The U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) is offering funding under the Geosciences Open Science Ecosystem (GEO OSE) Program, identified as NSF 25-506. This program aims to foster open, inclusive, and equitable research practices in the geosciences. It supports efforts to develop and implement innovative open science approaches that enhance geosciences research and education by leveraging information resources and computational capabilities. The program also seeks to broaden access to geoscience research and education, particularly among underrepresented and underserved communities.

The GEO OSE program funds initiatives designed to facilitate the adoption of open science principles such as FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable), CARE (Collective Benefit, Authority to Control, Responsibility, and Ethics), and TRUST (Transparency, Responsibility, User Focus, Sustainability, and Technology). Projects may involve community-building around open science practices, the development of open workflows integrating data, software, and computational resources, and educational programs that promote open science methodologies.

Funding is available through two distinct tracks. Track 1 supports smaller-scale projects focusing on planning, education, or mobilization efforts related to open science in the geosciences. These awards are capped at $500,000 per project for a two-year duration. Track 2 funds larger-scale initiatives aimed at transforming geoscience research communities through sustained open science practices. These awards have a maximum budget of $1,000,000 and last for three years. The estimated program budget ranges between $2,000,000 and $4,000,000 per competition, with 3 to 8 awards expected.

Eligible applicants include institutions of higher education (two- and four-year institutions, including community colleges), nonprofit, non-academic organizations (such as research laboratories, observatories, and professional societies), Tribal Nations, and federally funded research and development centers (FFRDCs). Proposals must be submitted via Research.gov or Grants.gov and must comply with NSF’s Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG).

The application deadlines for full proposals are February 14, 2025, and November 14, 2025. Proposals should address key NSF review criteria, including intellectual merit and broader societal impacts. Specific evaluation factors include the project's alignment with geoscience advancements, its contribution to open science adoption, and its ability to foster broad participation in the field. Proposals exceeding the budgetary limits will be returned without review.

The program is managed by the NSF Directorate for Geosciences, Division of Research, Innovation, Synergies, and Education. Potential applicants are encouraged to contact NSF program officers for guidance. Contact information includes geo-ose@nsf.gov and individual officers such as Raleigh L. Martin (703-292-7199), Andrew Zaffos (703-292-4938), and Scott M. White (703-292-8369).