The National Science Foundation (NSF) Chemical Oceanography Program supports research focused on the chemistry of the oceans and their role in global geochemical cycles. This program seeks to advance scientific knowledge in areas such as oceanic chemical composition, speciation, transformation processes, chemical exchanges between oceans and other components of the Earth system, and internal cycling within oceans, seas, and estuaries. Additionally, it supports studies that use chemical distributions as indicators of physical, biological, and geological processes.

The funding opportunity is open to projects that examine the fundamental aspects of marine chemistry, including biogeochemical transformations, chemical fluxes, and the interactions between marine chemistry and global environmental changes. Research funded under this program may focus on understanding how chemical changes in oceanic systems impact broader ecological and climate systems.

Eligible applicants must submit proposals in accordance with the NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG) when applying through Research.gov or follow the NSF Grants.gov Application Guide if applying through Grants.gov. The submission process requires strict adherence to proposal preparation guidelines and deadlines. Applicants must ensure that proposals align with the stated objectives of the program.

Proposals are accepted annually, with target submission dates of August 15 and February 15 each year. For the 2025 cycle, the upcoming deadlines are August 15, 2025, and February 17, 2026, continuing annually thereafter. These deadlines serve as target dates for submission, and applicants are encouraged to prepare and submit their proposals well in advance.

The NSF Chemical Oceanography Program is administered under the Directorate for Geosciences (GEO) and the Division of Ocean Sciences (GEO/OCE). For inquiries related to the program, applicants can contact the program representatives, including Dr. Henrietta Edmonds (hedmonds@nsf.gov, (703) 292-7427), Dr. Elizabeth Canuel (ecanuel@nsf.gov, (703) 292-7938), Dr. Katsumi Matsumoto (kmatsumo@nsf.gov, (703) 292-7139), and Dr. Rolf E. Sonnerup (rsonneru@nsf.gov, (703) 292-8169).