The U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Science (SC), under its Biological and Environmental Research (BER) program, is seeking applications for Atmospheric System Research (ASR). ASR focuses on understanding cloud, aerosol, precipitation, and radiative processes that impact Earth's radiative balance and hydrological cycle. This funding opportunity invites research that utilizes observations from DOE's Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) user facility to improve representation of atmospheric processes in Earth system models. Two specific areas of interest are: atmospheric processes from ARM's Coast-Urban-Rural Atmospheric Gradient Experiment (CoURAGE) in the Baltimore region, and high-latitude and Southern Ocean atmospheric processes using ARM observations. Approximately $6 million is available for 6-9 awards ranging from $200,000 to $975,000 over a three-year period.

The purpose of this funding opportunity is to advance the scientific understanding of atmospheric processes and improve Earth system model predictability. Priority will be given to research addressing critical knowledge gaps in cloud, aerosol, precipitation, and radiative transfer processes. The research must make integral use of ARM-supported observations, including data from past or ongoing campaigns. Proposals should articulate how the research addresses current knowledge gaps and will improve predictability of atmospheric processes at regional or global scales. High-risk, innovative approaches with potential for high impact are encouraged.

Eligible applicants include domestic institutions, excluding 501(c)(4) nonprofits involved in lobbying activities, with non-domestic entities permitted as subrecipients. Individuals of any career stage with necessary skills and resources can apply, including those from underrepresented groups or with disabilities. DOE/NNSA national laboratories are not eligible to apply but may collaborate as subrecipients. There is no cost-sharing requirement for basic research, and individual institutions may submit one application per Principal Investigator (PI). Collaborative multi-institutional applications must comply with specific guidelines regarding submission and funding.

Applicants must submit a pre-application that demonstrates the relevance of their proposed research to ASR objectives. The full application requires detailed descriptions of research activities, the use of ARM observations, and a data management plan specifying how generated data will be archived and shared. Field campaign proposals must align with ARM-approved activities, and laboratory data may complement ARM observations but cannot replace them as the primary research basis. Open science practices, including the development of open-source software and data sharing, are strongly encouraged.

Applications will be evaluated on the scientific merit of the proposal, relevance to ASR objectives, and the potential to advance fundamental understanding of atmospheric processes. Participation in ASR meetings and working groups is required for award recipients. At least one team member must attend the annual Joint ARM User Facility and ASR PI Meeting, with associated costs included in the proposed budget. The program strongly encourages diverse team composition and collaboration across institutions.

The deadline for pre-applications and full applications will be specified on the cover of the Notice of Funding Opportunity. Applicants are encouraged to register early in all required systems and submit materials well in advance of deadlines to ensure timely processing. For questions, technical or programmatic assistance, and further details, contact the listed DOE program officers or visit the relevant ARM and ASR webpages.