The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Science Mission Directorate (SMD) has announced the funding opportunity ROSES 2025: D.4 Astrophysics Theory as part of the annual Research Opportunities in Space and Earth Sciences (ROSES) 2025 solicitation. This funding opportunity is designed to support astrophysics research through theoretical studies that advance the fundamental understanding of astrophysical phenomena. The program aims to foster innovation in the field by funding projects that develop new models, refine existing theories, and contribute to the interpretation of observational data.

This grant is part of NASA's broader effort to support research in space and Earth sciences. The ROSES 2025 solicitation consists of multiple program elements, each with specific topics and deadlines, covering various aspects of fundamental and applied science research. The primary funding instruments for this opportunity are grants and cooperative agreements, and funding will be allocated based on the quality and scientific merit of the proposals. While the funding details, such as the award ceiling, floor, and total program funding, are not explicitly stated, successful applicants will receive financial support for a period typically lasting three years, though some projects may be eligible for up to five years.

Eligibility for this grant is primarily limited to institutions affiliated with NASA’s NSPIRES system. While funding is generally provided only to U.S. institutions, international organizations may apply under a no-exchange-of-funds policy, meaning they must secure their own funding sources. Additionally, some NASA Research Announcements (NRAs) may be issued in collaboration with non-U.S. organizations, such as those supporting guest observer programs. Applicants from international institutions should consult the NASA Proposer’s Guide for further details on eligibility and funding restrictions.

The submission process requires applicants to retrieve and complete the necessary forms from the provided NASA solicitation tables. These forms must be attached to the proposal package and submitted electronically through the designated NASA proposal submission system. Applicants can find specific instructions and program details through Tables 2 and 3 of the ROSES 2025 solicitation. These tables list the program elements, deadlines, and other key details necessary for proposal preparation.

The application deadline for this funding opportunity is July 3, 2025, with an archive date of August 2, 2025. While the solicitation was officially released on February 21, 2025, additional program elements may be added throughout the year. To stay informed, applicants are encouraged to subscribe to NASA's SMD mailing lists, the ROSES-2025 blog feed, and the ROSES-2025 due date Google calendar.

For further inquiries regarding this funding opportunity, applicants can contact Sanaz Vahidinia of the Astrophysics Division at NASA Headquarters in Washington, DC. She can be reached at (202) 510-1982 or via email at HQ-ATP@mail.nasa.gov. Additionally, general questions about the ROSES-2025 solicitation may be directed to the Office of the SMD Deputy Associate Administrator for Research at sara@nasa.gov.