The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has released a funding opportunity under the Research Opportunities in Space and Earth Sciences (ROSES) – 2024 program. This specific opportunity, titled "E.9 Space Biology: Research Studies," aims to support research in space biology, furthering scientific knowledge related to biological and physical processes in space environments. The funding is part of NASA’s broader Science Mission Directorate (SMD) initiative, which encompasses various research areas in space and Earth sciences. The grant will be awarded as either a cooperative agreement or a standard research grant, depending on the specifics of the proposal. This funding opportunity is designed to encourage innovative scientific investigations that align with NASA’s research objectives.

Eligibility for this grant is generally limited to U.S.-based institutions, with some exceptions for foreign organizations that meet NASA's no-exchange-of-funds policy. Eligible applicants include universities, nonprofit organizations, and other research institutions registered within NASA’s proposal system (NSPIRES). Proposals from international entities may be considered under specific circumstances outlined in NASA’s Proposer’s Guide. Additionally, the solicitation includes clarifications on eligibility for Early Career Investigators, ensuring opportunities for emerging researchers in the field of space biology.

The grant does not specify a fixed award ceiling or floor, allowing for flexibility in funding based on the scope of the proposed research. The period of performance for awarded projects is typically three years, though some programs may allow for durations up to five years or shorter as specified in the program details. The research studies funded under this program will focus on critical biological questions relevant to human spaceflight, space agriculture, and other space-based biological processes. The solicitation has also updated guidance regarding space crops, specifying the types of organisms that can be used in experiments.

Applicants must follow a two-step submission process. The Step-1 proposal submission deadline is February 25, 2025, and the Step-2 proposal deadline is May 20, 2025. The Step-2 proposal can only be submitted if a Step-1 proposal was previously submitted. Detailed instructions, including required forms, can be retrieved from the official application package. Additionally, NASA has provided links to its Proposer’s Guide and Data Management Policy for further guidance on submission requirements and research compliance.

Applications will be evaluated based on scientific merit, feasibility, and alignment with NASA’s research priorities. Peer reviewers and NASA program officers will assess proposals for their potential impact on advancing space biology. The evaluation will also consider the clarity of the research plan, methodology, and data management strategy. Proposals that contribute to NASA’s long-term exploration goals, particularly those related to human spaceflight and space agriculture, will receive priority consideration.

For further details, applicants are encouraged to visit the ROSES-2024 solicitation webpage. Frequently asked questions and program officer contact details are available for those seeking clarification on specific elements of the funding opportunity. Researchers can also subscribe to NASA’s mailing lists and blog updates to stay informed about amendments or new program elements related to this solicitation.