The "Carbon Cycle Science" program (A.5) under NASA's ROSES 2024 omnibus research announcement focuses on advancing the understanding of carbon dynamics and their influence on Earth's ecosystems and climate. Managed by NASA's Science Mission Directorate, this funding opportunity encourages research addressing critical carbon cycle questions through observational, experimental, and modeling approaches. The program is discretionary, with funding provided via grants or cooperative agreements. Proposals for this opportunity must be submitted by February 19, 2025, with optional Notices of Intent (NOIs) encouraged by October 17, 2024.

The objective of the Carbon Cycle Science program is to deepen knowledge of carbon sources, sinks, and fluxes, particularly in terrestrial and aquatic systems. Research supported by this initiative may contribute to monitoring and predicting changes in carbon cycle processes and their impacts on the Earth's climate system. The program aligns with NASA's broader mission to use Earth observation data for sustainable management and understanding of the planet's natural resources.

Eligible applicants include U.S.-based institutions registered in NASA's NSPIRES system. International organizations may also participate under no-exchange-of-funds agreements, provided their proposals align with the NASA Grant and Cooperative Agreement Manual (GCAM). Collaboration among government, private, for-profit, and not-for-profit organizations is encouraged, with no restrictions on teaming arrangements.

Applications are evaluated on the basis of scientific merit, alignment with program goals, feasibility, and team qualifications. Proposals must address program-specific objectives detailed in the program element description available on NSPIRES. Interested parties should review the program documentation, including the GCAM, for detailed submission requirements and guidance.

Proposers must retrieve application instructions and complete the required forms, which are available as a zip file on the NSPIRES platform. Questions about general ROSES policies can be directed to the SMD's lead for research, while program-specific inquiries should be addressed to designated program managers Laura Lorenzoni and Ryan Pavlick.

Key dates include the optional NOI submission deadline on October 17, 2024, and the final proposal submission deadline on February 19, 2025. Proposers can stay updated on amendments or new opportunities by subscribing to NASA's SMD mailing lists, blog feeds, or Google calendars. Contact information for program managers and additional resources are available on the program's NSPIRES page.

This funding opportunity provides an avenue for scientists and institutions to contribute to advancing carbon cycle science, an area of growing importance in understanding and mitigating climate change. Researchers in relevant fields are encouraged to apply.