Chemical Oceanography
Grants for studying ocean chemistry & its role in global systems - focus on composition, exchanges, cycling, & chemical indicators in oceans.
Funder: U.S. National Science Foundation
Due Dates: August 17, 2026
Funding Amounts: $200,000–$2,000,000 per award; approx. $26,000,000 total program funding; ~20 awards expected
Summary: Supports research on the chemistry of oceans and their role in global geochemical cycles, including chemical composition, transformation, and exchanges with other Earth system components.
Description
This opportunity supports fundamental research into the chemistry of the oceans and the role of oceans in global geochemical cycles. The program encourages studies on:
- Chemical composition, speciation, and transformation within oceanic environments
- Chemical exchanges between oceans and other Earth system components (atmosphere, land, sediments, biosphere)
- Internal cycling of chemical elements and compounds in oceans, seas, and estuaries
- Use of chemical distributions as indicators of physical, biological, and geological processes
The program is open to a broad range of research topics advancing the understanding of marine chemistry and its implications for Earth’s systems.
