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

Proposals accepted anytime

$250,000–$1,500,000 per award | ~$6.3M total annually | ~30 awards/year

Supports interdisciplinary research on geochemical and biological processes at or near Earth's surface, including geobiology, low-temperature geochemistry, and related tool/method development.

--- ## Description The Geobiology and Low-Temperature Geochemistry program funds research that advances understanding of geochemical processes in terrestrial surface environments, as well as the interactions between geochemical and biological systems. The program supports a broad range of studies—including fieldwork, laboratory experiments, theoretical analyses, and modeling—across all spatial and temporal scales. Research topics may include: - Inorganic and/or organic geochemical processes at or near Earth's surface (past or present) - The role of life in Earth's geochemical cycles - Surficial chemical and biogeochemical systems, including impacts of environmental change and human activity - Low-temperature aqueous geochemistry - Mineralogy and chemistry of Earth materials - Geomicrobiology and biomineralization - Medical mineralogy and geochemistry - Development of new tools, methods, and models for low-temperature geochemistry and geobiology The program is highly interdisciplinary and encourages proposals that integrate geochemistry with physical and biological processes, especially in the critical zone. Transformational, high-risk, and cutting-edge research is particularly encouraged. --- ## Due Dates - Proposals accepted at any time (no specific deadline) --- ## Funding Amount - Typical award range: $250,000–$1,500,000 per project - Estimated total program funding: ~$6,300,000 per year - Expected number of awards: ~30 annually - Standard or continuing grant mechanisms - No cost-sharing or matching required --- ## Eligibility Eligible applicants include: - U.S.-based institutions of higher education (two- and four-year, including community colleges) accredited and with a campus in the U.S., acting on behalf of their faculty - U.S.-based non-profit, non-academic organizations directly associated with educational or research activities (e.g., independent museums, observatories, research labs, professional societies) - International branch campuses of U.S. institutions may be included with strong justification for activities abroad There are no restrictions on who may serve as Principal Investigator (PI). --- ## Application Process - Proposals may be submitted via [FastLane](https://www.fastlane.nsf.gov), [Research.gov](https://www.research.gov), or [Grants.gov](https://www.grants.gov) - Follow the latest [NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG)](https://www.nsf.gov/policies/pappg/24-1) - No letters of intent or preliminary proposals required - Collaborative proposals from multiple organizations must be submitted via FastLane - Proposals must address the [NSF merit review criteria](https://www.nsf.gov/bfa/dias/policy/merit_review/): Intellectual Merit and Broader Impacts - Adherence to the [EAR Data Policy](https://www.nsf.gov/bfa/dias/policy/dmp.jsp) is required --- ## Additional Information - Equipment requests within proposals should generally not exceed $50,000; larger requests may require a separate proposal to the Instrumentation and Facilities Program - Proposals involving international collaboration or fieldwork must include relevant permits and letters of collaboration - For large, interdisciplinary projects, contact the Program Officer prior to submission - Resubmission policy: Declined proposals may not be resubmitted for one year and must be substantially revised (see [EAR resubmission policy](https://www.nsf.gov/geo/ear/resubmission_policy.jsp)) --- ## External Links - [Program solicitation and details (NSF 15-559)](http://www.nsf.gov/publications/pub_summ.jsp?ods_key=nsf15559) - [Official grants.gov listing](https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/359384) - [Program page (latest version)](https://www.nsf.gov/funding/opportunities/geobiology-low-temperature-geochemistry/13689) - [NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide](https://www.nsf.gov/policies/pappg/24-1) - [NSF merit review criteria](https://www.nsf.gov/bfa/dias/policy/merit_review/) - [EAR Data Policy](https://www.nsf.gov/bfa/dias/policy/dmp.jsp) --- ## Contact Information | Contact | Email | Phone | |--------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------|-----------------| | General program inquiries: | [jpettrid@nsf.gov](mailto:jpettrid@nsf.gov) (Julie C. Pett-Ridge) | (703) 292-2613 | | NSF Grants.gov support: | [grantsgovsupport@nsf.gov](mailto:grantsgovsupport@nsf.gov) | | | FastLane/Research.gov Help Desk: | [fastlane@nsf.gov](mailto:fastlane@nsf.gov) / [rgov@nsf.gov](mailto:rgov@nsf.gov) | 1-800-673-6188 | | Grants.gov Contact Center: | [support@grants.gov](mailto:support@grants.gov) | 1-800-518-4726 | | NSF Information Center: | | (703) 292-5111 | ---

Geobiology and Low-Temperature Geochemistry (GG)

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