MUREP Earth System Science Research (MUREP ESSR) | NNH24ZHA003C ESSR

Opportunity Information: Apply for NNH24ZHA003C ESSR

The MUREP Earth System Science Research (MUREP ESSR) Notice of Funding Opportunity from NASA is designed to create and support Earth System Science Research Institutes led by Minority-Serving Institutions (MSIs). The core idea is to strengthen MSI-led research and education programs that can accelerate discovery and innovation across a wide range of Earth science topics, while directly aligning that work with the NASA Earth Science to Action Strategy 2024-2034. These institutes are meant to connect cutting-edge Earth science research with real-world needs, especially in ways that benefit communities and decision makers, and to build stronger pathways for students and faculty from underrepresented backgrounds to engage with NASA-relevant science, data, and careers.

A central eligibility and compliance requirement is that proposals must originate from an institution that is officially designated by the U.S. Department of Education as an MSI as of the proposal due date. In addition, every proposal must explicitly respond to one of the seven Science Research Case Concepts listed in Appendix 13-A (MUREP ESSR Science Research Case Concepts and Contacts). This requirement is not optional: proposals that do not clearly map to one of those case concepts will not be reviewed or considered for an award. In practice, this means applicants need to pick a specific case concept, shape the institute research plan around it, and demonstrate alignment with the Earth Science to Action focus areas.

The research approach must be grounded in NASA Earth science assets. Proposals are required to demonstrate a clear link to, and central use of, past, present, or future NASA Earth science data and/or models. Acceptable sources include NASA satellite remote sensing data (including joint missions with interagency and international partners), data relevant to future NASA observing systems, NASA or NASA-affiliated suborbital data such as airborne campaigns and surface-based networks, and data obtained through NASA's Commercial Small sat Data Acquisition (CSDA) Program. Other non-NASA data sources may be included to complement the work, but NASA data should be the primary data foundation. All proposed data use and sharing must align with NASA's Open Science Management Plan guidelines, reinforcing expectations around accessibility, transparency, and responsible data stewardship.

NASA lays out four required program goals that proposals must address as a complete set. The first is advancing understanding of Earth as an interconnected system to meet environmental change challenges and improve life on Earth. The second is creating distinctive opportunities for a diverse set of students and faculty to contribute to NASA's broader mission of exploration and discovery. The third focuses on building a diverse future STEM workforce by engaging students in authentic experiences connected to NASA people, content, and facilities. The fourth goal emphasizes designing opportunities that align with NASA workforce needs and the nation's aerospace and Earth science priorities, with a particular focus on advancing knowledge of Earth's climate.

The NOFO also specifies three required objectives that proposals must cover. The first objective is to build research and education institutes that study ecosystem impacts, environmental hazards, and the fragility of the MSI's region, and to do so in collaboration with stakeholder groups, reflecting an emphasis on partnerships and community-engaged work. The second objective is to bridge the gap between Earth observations and decision makers who can benefit from the resulting insights, with the intent of accelerating the practical impact of NASA Earth science for public benefit. The third objective is centered on observing and understanding the planet and supporting resource management responses to threats driven by both natural processes and human-induced environmental change.

From an administrative standpoint, this is a discretionary funding opportunity from NASA using a cooperative agreement, indicating NASA expects an active collaboration role during the period of performance rather than a hands-off grant relationship. It is listed under CFDA 43.008 and categorized under Education, reflecting the dual emphasis on research excellence and workforce and training outcomes. NASA anticipates making around six awards, with an award ceiling of $1,200,000 per award. The funding opportunity number is NNH24ZHA003C ESSR, and the original application closing date is 2024-10-30.

• The National Aeronautics and Space Administration in the education sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "MUREP Earth System Science Research (MUREP ESSR)" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 43.008.
• This funding opportunity was created on 2024-08-01.
• Applicants must submit their applications by 2024-10-30. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $1,200,000.00 in funding.
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 6 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: Others.

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