Observational Technologies
Forecasted
Observational Technologies supports researchers developing and testing glacier and ice-sheet observing technologies to improve measurements and models and help reduce catastrophic sea-level rise risk.
Funder: Arête Glacier Initiative
Due Dates (Anticipated): August 2027 (Application deadline)
Funding Amounts: Up to $250,000 over 1–2 years; up to 10% overhead
Summary: Supports development and testing of early-stage technologies for observing glacier and ice-sheet processes relevant to sea-level rise.
Key Information: Development or adaptation is required; deployment of existing polar-rated systems is not supported.
Description
Arête Glacier Initiative funds ambitious research that advances observational technologies for glaciers and ice sheets. The program seeks more precise, durable, distributed, or lower-cost instruments that improve measurements and provide usable observations for ice-sheet and climate models. Its broader goal is to reduce the risk of catastrophic sea-level rise by improving the ability to monitor, forecast, and respond to ice-sheet instability.
Priorities include subglacial access and autonomous sensors; radar, seismic, and drone-mounted instruments; improved spatial and temporal coverage; and measurements beneath ice shelves and at the ice-ocean interface. Projects may develop emerging technologies or adapt technologies proven in other environments for polar observations. Expected outputs include prototypes demonstrating measurable performance improvements, technical reports, or peer-reviewed publications. Cross-disciplinary and cross-institutional collaborations are welcome, and other relevant observational approaches may be considered.
