The SERVIR Applied Sciences Team (AST) funding opportunity for 2024, jointly supported by NASA and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), seeks to enhance the use of Earth observations to address environmental and developmental challenges in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. The program aims to improve the capacity of regional SERVIR hubs, local governments, and other stakeholders by co-developing practical applications of satellite data to support decision-making. Each project under the SERVIR AST is expected to advance Earth observation applications tailored to specific regional needs, with a focus on long-term capacity building.

SERVIR’s key objective is to improve environmental resilience by integrating Earth observation information into local, national, and regional decision-making processes. The program focuses on five thematic service areas: agriculture and food security, water security, ecosystem and carbon management, weather and climate resilience, and air quality and health. Each project is developed in collaboration with a regional SERVIR hub to ensure the application meets specific local needs. The hubs are located in Southeast Asia, West Africa, and Central America, with the program soliciting proposals focused on these regions for this cycle.

The program uses a two-step proposal process. First, a brief Step-1 proposal (limited to five pages) is required, which must emphasize the proposer’s responsiveness to the needs of a specific SERVIR hub region and thematic area. Selected applicants will then be invited to submit a more detailed Step-2 proposal, developed in collaboration with SERVIR hub scientists. The Step-2 proposal will include a comprehensive project plan that aligns with regional priorities and will be evaluated based on its potential impact, innovation, and the team’s ability to collaborate across disciplines and regions.

The total program budget is approximately $2.7 million, with individual project budgets averaging around $220,000 per year. Each project has a three-year performance period, and annual funding is contingent on satisfactory progress. Proposals should include at least one domestic and one international trip annually for programmatic meetings and at least two international trips per year for regional engagement.

Eligibility for the program is open to U.S.-based researchers with expertise in Earth science, remote sensing, and related fields. The AST aims to build a multidisciplinary team, and proposers are encouraged to assemble teams that include experts in social science, gender equity, and international development. NASA encourages projects that incorporate gender and social inclusion considerations and that foster diversity in project teams.

Step-1 proposals must be submitted by October 16, 2024, and will be evaluated through a dual-anonymous peer review process to minimize bias. Proposals will be assessed for their relevance to regional needs, novelty, and the potential societal impact. The final selections for Step-2 invitations will be announced after the peer review process, with the full Step-2 proposals expected to closely align with SERVIR hub activities.

Awards will require quarterly reporting of progress and financial updates, along with annual reports detailing project development and regional engagement.