuarine and coastal systems to the deep sea and the Great Lakes.

--- ## Description The Biological Oceanography Program supports fundamental research that advances understanding of biological processes and interactions within marine and Great Lakes ecosystems. Projects may focus on environments ranging from estuarine and coastal systems to the open ocean and deep sea. The program emphasizes research embedded in population, community, or ecosystem ecology or oceanography and encourages interdisciplinary approaches. Projects that contribute significantly to the understanding of marine or Great Lakes ecosystems are especially sought. The program often co-reviews and co-funds proposals with related programs in the Division of Ocean Sciences and the Directorate of Biological Sciences. --- ## Due Dates - February 17, 2026 --- ## Funding Amount - There is no set minimum or maximum award amount. - Award durations typically range from 1 to 5 years, depending on the scope and complexity of the proposed project. - Funding is contingent on project merit and available NSF resources. --- ## Eligibility - Eligibility is unrestricted; open to all categories of applicants, including: - Universities and colleges - Nonprofit and for-profit organizations - Government agencies - International organizations - Individuals --- ## Application Process - All proposals must be submitted in accordance with the [NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG)](https://www.nsf.gov/policies/pappg). - Proposals should clearly articulate the ecological or oceanographic context and the significance of the research to marine or Great Lakes ecosystems. - Submission is through the NSF FastLane or Research.gov systems. - No cost sharing or matching is required. --- ## Additional Information - Interdisciplinary and collaborative projects are encouraged. - Proposals may include requests for supplements, RAPIDs, and EAGERs. - Awardees must comply with updated NSF research security policies, including research security training and annual certifications as required. --- ## External Links - [Program Page & Additional Information](https://www.nsf.gov/funding/opportunities/biooce-biological-oceanography) - [Recent Awards Made Through This Program](https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/search-results?ProgEleCode=165000&BooleanElement=Any&BooleanRef=Any&ActiveAwards=true#results) - [NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG)](https://www.nsf.gov/policies/pappg) - [Division of Ocean Sciences (OCE)](https://www.nsf.gov/geo/oce) - [Additional Program Resources](https://new.nsf.gov/geo/oce/BioOce) --- ## Contact Information | Name | Email | Phone | Organization | |---------------------|---------------------------------|---------------|--------------| | Jayne Gardiner | [jgardine@nsf.gov](mailto:jgardine@nsf.gov) | (703) 292-4828 | GEO/OCE | | Stephanie Kamel | [skamel@nsf.gov](mailto:skamel@nsf.gov) | (703) 292-4753 | GEO/OCE | | Cynthia L. Suchman | [csuchman@nsf.gov](mailto:csuchman@nsf.gov) | (703) 292-2092 | GEO/OCE | | NSF Grants.gov Support | [grantsgovsupport@nsf.gov](mailto:grantsgovsupport@nsf.gov) | | NSF |

Biological Oceanography

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