The International Ocean Discovery Program, supported by the National Science Foundation and its international partners, facilitates fundamental research in marine geosciences. The program’s objectives, as outlined in the science plan "Illuminating Earth's Past, Present, and Future," involve using various drilling platforms to expand knowledge of climate, environmental systems, Earth's crust, and geological processes. The United States contributes through the drillship JOIDES Resolution, managed by Texas A&M University, while Japan operates the deep-drilling vessel Chikyu, and Europe provides Mission Specific Platforms for specialized research projects in high-latitude and shallow-water environments.

The United States Science Support Program, managed by Columbia University's Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory, provides funding for U.S. researchers to participate in expeditions, panel meetings, and post-expedition research. This includes grants for planning and conducting initial research after drilling expeditions. Funding opportunities include support for pre-expedition activities, workshops on specific scientific themes, and supplemental grants up to $18,000 for post-expedition research.

Proposals must adhere to NSF’s guidelines and submission requirements through Research.gov or Grants.gov. These guidelines ensure that proposals meet the scientific and logistical needs of the program. U.S. researchers are encouraged to apply for support and participate in advancing the understanding of Earth's geological history through the International Ocean Discovery Program.