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

February 17, 2026 | August 17, 2026

Estimated total program funding: $10,000,000; Minimum award: $250,000

Supports fundamental research on the physical structure, movement, and interactions of the ocean with the atmosphere, solid earth, ice, and biological or chemical processes.

--- ## Description The Physical Oceanography Program, funded by the U.S. National Science Foundation, supports research on a broad range of topics related to the physical dynamics of the ocean. This includes studies of ocean structure and movement, transport of various quantities within the ocean, interactions between the ocean's physical structure and biological or chemical processes, and the interplay between the ocean and its surrounding systems—such as the atmosphere, solid earth, and ice. The program aims to advance understanding of the fundamental processes that govern the ocean's behavior and its role in the Earth system. --- ## Due Dates - February 17, 2026 (Original closing date for applications) - August 17, 2026 (Current closing date for applications) --- ## Funding Amount - **Estimated Total Program Funding:** $10,000,000 - **Minimum Award (Award Floor):** $250,000 - **No cost sharing or matching required** Award sizes and durations may vary depending on the scope of the proposed research. --- ## Eligibility - **Eligibility is unrestricted:** Open to all types of organizations and individuals, including universities, research institutions, nonprofits, for-profit organizations, and others. - There are no specific eligibility restrictions noted beyond standard NSF requirements. --- ## Application Process - Proposals must be submitted in accordance with the requirements specified in the funding opportunity and the [NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG)](https://www.nsf.gov/policies/pappg). - Submission is through [Grants.gov](https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/361184) or NSF’s FastLane/Research.gov systems. - Proposals must address the program’s scientific scope and follow all formatting and documentation requirements. - Review and compliance with updated NSF research security policies is required. --- ## Additional Information - No cost sharing or matching is required. - All awards are subject to NSF’s revised award conditions effective October 1, 2024. - Proposals must comply with NSF’s research security training and reporting requirements. - The program is administered by the Directorate for Geosciences, Division of Ocean Sciences (GEO/OCE). --- ## External Links - [NSF Program Description & Additional Information](http://www.nsf.gov/funding/pgm_summ.jsp?pims_id=12729) - [NSF Physical Oceanography Program Page](https://www.nsf.gov/funding/opportunities/physical-oceanography) - [Grants.gov Listing & Application Portal](https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/361184) - [NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG)](https://www.nsf.gov/policies/pappg/24-1) --- ## Contact Information | Name | Email | Phone | Organization | |-----------------|-----------------------------|--------------|--------------| | Baris M. Uz | [bmuz@nsf.gov](mailto:bmuz@nsf.gov) | (703) 292-4557 | GEO/OCE | | Sean C. Kennan | [skennan@nsf.gov](mailto:skennan@nsf.gov) | (703) 292-7575 | GEO/OCE | | Sabine Mecking | [smecking@nsf.gov](mailto:smecking@nsf.gov) | (703) 292-2435 | GEO/OCE | | NSF Grants.gov Support | [grantsgovsupport@nsf.gov](mailto:grantsgovsupport@nsf.gov) | | | For general NSF inquiries: - Email: [info@nsf.gov](mailto:info@nsf.gov) - Phone: 1-703-292-5111 - [NSF Contact Page](https://new.nsf.gov/about/contact-us)

Physical Oceanography

Sign in to see full grant listing